Emu 1820M 24-Bit/192kHz Interface with 2 Preamps (Windows)
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zZounds Gear Experts Say...
Mastering-grade 24-bit, 192kHz converters. Flexible connectivity. 2 premium TFPro mic preamps. E-DSP 32-bit Multi-effects Processor.
Overview
The E-MU� 1820M is the flagship of E-MU's line of Digital Audio Systems. It delivers everything you need to produce audio on a PC with professional results- 24-bit/192kHz converters (the same A/D converters used in Digidesign�'s ProTools� HD 192 I/O interface), hardware-accelerated effects and mixing, comprehensive sync options and seamless compatibility with your favorite PC audio/sequencer software. No other audio solution available offers the performance, flexibility and value of the E-MU 1820M.
Features
Mastering-grade 24-bit, 192kHz converters - the same A/D converters used in Digidesign�'s flagship ProTools� HD I/O Interface
Flexible connectivity with 18 audio inputs and 20 outputs, 32 channels of MIDI I/O, Word Clock, SMPTE and MTC sync, plus a FireWire� port for seamless integration with your entire studio
Two premium TFPro mic preamps with Mic/Line/Hi-Z inputs with 40db of gain/attenuation and 48V phantom power - plug guitars, keyboards and microphones straight into your system
E-DSP 32-bit Multi-effects Processor offers you over 16 simultaneous hardware-accelerated studio-grade effects with no CPU overhead - plug-in architecture allows you to add new effects as needed
32 Channels of zero latency Hardware Mixing/ Monitoring with super-flexible virtual patchbay - no external mixer needed
Full compatibility with most popular audio/sequencer applications with ultra-low latency WDM, DirectSound� and ASIO 2.0 Drivers
Powerful software studio package… read more
I/O Configuration
Two TFPro Mic/Line/Hi-Z preamps (w/48V phantom power)
Six 1/4 in. Balanced Inputs
Eight 1/4 in. Balanced Outputs
Turntable input (w/ground lug and hardware RIAA preamp)
24-bit/192kHz ADAT In/Out (switchable to S/PDIF)
24-bit/96kHz coaxial S/PDIF In/Out (switchable to AES/EBU)
24-bit/96kHz optical S/PDIF Out (switchable to AES/EBU)
Two sets of MIDI In/Out
Four stereo 1/8 in. Speaker Outputs (configurable from stereo to 7.1)
Stereo Headphone Output
Firewire� Interface
E-MU's new Digital Audio Systems deliver everything you need to produce audio on a PC with professional results - 24-bit/192kHz converters, hardware-accelerated effects and mixing, comprehensive sync options and seamless compatibility with your favorite PC audio/sequencer software. E-MU Systems has teamed up with the Creative Advanced Technology Center, a world leader in ASIC and algorithm development for PC audio, to develop the new line of Creative Professional hardware interfaces that stand toe-to-toe with the most advanced and expensive audio systems in the world.
All three Digital Audio Systems ship with a PCI card that features ADAT, S/PDIF and FireWire� interfaces, as well as connectivity to a family of internal and external I/O and sync options. Whether you are recording full-blown productions or running virtual instruments on a dedicated computer, E-MU's Digital Audio Systems deliver everything needed to create professional-quality music on your PC at a price that will change your expectations of desktop recording forever. read less
Features
Mastering-grade 24-bit, 192kHz converters - the same A/D converters used in Digidesign�'s flagship ProTools� HD I/O Interface
