emu 0404 usb VS emu 1212m (pci), or other alternatives?

I'm interested in the answer to this too...

Although I suspect with this question you're just going to get a bunch of knee-jerk responses pro-external, anti-PCI, and few useful actual comparisons.

Functionality notwithstanding, you will get told that external is better because of sound quality. Internal is "bad" because of interference from the computer. I am not convinced and have not seen any proof of this.

Personally I would choose just on functionality with a preference to internal, why have an extra box lying around... as to the amp, I would prefer not to have it integrated as it's not something that can be removed or upgraded later.

From what threads I've skimmed on the topic, I also haven't seen anyone able to conclusively identify the differences in sound, if there are any, between the 0404 internal and the 0404 USB.

For recording you could always add a budget mixer with some pres.

If your going for the 1212m keep a few things in mind
1) Its not really that prone to PCI interference, because the analog board is not connected to the PCI bus, it is kept seperate and connects to the digital board via a digital ribbon cable, thus keeping it clean. The analoge daughter card is what you'll be using for your recording / output anyways.

2) If you plan to plug your headphones directly in, you will need adapters, the 1212m only accepts 1/4" TSR mono connections. Do some searching you'll find what you need.

3) Read the patchmix manual, its not that hard to use.

4) You will need a MIC pre-amp, the inputs are no amplification on the 1212m. Same for anything you plug in.

Definitely try it what you have before spending any money. Im not sure how high the gain is on the 1212 but you can always see how your results are. When I said a budget mixer I mean ones with some pres in it that give you a nice airy sound for vocals . There are some cheap berhinger ones.

I can't tell you how beautiful this statement is... VERY nice work!

If you want to begin recording, you'll need microphone preamplifiers. Direct effects units will only take you so far--you'll eventually want to mic up a real guitar cabinet. You have a need for a headphone amplifier so that you don't accidentally blow your ears away when the software volume control suddenly ramps up, and also because it will drive the headphones more efficiently.

So, 0404 USB.

Also, there is no Firewire port on the version 2 1212Ms. It has been replaced with an EDI port that allows you to attach a MicroDock if you wish to upgrade it to a 1616/1616M.

I own the 1212M and plan on buying the 0404 USB just to fill in some missing features. Plus, it's portable and can be used with a laptop. It can also act as an external DAC/amp away from a computer.

Regarding sound quality differences, the edge in pedigree goes to the Cirrus CS4398 DACs in the 1212M, but the AKM AK4396 is no slouch either. Some people say that the AK4396 is "more musical" while the CS4398 has more detail and resolution. When I first heard the 1212M, I couldn't believe the sheer amount of stuff I was hearing--it really highlights the upper midrange through the extended treble, while still remaining solid in the other ranges. From what I can gather through others' opinions, the 0404 USB is somewhat more laid-back in its presentation, and some might perceive it as being less analytical than the 1212M.

what about the E-Mu 1212m (pci) vs. the E-Mu 0404 (pci) because I am looking into a pci unit.

The only advantage the 0404 PCI has over the 1212M is price. Otherwise, 1212M all the way.