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Based on reviews & specs.. I would say yes.
I have the EMU 1820M and its very good. I havent tried others in its price bracket/range to compare to. So far, I can't really tell a difference in recording quality when comparing to my old sound card, the Audiophile 2496.
Features I like:
- Balanced inputs/outputs
- 1/4 TRS connectors/jacks
- All the inputs/outputs in the audio dock (Mic preamps, turntable preamps, headphone jack, etc)
- Sound quality
- records up to 192khz, though dont use it at 192khz much.
What I dont like...
- The patch interface mixer. Kinda complicated (unecessarily complex), just don't like the setup. I guess I got used to the M-Audio one.
- Manual
- semi buggy drivers?
Keep in mind its an excellent card for the money, but at the same time its a new contender in the market which means a couple of things.
- Bugs
- Long term quality hasnt been tested (but seems pretty solid)
In terms of the semi- bug issues, Ive had certain incidents with sound dropping out on me when recording through Cubase SX. Many ppl using same symptoms using the card and SX. Whos fault is it? Who knows, but most likely EMU, as I contacted their support (they are great by the way) and they stated a future driver update would resolve that issue. I also confirmed such annoyances checking cubase forums, frequently posted topics with ppl using the card.
Keep in mind there are workarounds for such issues (especially if your technical enough), so you shouldn't be discouraged from purchasing. What is good is that the support is great, prompt and up front.
Just some info based on my personal experience... so check out what ppl who own the card say and their reviews. Keep in mind you will see some in depth reviews where ppl go all out and test the cards actual performance & bench test it (if you would call it that) by testing signal to noise ratio & and other non sense. Though the question comes down to "will you actually be able to tell the difference?"... thats very subjective. One last thing that I might add is that in those in depth reviews, it has always performed extremely well... and much better than other cards in its price range. EMU likes to market such results to them using the same A/D converters found in digidesign's protools recording HD system.
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