Flexible connectivity with 18 audio inputs and 20 outputs, 32 channels of MIDI I/O, Word Clock, SMPTE and MTC sync, plus a FireWire� port for seamless integration with your entire studio
Two premium TFPro mic preamps with Mic/Line/Hi-Z inputs with 40db of gain/attenuation and 48V phantom power - plug guitars, keyboards and microphones straight into your system
E-DSP 32-bit Multi-effects Processor offers you over 16 simultaneous hardware-accelerated studio-grade effects with no CPU overhead - plug-in architecture allows you to add new effects as needed
32 Channels of zero latency Hardware Mixing/ Monitoring with super-flexible virtual patchbay - no external mixer needed
Full compatibility with most popular audio/sequencer applications with ultra-low latency WDM, DirectSound� and ASIO 2.0 Drivers
Powerful software studio package… read more
I/O Configuration
Two TFPro Mic/Line/Hi-Z preamps (w/48V phantom power)
Six 1/4 in. Balanced Inputs
Eight 1/4 in. Balanced Outputs
Turntable input (w/ground lug and hardware RIAA preamp)
24-bit/192kHz ADAT In/Out (switchable to S/PDIF)
24-bit/96kHz coaxial S/PDIF In/Out (switchable to AES/EBU)
24-bit/96kHz optical S/PDIF Out (switchable to AES/EBU)
Two sets of MIDI In/Out
Four stereo 1/8 in. Speaker Outputs (configurable from stereo to 7.1)
Stereo Headphone Output
Firewire� Interface
E-MU's new Digital Audio Systems deliver everything you need to produce audio on a PC with professional results - 24-bit/192kHz converters, hardware-accelerated effects and mixing, comprehensive sync options and seamless compatibility with your favorite PC audio/sequencer software. E-MU Systems has teamed up with the Creative Advanced Technology Center, a world leader in ASIC and algorithm development for PC audio, to develop the new line of Creative Professional hardware interfaces that stand toe-to-toe with the most advanced and expensive audio systems in the world.
All three Digital Audio Systems ship with a PCI card that features ADAT, S/PDIF and FireWire� interfaces, as well as connectivity to a family of internal and external I/O and sync options. Whether you are recording full-blown productions or running virtual instruments on a dedicated computer, E-MU's Digital Audio Systems deliver everything needed to create professional-quality music on your PC at a price that will change your expectations of desktop recording forever. read less
Specs
Specifications
General Sample Rates: 44.1, 48, 96, 192kHz from internal crystal or externally supplied clock (no sample rate conversion)
Bit Depth: 16 or 24 bits
PCI Bus-Mastering DMA subsystem reduces CPU usage
Zero-latency direct hardware monitoring w/effects
Analog Line Inputs (6) Type: Servo-balanced, DC-coupled, low-noise input circuitry
Level (software selectable):
-Professional: +4dBu nominal, 20dBu maximum (balanced)
-Consumer: -10dBV nominal, 6dBV maximum (unbalanced)
Frequency Response: +/- .05dB, 20Hz - 20kHz
THD+N (1kHz at -1dBFS): -110dB (.0003%)
SNR (A-weighted): 120dB
Dynamic Range (1kHz, A-weighted): 120dB
Stereo Crosstalk (1kHz at -1dBFS): < -115dB
Common-Mode Rejection (60Hz): > 40dB
Analog Line Outputs (8) Type: Balanced, low-noise, 3-pole low-pass differential filter
Level (software selectable):
-Professional: +4dBu nominal, 20dBu maximum (balanced)
-Consumer: -10dBV nominal, 6dBV maximum (unbalanced)
Frequency Response: 0.0/-.35dB, 20Hz - 20kHz
THD+N (1kHz at -1dBFS): -105dB (.0006%)
SNR (A-weighted): 120dB
Dynamic Range (1kHz, A-weighted): 120dB
Stereo Crosstalk (1kHz at -1dBFS): < -115dB
