Arrrrgh E-MU 1212 can be annoying

[titser_marco]

Just got this card recently from the forums and I'm just a bit annoyed that I have to change session profiles whenever I switch from my multitrack recording mode to regular CD/MP3 playback mode. It appears that the card won't automatically switch to 44.1khz when I try to play a CD or MP3 and as such I would have to go to the DSP mixer app to switch it to 44.1 khz mode.

Any workaround on this problem?

[KitC]

What samplerate are you using when recording? I normally use the 44.1/48 session files since recording at 88.2/96 isn't that important given the large file sizes.

Try this. Instead of using the Emu to play back mp3s, try using the onboard soundcard instead. If you are using a mixer, just use the tape inputs for the mobo output. You can also try routing the mobo analog output into the Emu's inputs.

[titser_marco]

What samplerate are you using when recording? I normally use the 44.1/48 session files since recording at 88.2/96 isn't that important given the large file sizes.

Try this. Instead of using the Emu to play back mp3s, try using the onboard soundcard instead. If you are using a mixer, just use the tape inputs for the mobo output. You can also try routing the mobo analog output into the Emu's inputs.

I originally planned on using 88.2khz since that was the sample rate I used when I was still using a Delta 44, but I figured I'd want to use 96khz since the EMU didnt have 88.2 as an option.

But I guess these questions now have to be asked:

1) Is there a big difference between things recorded in 44.1 and 96?
2) Is there a way to batch downsample/upsample all my project wav files to either 44.1 or 96 as most of them are in 88.2?

Re: Tape ins -- That might be a problem as I use the tape ins to get the signal from the EMU outputs so that it can be fed to my monitoring system

[KitC]

Our experience is that unless the recorded sounds have really big dynamic range with lots of quiet parts, then it usually benefits from high sample rates, but if the distribution media is cd, then we prefer to use 44.1 throughout the recording to prevent sample rate conversion.

One batch converter I use is Voxengo's r8brain, which is a very transparent and free converter.

You can always use the aux returns if they are not being used since the returns are usually in stereo.

[titser_marco]

Our experience is that unless the recorded sounds have really big dynamic range with lots of quiet parts, then it usually benefits from high sample rates, but if the distribution media is cd, then we prefer to use 44.1 throughout the recording to prevent sample rate conversion.

One batch converter I use is Voxengo's r8brain, which is a very transparent and free converter.

You can always use the aux returns if they are not being used since the returns are usually in stereo.

Dammit, what would we do without KitC?

Anyhow, I did some research and apparently, there's a firmware update that will allow the EMU1212 to do 88.2khz -- can't wait to install that later and see what happens. Will also try out Voxengo r8brain [granted that it's freeware] later.

Hay. Getting this card has been bittersweet for me. On the one hand, I now have ADAT capabilities, but I kinda feel duped because for some strange reason, one of the balanced analog outputs of the daugther card spews out at a lower volume if a mono 1/4 PL jack is fully inserted, but works normally when it's only inserted halfway. The other analog out doesn't have this problem so I suspect that 1) the jack is faulty, or worse 2) some SMT component connected to the balanced out has broken down.

By any chance, would you know if E-MU sells daughter cards separately?

[KitC]

The analog outputs are servo balanced so inserting a mono PL should have no effect. Did you check the control panel? you could set each output to either -10 dB or +4 dB levels. The firmware update comes with one of the driver/patchmix updates - I've been testing my 1820m in Win7 64-bit and it's been a fine experience. It's funny that you weren't provided with updated drivers; been capable of 88.2 since 2006 IIRC. I have a great deal of routing flexibility with my 1820m though.

The Voxengo app is freeware; I've been using it regularly and I find it to be a very transparent SRC... not bad for a freebie.

Not sure if Emu sells daughtercards for the V.1 version of the 1212m though. But they are selling the 1820 (not mastering grade) audiodock for $150 . Don't be put off if the dock isn't mastering grade since the specs are quite close to the -m docks. Btw, if your 1212 has a firewire port on the main card, it's v.1.0. the version 2 cards don't have the FW port and are not compatible with the 1820 docks.

[titser_marco]

The analog outputs are servo balanced so inserting a mono PL should have no effect. Did you check the control panel? you could set each output to either -10 dB or +4 dB levels. The firmware update comes with one of the driver/patchmix updates - I've been testing my 1820m in Win7 64-bit and it's been a fine experience. It's funny that you weren't provided with updated drivers; been capable of 88.2 since 2006 IIRC. I have a great deal of routing flexibility with my 1820m though.

