[infinitesymphony]

Everyone's asking the same questions about the different cards in the E-MU line, so here's a thread detailing some of the main features of each option.

USB audio interfaces

E-MU 0202 USB (DAC: Cirrus CS4392, 112 dB SNR)
E-MU 0404 USB (DAC: AKM AK4396, 117 dB SNR)

Pros

-portable
-included headphone jack
-microphone preamps
-direct monitor output
-easier user interface (no PatchMix)

Cons

-not the highest-end DACs in the line-up
-jitter associated with USB (mostly eliminated by reclocking)

PCI Sound Cards (+MicroDock)

E-MU 0404 (DAC: AKM AK4396, 116 dB SNR)
E-MU 1212M (DAC: Cirrus CS4398, 120 dB SNR)
E-MU 1616 + MicroDock (DAC: Cirrus CS4392, 112.5 dB SNR)
E-MU 1616M + MicroDock M (DAC: Cirrus CS4398, 120 dB SNR)

Pros

-best DAC available in 1212M and 1616M
-less chance for jitter
-PatchMix interfaces allows a huge number of routing configurations

Cons

-PatchMix interface not intuitive for all users
-possible electromagnetic interference for 1212M (but unlikely to audibly affect output)
-1212M requires two PCI slots (one for 1010 DSP card, one for 0202 analog card)
-no headphone jack in 1212M (but it does have amplified output)

Laptop Card (+MicroDock)

E-MU 02 Cardbus Card (DAC: AKM AK4396, required for all laptop interfaces)
E-MU 1616 and 1616M MicroDocks, same specs as PCI versions (MicroDocks attach to included 02 card)

Pros

-standalone 02 is inexpensive and includes headphone amp
-possible to get best DAC

Cons

-standalone 02 has fewest connectivity options (headphone-only without MicroDock)

 

[pearljam5000]

have you heard 0404 and 1212m?do you think that 1212m sounds boring compared to 0404,as mentioned in a few threads?(i'm talking about the DAC)
Quote:

Originally Posted by infinitesymphony /img/forum/go_quote.gif Everyone's asking the same questions about the different cards in the E-MU line, so here's a thread detailing some of the main features of each option. USB audio interfaces E-MU 0202 USB (DAC: Cirrus CS4392, 112 dB SNR) E-MU 0404 USB (DAC: AKM AK4396, 117 dB SNR) Pros -portable -included headphone jack -microphone preamps -direct monitor output -easier user interface (no PatchMix) Cons -not the highest-end DACs in the line-up -jitter associated with USB (mostly eliminated by reclocking) PCI Sound Cards (+MicroDock) E-MU 0404 (DAC: AKM AK4396, 116 dB SNR) E-MU 1212M (DAC: Cirrus CS4398, 120 dB SNR) E-MU 1616 + MicroDock (DAC: Cirrus CS4392, 112.5 dB SNR) E-MU 1616M + MicroDock M (DAC: Cirrus CS4398, 120 dB SNR) Pros -best DAC available in 1212M and 1616M -less chance for jitter -PatchMix interfaces allows a huge number of routing configurations Cons -PatchMix interface not intuitive for all users -possible electromagnetic interference for 1212M (but unlikely to audibly affect output) -1212M requires two PCI slots (one for 1010 DSP card, one for 0202 analog card) -no headphone jack in 1212M (but it does have amplified output) Laptop Card (+MicroDock) E-MU 02 Cardbus Card (DAC: AKM AK4396, required for all laptop interfaces) E-MU 1616 and 1616M MicroDocks, same specs as PCI versions (MicroDocks attach to included 02 card) Pros -standalone 02 is inexpensive and includes headphone amp -possible to get best DAC Cons -standalone 02 has fewest connectivity options (headphone only without MicroDock)

 

[yrh0413]

Quote:

Originally Posted by pearljam5000 /img/forum/go_quote.gif have you heard 0404 and 1212m?do you think that 1212m sounds boring compared to 0404,as mentioned in a few threads?(i'm talking about the DAC)

I would like to have a detailed review on both the 0404 and the 1212m, as currently i'm deciding whether to upgrade my 0404 PCI to 1212m, or get a Lite DAC-AH, or to keep the 0404 PCI

 

[infinitesymphony]

I haven't heard the 0404 USB, but the general consensus about the 1212M (which I own) is that it really highlights and reveals the upper-mids on up. If you don't like this sort of analytical sound, you might find it to be bright or lacking bass. However, if you have synergizing equipment, the bass is certainly there, and it's deeply extended. It's a detailed card with the pro-audio pedigree to back up the DAC--the CS4398 is also used in the ProTools|HD 192 I/O, which is pretty much standard for any studio using ProTools TDM.

 

[yeeyy]

0404 PCI (I have not heard the USB version, but I presume it sound the same since both using same DAC) having different sound characteristic as compare to 1212m.

IMHO, 0404 sound is more dynamic and more attack, 1212m sound is more details and natural.

 

[BadassBob]

The 0404USB uses a different DAC than the 0404 PCI. I love the sound of the 1212M...sounds way better than the old X-Fi -> Entech 203.2 combo I was running before. From what Ive heard the 1212M has a more detailed sound than pretty much any sub $500 DAC. Im a fan of the natural uncolored music...1212M was a good fit for me

.

 

[GotNoRice]

Good post. I hate EMU for giving the 0404 USB and the 0404 PCI such similar names. It seems almost impossible to find information on the PCI 0404 anymore as people have taken to simply calling their USB version a "0404" and so you can imagine the kind of issues that would present to the search function...

 

[terrymx]

Quote:

Originally Posted by pearljam5000 /img/forum/go_quote.gif have you heard 0404 and 1212m?do you think that 1212m sounds boring compared to 0404,as mentioned in a few threads?(i'm talking about the DAC)

i owned both card more than once. this is going to be my 10th time resaying this. the emu0404 has a very forward and sort of bassy sound, like grados. but also large sound stage. those two things are what really turnded me off about the card.

the emu1212m has nearly flat output, it is very details and neutraul, although i beleive the bass can sound a bit deeper, but as much as quantity. i like this card a lot. i do beleive it will sound boring for peoples. my amp is flat and my speakers has flat response too, so tha make my system extremely boring to listen to.

 

[MaloS]

Just throw in - emu-02 is the best PCMCIA card out there and arguably best sounding DAC in the sub-300 price range from my experience (neutral, detailed, extends in all directions very well). Very black background, highly recommended.

 

[yeeyy]

Quote:

Originally Posted by BadassBob /img/forum/go_quote.gif The 0404USB uses a different DAC than the 0404 PCI.

The latest version of 0404 PCI is using AK4396 (not AK4395), which is the same as 0404 USB.