EMU 0404 problems

[simonc]

i have been happy in my new computer audio world for some time with one exception.

 

does anyone have any experience with the EMU 0404 pci card?

 

i have the above installed and i am outputting to a BDA 1 dac. i cannot seem to bypass the patchmix software even when i have selected an asio output within media monkey's output plug ins.

 

i have contacted EMU but they were not much help. i can still alter volume levels within the patchmix software that seems to suggest the software is still in the chain.

 

patchmix also stops and asks you to change sampling rates when different sample rates are presented. this is annoying, particularly when media monkey is in party mode.

 

i also find patchmix confusing and have given up on all but the most basic functions (can you tell i am not a fan!!)

 

i purchased the EMU as it seems very reasonable in cost, especially when compared to the Lynx which is around £700.00 sterling here in the uk.

 

i cannot play the hrx free download samples and i suspect the patchmix may be the culprit as it does not even prompt me for a sample rate change when i try to play the files.

 

if anyone has any suggestions or advice, including selling the EMU and purchasing another card, i would be most gratefull.

 

p.s. i purchased the bryston bda 1 from a main dealer in the UK and he advised me not to go for the lynx card as their is no conceivable difference in sound quality as they are both essentialy doing the same job, has anyone compared the quality of the lynx to more modest cards.

 

many thanks for a fab site.

 

[Audio_ELF]

Simon ... I think as you've discovered the patchmix software is essential for any operation of the card which is a reason some people don't recommend the EMu PCI cards.

 

As for (cheepish) alternatives - both the ESI Juli@ and M-Audio Audiophile 192 cards have had recommendations at the lower end (around £150), with RME and Lynx at the higher end - all will pass 24/192 on to your Bryston DAC. Maybe also worth checking out the MTech USB Link (sorry can't remember its full correct name - there is a recent thread around here about it).

 

Eloise

 

[simonc]

hello Eloise,

 

many thanks for the reply, me thinks will be purchasing a new card.

 

thanks again.

 

simon C.