The Voxengo app is freeware; I've been using it regularly and I find it to be a very transparent SRC... not bad for a freebie.

Not sure if Emu sells daughtercards for the V.1 version of the 1212m though. But they are selling the 1820 (not mastering grade) audiodock for $150 . Don't be put off if the dock isn't mastering grade since the specs are quite close to the -m docks. Btw, if your 1212 has a firewire port on the main card, it's v.1.0. the version 2 cards don't have the FW port and are not compatible with the 1820 docks.

Aw man, I was actually doing some research on my end and was thinking of getting a Microdock but alas it has an FW port.

I just discovered now that the daughtercard definitely has a problem since using jumpers and alligator clips to connect the jack pcb contacts to the PL plug still won't work. Sigh. It's such a real shame to get a lemon in one of these deals. It would have been nice if the seller had told me about these issues prior to him selling it.

[KitC]

Aw man, I was actually doing some research on my end and was thinking of getting a Microdock but alas it has an FW port.

Well, you could still get hold of those 1820 docks. I still use my mine and it's been practically trouble-free after the RMA. My first one was part of an initial batch and quite a few had problems with power causing lockups. This was resolved after the replacement.

[alien_inside]

Has anyone tried cascading delta44s' in ONE PC? let's say i need 4 more INPUTs... ( i think ProTools didn't allow it... how about on other DAW? )

Correct me if Im wrong..

[KitC]

Allen, don't hijack this thread. Better if you create a new one. I recall discussing this in a thread with BAMF.

[alien_inside]

Allen, don't hijack this thread. Better if you create a new one. I recall discussing this in a thread with BAMF.

Sorry.

[titser_marco]

Well, you could still get hold of those 1820 docks. I still use my mine and it's been practically trouble-free after the RMA. My first one was part of an initial batch and quite a few had problems with power causing lockups. This was resolved after the replacement.

Hmm, I see. Are the 1820 docks available separately for sale?  Or have they been phased out entirely?

Also, does EMU have a local support / service centre here in Manila?

[KitC]

Hmm, I see. Are the 1820 docks available separately for sale?  Or have they been phased out entirely?

The 1820 line has been phased out because of the RoHS european ruling re: lead solder content. The docks are being sold separately by Emu until stocks run out: http://us.store.creative.com/EMU-1820-Audio-Dock/M/B002MODO82.htm

Interestingly enough, you can get a v.2.0 1212m system for the same price as the 1820 audiodock: http://us.store.creative.com/EMU-1212M-PCI/M/B000LQZNZK.htm

Also, does EMU have a local support / service centre here in Manila?

The closest support is in Singapore.

[titser_marco]

Yeah, I was also considering getting a new one instead once this unit completely conks out. So far, I have two options to make it completely usable:

1) Use the analogue outs with the left out plug fully inserted and the right out plug inserted halfway. Not elegant, but it works.

2) Alternatively, I can scout for monitors [I've been looking for real monitors for the longest time anyway] that have SPDIF ins and just connect the digital outs of the 1212 onto those. Problem is, I have no idea which models have such capabilities.

Thanks for the help Kit!

[KitC]

Behringer makes the MS40 which has spdif. Edirol also had the MA15D.

There are others out there but these 2 immediately come to mind.

[titser_marco]

I see. Just a question: can I use regular RCA cables for the SPDIF jacks?

[KitC]

I see. Just a question: can I use regular RCA cables for the SPDIF jacks?

Technically, no, because spdif requires 75 ohm coax cables for optimum transmission. The closest equivalent are cable tv cables (like the ones you use to connect your VCR to the TV. You can use short lengths of rca cables without problems though. For lengths greater than a meter, digital spdif cable is recommended in order to avoid 'reflections' which cause jitter in the spdif stream.

[titser_marco]

Ahh okay. Which stores in Manila carry this type of cables?

[KitC]

Ahh okay. Which stores in Manila carry this type of cables?

I've seen some in mall hardware stores like Ace Hardware and in SM Hardware section. You can use audiophile grade spdif and they can be pretty expensive, but they're quite thick and impressive looking. I guess it's the shielding that's important when it comes to spdif.

[titser_marco]

Gotcha Kit! Thanks thanks!