Combo Microphone Preamplifier/Line Inputs (2) Type: TFPro combination microphone preamp and line input
Frequency Response: +0.8/-0.1dB, 20Hz - 20kHz
Stereo Crosstalk (1kHz min gain, -1dBFS): < -120dB
Line Input:
-Gain Range: -12 to +28dB
-Max Level: +17dBV (19.2dBu)
-THD+N (1kHz at -1dBFS, min gain): -94dB (.002%)
-Dynamic Range (A-weighted, 1kHz min gain): 100dB
-SNR (A-weighted, min gain): 100dB
-Input Impedance: 10K ohm
-Common-mode Rejection Ratio (60Hz): > 40dB
Microphone Preamplifier:
-Gain Range: +10 to +50dB
-Max Level: -12dBV (-9.8dBu)
-THD+N (1kHz at -1dBFS, min gain): -95dB (.0018%)
-SNR (A-weighted, min gain): 100dB
-Input Impedance: 330 ohms
-Common-mode Rejection Ratio (60Hz): > 80dB
Headphones (stereo) Type: Linear power amplifier
Frequency Response: +0.0/-0.35dB, 20Hz - 20kHz
THD+N (1kHz, max gain):
-33 ohm load: -70dB (0.032%)
-600 ohm load: -85dB (0.006%)
SNR (A-weighted): 112dB
Dynamic Range (A-weighted): 117dB
Stereo Crosstalk (1kHz at -1dBFS, 600 ohm load):< -100dB
Maximum Output Power: 500mW
Output Impedance: 22 ohms
Gain Range: 85dB
Phono Input (stereo) Type: RIAA equalized phono input
Frequency Response: +/-0.5dB, 50Hz - 20kHz
THD+N (1kHz, 10mV RMS unbal input): -76dB (.015%)
SNR (10mV RMS unbal input, A-weighted): 90dB
Stereo Crosstalk (1kHz at -1dBFS): < -80dB
Maximum Level:
-Professional: 80mV RMS
-Consumer: 20mV RMS
Input Capacitance: 220 pF
Input Impedance: 47K ohm
Digital I/O S/PDIF:
-2 in/2 out coaxial (transformer coupled)
-2 in/3 out optical (software switched with ADAT)
-AES/EBU or S/PDIF format, switchable under software control
ADAT:
-8 channels, 24-bit @ 44.1/48kHz
-4 channels, 24-bit @ 96kHz (S-MUX compatible)
-2 channels, 24-bit @ 192kHz
Firewire:
-400 Mbps 1394a port (6-pin)
-Compatible with DV cameras, storage peripherals, etc.
MIDI: 2 in, 2 out
Synchronization
Internal Crystal Sync at 44.1, 48, 96, 192kHz
External Sample Rate Sync:
-ADAT
-S/PDIF (opt. or coax)
-Word clock (75 ohm termination, switchable)
Minimum System Requirements
Genuine Intel� Pentium� III or AMD� K6� class processor or higher operating at 500MHz or faster
Intel�, AMD� or 100% compatible motherboard & chipset
128MB System RAM
500MB of free hard disk space for full installation
Windows� 2000 SP 4, Windows� XP SP 1 or greater
PCI 2.1 compliant slot for E-MU� 1010 PCI card
Adjacent PCI slot for Sync daughter card
CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive required for software installation
XVGA Video (1024 X 768)
In the Box...
E-MU� 1010 PCI card
E-MU AudioDock M
E-MU Sync daughter card
EDI (E-MU Digital Interface) cable (3 meters)
Sync cable
Mini-DIN MIDI adapter cable
Headphone splitter cable
PC power cable
Quick Start guide
Operation Manual on CD-ROM
Creative Professional Software CD-ROM:
-Windows 2000 and XP Drivers
-E-MU PatchMix DSP
-E-MU E-DSP FX Library
Audio software package on CD-ROM
General Sample Rates: 44.1, 48, 96, 192kHz from internal crystal or externally supplied clock (no sample rate conversion)
Bit Depth: 16 or 24 bits
PCI Bus-Mastering DMA subsystem reduces CPU usage
Zero-latency direct hardware monitoring w/effects
Analog Line Inputs (6) Type: Servo-balanced, DC-coupled, low-noise input circuitry
Level (software selectable):
-Professional: +4dBu nominal, 20dBu maximum (balanced)
-Consumer: -10dBV nominal, 6dBV maximum (unbalanced)
Frequency Response: +/- .05dB, 20Hz - 20kHz
THD+N (1kHz at -1dBFS): -110dB (.0003%)
SNR (A-weighted): 120dB
