OK, done searching...what cards output 6 analog channels??

MZ wrote on 3/28/2003, 12:09 AM
I've been searching forums and either I'm blind or something, cause I'm not finding an answer.

I would like to upgrade the sound on my recently built machine (has SoundMax onboard sound) so that I can plug 6 channels out from the sound card into the 5.1 input on my reciever. I tried it with SoundMax, but all I get is the left and right channels in 5.1 mode.

So...I've been looking at cards and am kicking around the M-Audio Revolution card, as it's around my price range and supports ASIO. But before I dive in, I want to know if it has the ability to do that steering to channels thing I've read needs to happen to hear 6 channels in Vegas without encoding AC3 files all the time.

Can anyone confirm which cards have this ability? Preferably cards under $300 (well under, if possible).

Thanks,

Mark

Comments

PipelineAudio wrote on 3/28/2003, 1:00 AM
6 specifically, I'd look into the Lynx Cards
Tracy wrote on 3/28/2003, 1:14 AM
This is what I am currently fighting with the soundmax not giving me the rears. What motherboard do you have that has the soundmax on it??

tracy
vernman wrote on 3/28/2003, 10:02 AM
Turtle Beach Santa Cruz can do it for under $100.00.

Chan 5 & 6 are software assigned to a multi-use output.

I have one and it does just fine with SF apps.

RJC wrote on 3/28/2003, 2:19 PM
I have a Creative Audigy. It works great as long as you use the latest ASIO driver and 48 K sampling. It cost about $80. There are higher priced models with break-out boxes, etc., but they all have the same audio quality I think.
SonyEPM wrote on 3/28/2003, 2:21 PM
Echo Gina - works GREAT with Vegas.
RJC wrote on 3/28/2003, 2:36 PM
You have shares in the company, or something? It may be good but it's about $400, right?
cosmo wrote on 3/28/2003, 2:39 PM
you can get 6 channels with a Hercules Muse 5.1 card for $30. You don't have the digital out like better cards, but you're using analog inputs so it wouldn't matter.
Rednroll wrote on 3/28/2003, 2:57 PM
RJC SAID:
"I have a Creative Audigy. It works great as long as you use the latest ASIO driver and 48 K sampling. It cost about $80. There are higher priced models with break-out boxes, etc., but they all have the same audio quality I think."

Not all sound cards are created equal, your thinking is incorrect.

SonicEPM Said:
"Echo Gina - works GREAT with Vegas."
Yes, I own 2 of these cards on my system. They have 8 analog outs, which means you're also ready for the next step of 7.1 surround.


RJC SAID:
"You have shares in the company, or something? It may be good but it's about $400, right?"

No he's just knowledgable enough to understand you get what you pay for. Do you really think an $80 card is going to sound just as good as a $400 card? If so I have this great sounding 500 Watt Kraco car stereo to sell you, and I swear it sounds just as good as any 500 Watt premium brand that you'll pay 4 times as much for.
JohanAlthoff wrote on 3/28/2003, 3:32 PM
M-audio Delta 410 - down to about $250 (or even less with a good dealer). Works like a breeze.
MZ wrote on 3/28/2003, 3:36 PM
Asus P4PE. 5.1 mode seems to be a "look, we can make your stereo crap come out the back too" mode. Unless someone can tell me what I'm doing wrong.
Tracy wrote on 3/29/2003, 2:08 PM
I am using the same board in my system (P4PE). I have emailed asus about the problem since all that I can determine is that it is the driver is not mixing it properly.

I have followed instructions to the letter about setting up the 5.1 and it will not work no matter what.

Tonight or tomorrow, I am going to connect it to my stereo using the digital outputs and see if that routes the channels during mixing properly.

MZ why don't you email off the list ( tracy@mg.ca )and we can share the fight to make it work. I really don't want to have to buy another sound card to use this. I dont care about quality as much as I just want to work out the timing and placement of surround clips in the rear and center channels.

Tracy
MZ wrote on 3/29/2003, 2:16 PM
From what I understand, it's not really gonna work in Vegas, as SoundMax doesn't seem to let you set the different routing in Preferences (L/R output device, Center/LFE output device, etc.). The only option is SoundMax digital audio and the boxes are greyed out. Don't think SoundMax supports 6 wave outs.

I'm going with the Hercules Muse 5.1 for now...it's 28 bucks at NewEgg.com and people have said it works. Eventually i'll move up for a better recording card, but this should do for now.
Tracy wrote on 3/30/2003, 10:41 PM
Ok I finally broke down and bought another card even though my reseller told me that the onboard card would work. The muse 5.1 gives the same greyed out options as the sound max.

I realize the audio quality of these cards is not as good as higher end cards but quality is not my concern. Timing is.

Can anyone shed some light on how this card is supposed to work please before MZ buys one like I did only to find out it does not work.

I hope I am just missing something in the setup of the card that will fix this.

Is anyone using this card successfully?? Please let me know how to work this.

Thanks in advance,

Tracy
ramallo wrote on 3/31/2003, 6:22 AM
Hello,

RME Hamerfall DSP + Multiface

www.rme-audio.de

Cheers
cosmo wrote on 3/31/2003, 8:28 AM
I think I said earlier in this thread to try the MUSE 5.1 - DON'T BOTHER, unless you bought it already in which case I say *sorry*. After the muse i tried the extigy -NOPE. Then audigy 2 - NOPE. Well, audigy 2 worked ok but the audio would freeze up terribly bad after a minute or so of playback so I'm thinking it is the card, since my machine is brand new(dell p4 2.4, 256RAM etc). So today I'm going to return the audigy 2 and try out the Turtle Beach Santa Cruz...I've read posts here saying it works well....and posts saying "stay away from soundblaster!"
JohanAlthoff wrote on 3/31/2003, 9:54 AM
As I said in another post, M-audio really is the most hassle-free developer whose products I've had the privilege of working with. Get something out of the Delta series and you're set.
MZ wrote on 3/31/2003, 9:57 AM
Do you have Sound Mapper or Windows Classic Wave Driver selected in Audio Device type? I believe it's supposed to be set to Classic Wave Driver. I know someone else from this thread recommended the Muse 5.1 and said it works (don't remember who, and don't want to go digging)
cosmo wrote on 3/31/2003, 3:02 PM
YES, I'm going to take that advice and get a delta 410...i'm done with the hassles. Thanks...