which sound card is better for the price range? - the E-MU 1212M, or the

[g0thx0r]

M-Audio Delta 1010LT? i'm looking to buy a sound card to replace my intergrated one, for music production. i'm using cubase as a host for audio recording and running synths from reason and fl studio, with EZdrummer as a drum machine. i've narrowed my choices down to these two cards, based on various recommendations, and both seem to have what i need from a sound card, but i'm not sure which would be better, as i'm not the most technically-minded person, so some of those specifications have confused me as what the actual speed/power of various aspects are. i just want a recommendation as to which one would be better to purchase.

[robotrock]

That is an interesting comparison, since their features vary quite a bit. I use the E-MU 1212m myself and it has worked well for me. I was previously using an M-Audio Audiophile 2496 (the Honda Civic of sound cards) and upgraded for the balanced in/out. The main things that jump out at me between the two are as follows:

E-MU - Only 2 in, 2 out balanced, SPDIF & MIDI - works for me as I have mic preamps, a mixer & a patchbay. If you need mic pre's or more inputs, you will need external gear as well.

M-Audio - massive pigtails - I personally hate 'em. They are messy, the cables themselves seem like a compromise in quality (got that Radio Shack look to them) but it has a sh!tload more I/O if you need it.

So I guess it comes down to your needs. Both are pretty reputable brands. Might consider the bundles that come with them as well. Of note, the E-MU offers on-board FX (which I don't actually use) but if CPU usage is a problem for you it might help.

Hope this helps...