Dynamic Range (1kHz, A-weighted): 120dB
Stereo Crosstalk (1kHz at -1dBFS): < -115dB
Common-Mode Rejection (60Hz): > 40dB
Analog Line Outputs (8) Type: Balanced, low-noise, 3-pole low-pass differential filter
Level (software selectable):
-Professional: +4dBu nominal, 20dBu maximum (balanced)
-Consumer: -10dBV nominal, 6dBV maximum (unbalanced)
Frequency Response: 0.0/-.35dB, 20Hz - 20kHz
THD+N (1kHz at -1dBFS): -105dB (.0006%)
SNR (A-weighted): 120dB
Dynamic Range (1kHz, A-weighted): 120dB
Stereo Crosstalk (1kHz at -1dBFS): < -115dB
Combo Microphone Preamplifier/Line Inputs (2) Type: TFPro combination microphone preamp and line input
Frequency Response: +0.8/-0.1dB, 20Hz - 20kHz
Stereo Crosstalk (1kHz min gain, -1dBFS): < -120dB
Line Input:
-Gain Range: -12 to +28dB
-Max Level: +17dBV (19.2dBu)
-THD+N (1kHz at -1dBFS, min gain): -94dB (.002%)
-Dynamic Range (A-weighted, 1kHz min gain): 100dB
-SNR (A-weighted, min gain): 100dB
-Input Impedance: 10K ohm
-Common-mode Rejection Ratio (60Hz): > 40dB
Microphone Preamplifier:
-Gain Range: +10 to +50dB
-Max Level: -12dBV (-9.8dBu)
-THD+N (1kHz at -1dBFS, min gain): -95dB (.0018%)
-SNR (A-weighted, min gain): 100dB
-Input Impedance: 330 ohms
-Common-mode Rejection Ratio (60Hz): > 80dB
Headphones (stereo) Type: Linear power amplifier
Frequency Response: +0.0/-0.35dB, 20Hz - 20kHz
THD+N (1kHz, max gain):
-33 ohm load: -70dB (0.032%)
-600 ohm load: -85dB (0.006%)
SNR (A-weighted): 112dB
Dynamic Range (A-weighted): 117dB
Stereo Crosstalk (1kHz at -1dBFS, 600 ohm load):< -100dB
Maximum Output Power: 500mW
Output Impedance: 22 ohms
Gain Range: 85dB
Phono Input (stereo) Type: RIAA equalized phono input
Frequency Response: +/-0.5dB, 50Hz - 20kHz
THD+N (1kHz, 10mV RMS unbal input): -76dB (.015%)
SNR (10mV RMS unbal input, A-weighted): 90dB
Stereo Crosstalk (1kHz at -1dBFS): < -80dB
Maximum Level:
-Professional: 80mV RMS
-Consumer: 20mV RMS
Input Capacitance: 220 pF
Input Impedance: 47K ohm
Digital I/O S/PDIF:
-2 in/2 out coaxial (transformer coupled)
-2 in/3 out optical (software switched with ADAT)
-AES/EBU or S/PDIF format, switchable under software control
ADAT:
-8 channels, 24-bit @ 44.1/48kHz
-4 channels, 24-bit @ 96kHz (S-MUX compatible)
-2 channels, 24-bit @ 192kHz
Firewire:
-400 Mbps 1394a port (6-pin)
-Compatible with DV cameras, storage peripherals, etc.
MIDI: 2 in, 2 out
Synchronization
Internal Crystal Sync at 44.1, 48, 96, 192kHz
External Sample Rate Sync:
-ADAT
-S/PDIF (opt. or coax)
-Word clock (75 ohm termination, switchable)
Minimum System Requirements
Genuine Intel� Pentium� III or AMD� K6� class processor or higher operating at 500MHz or faster
Intel�, AMD� or 100% compatible motherboard & chipset
128MB System RAM
500MB of free hard disk space for full installation
Windows� 2000 SP 4, Windows� XP SP 1 or greater
PCI 2.1 compliant slot for E-MU� 1010 PCI card
Adjacent PCI slot for Sync daughter card
CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive required for software installation
XVGA Video (1024 X 768)
In the Box...
E-MU� 1010 PCI card
E-MU AudioDock M
E-MU Sync daughter card
EDI (E-MU Digital Interface) cable (3 meters)
Sync cable
Mini-DIN MIDI adapter cable
Headphone splitter cable
PC power cable
Quick Start guide
Operation Manual on CD-ROM
Creative Professional Software CD-ROM:
-Windows 2000 and XP Drivers
-E-MU PatchMix DSP
-E-MU E-DSP FX Library
Audio software package on CD-ROM
Reviews
Reviewers gave this product an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.
(127 ratings)
Submitted January 15, 2006 by a customer from hotmail.com
"For the price, nothing can touch it."
Verified Purchaser
zZounds has verified that this reviewer purchased this specific product from us.
I almost went for Mackie's firewire interface because it has a 64 bit DSP chip in it. But drat it, they chose lower quality converters. Emu at least has 64 drivers so if I do upgrade to 64 bit, I don't really see myself needing another card for a long, long time.
Sound
Superior A/D D/A conversion. I checked the websites for AKM and Crystal Sound for the respective converters and found that Emu was using the flagship, absolute best converters from both companies. Sound quality is incredibly clean. Even the little hiss that is there is warm and consitent, with no clicking at all.
Features
Plenty of extras. A barrage of software: lite versions of Cubase, Sonar, and Live, Proteus vsti, etc. Enough to easily record with professional results with just the purchase of this sound card. The digital mixer that comes with this package takes a bit of getting used to though. You need to open a completely new mixer session if you change sample rates. And the DSP effects which come with the card are only good up to 48khz sampling rates. One the plus side, the ASIO driver works very well. And there's an RCA jack with a ground screw allowing you to plug a phonograph directly into your sound card. I know of no other sound card with this feature. Also, it has two midi I/Os.
Quality
The build looks very solid. The audio dock has a metal casing. I just wish the DSP effects chips, which only… read more go to 48khz sampling, supported the sampling rate of the card itself which is full range 192khz.
Value
For the price, you're not going to find anything even close to it. To get 120dB noise ratio and 192khz sampling, your next lowest is MOTUs $1799.95 HD192.
Manufacturer Support
I did have to contact customer support due to clips in my recording. I reached a live representative very quickly who told me that I was dealing with sound drop outs and gave several suggestions, including pointing me out to a website that had numerous tips on DAW optimization. Indeed, when I zoomed in on the clips, they were all a case of the wave file dropping suddenly and momentarily to the base line. I ended up switching out my motherboard to a newer one I happened to recently purchase but had not yet installed, and the clips went away, so I can't really fault Emu for the problem. On another note, Emu is one of the few sound card makers with 64 bit drivers available for download.
The Wow Factor
The converters, oh those converters.
Musical Background:
Active Musician
Musical Style:
Psychedelic Trance read less
Sound
Superior A/D D/A conversion. I checked the websites for AKM and Crystal Sound for the respective converters and found that Emu was using the flagship, absolute best converters from both companies. Sound quality is incredibly clean. Even the little hiss that is there is warm and consitent, with no clicking at all.
Features
Plenty of extras. A barrage of software: lite versions of Cubase, Sonar, and Live, Proteus vsti, etc. Enough to easily record with professional results with just the purchase of this sound card. The digital mixer that comes with this package takes a bit of getting used to though. You need to open a completely new mixer session if you change sample rates. And the DSP effects which come with the card are only good up to 48khz sampling rates. One the plus side, the ASIO driver works very well. And there's an RCA jack with a ground screw allowing you to plug a phonograph directly into your sound card. I know of no other sound card with this feature. Also, it has two midi I/Os.
Quality
The build looks very solid. The audio dock has a metal casing. I just wish the DSP effects chips, which only… read more go to 48khz sampling, supported the sampling rate of the card itself which is full range 192khz.
Value
For the price, you're not going to find anything even close to it. To get 120dB noise ratio and 192khz sampling, your next lowest is MOTUs $1799.95 HD192.
Manufacturer Support
I did have to contact customer support due to clips in my recording. I reached a live representative very quickly who told me that I was dealing with sound drop outs and gave several suggestions, including pointing me out to a website that had numerous tips on DAW optimization. Indeed, when I zoomed in on the clips, they were all a case of the wave file dropping suddenly and momentarily to the base line. I ended up switching out my motherboard to a newer one I happened to recently purchase but had not yet installed, and the clips went away, so I can't really fault Emu for the problem. On another note, Emu is one of the few sound card makers with 64 bit drivers available for download.
The Wow Factor
The converters, oh those converters.
Musical Background:
Active Musician
Musical Style:
Psychedelic Trance read less
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No longer available at zZounds
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