Emu 1616 Laptop Audio Interface
No longer available at zZounds
Premium 24-bit/192kHz converters. Hardware-accelerated effects. PatchMix DSP zero-latency hardware mixing and monitoring.
Overview
E-MU's new 1616 Laptop Digital Audio System brings the same powerful DSP effects, zero-latency monitoring and pristine 24-bit/192kHz A/D and D/A converters of E-MU's best selling PCI Digital Audio Systems to your laptop. The E-MU CardBus card can be used standalone for its DSP power and studio-quality headphone amp/line output, or plugged into the MicroDock for a total of 16 inputs and 16 outputs plus 2 sets of MIDI I/O. E-MU's Laptop Digital Audio Systems ship with ASIO2 and stereo WDM drivers for Windows XP and 2000, plus the new E-MU Production Tools Software Bundle that includes E-MU's Proteus X LE, plus software by Cakewalk, Steinberg, Ableton, IK Multimedia, and many more -- everything you need to create, record, edit, master and burn your music.
Features:
Premium 24-bit/192kHz converters -- 112dB signal-to-noise ratio for pristine recording and playback of your tracks
The ultimate portable system - for recording, editing, mixing and virtual instruments -- use the E-MU 02 CardBus Card alone for its hardware-accelerated effects and premium stereo headphone/line output or together with the MicroDock for complete analog and digital I/O flexibility
Hardware-accelerated effects -- over 600 standalone and E-MU Power FX VST plug-in effects with no CPU overhead
PatchMix DSP zero-latency hardware mixing and monitoring -- with super-flexible patchbay -- no external mixer needed
Ultra-portable MicroDock offers 16 inputs/16 outputs plus MIDI I/O -- everything from… read more balanced analog and turntable inputs to ADAT and S/PDIF (switchable to AES/EBU)
2 E-MU XTC studio-grade, ultra-low noise preamps (-127dBu EIN) with analog soft limiter -- Mic/Line and true Hi-Z inputs via Neutrik connectors, 48V phantom power and 60dB of gain
Compatibility with most popular audio/sequencer applications -- ultra-low latency 24-bit/192kHz ASIO 2.0 and Stereo WDM drivers
E-MU Production Tools Software Bundle - includes Cakewalk Sonar LE, Steinberg Cubase LE and Wavelab Lite, Ableton Live Lite 4 for E-MU, IK Multimedia AmpliTube LE and T-RackS EQ, Minnetonka diskWelder Bronze, SFX Machine LT, plus E-MU's Proteus X LE Desktop Sound Module -- everything you need to create, record, edit, master and burn is in the box
I/O Configuration:
2 E-MU XTC Ultra-low Noise Mic/Line/Hi-Z Preamps with Soft Limiter and 48V Phantom Power (-129dBu EIN)
4 x 1/4 in. Balanced Inputs
6 x 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/192kHz coaxial S/PDIF Out (switchable to AES/EBU)
2 sets of MIDI In/Out
Stereo 1/8 in. Speaker Outputs (configurable from stereo to 5.1)
2 Stereo Headphone/Line Outputs (one on card, one on MicroDock M)
E-DSP Hardware-accelerated Effects, Mixing and Monitoring
E-MU's Laptop Digital Audio Systems feature the powerful E-DSP chipset, which features a hardware-accelerated effects processor with over 28 effects plug-ins (over 600 presets). This effects architecture is fully expandable, allowing you to add more effect plug-ins to your system as needed. E-DSP also provides zero-latency, hardware-based mixing and monitoring via the included PatchMix DSP mixer, delivering unmatched flexibility in routing audio between all of your physical and virtual (ASIO/WDM) inputs and outputs- no external mixer needed.
All Digital Audio Systems ship with the following Effects Plug-ins:
Stereo Reverb
Lite Reverb
Compressor
Leveling Amp
Chorus
Flanger
Phase Shifter
Frequency Shifter
Distortion
Speaker Simulator
Rotary Speaker
Auto-Wah
Vocal Morpher
1-Band Para EQ
1-Band Shelf EQ
3-Band EQ
4-Band EQ
Mono Delay 100
Mono Delay 250
Mono Delay 500
Mono Delay 750
Mono Delay 1500
Mono Delay 3000
Stereo Delay 100
Stereo Delay 250
Stereo Delay 500
Stereo Delay 750
Stereo Delay 1500 read less
Features:
Premium 24-bit/192kHz converters -- 112dB signal-to-noise ratio for pristine recording and playback of your tracks
The ultimate portable system - for recording, editing, mixing and virtual instruments -- use the E-MU 02 CardBus Card alone for its hardware-accelerated effects and premium stereo headphone/line output or together with the MicroDock for complete analog and digital I/O flexibility
Hardware-accelerated effects -- over 600 standalone and E-MU Power FX VST plug-in effects with no CPU overhead
PatchMix DSP zero-latency hardware mixing and monitoring -- with super-flexible patchbay -- no external mixer needed
Ultra-portable MicroDock offers 16 inputs/16 outputs plus MIDI I/O -- everything from… read more balanced analog and turntable inputs to ADAT and S/PDIF (switchable to AES/EBU)
2 E-MU XTC studio-grade, ultra-low noise preamps (-127dBu EIN) with analog soft limiter -- Mic/Line and true Hi-Z inputs via Neutrik connectors, 48V phantom power and 60dB of gain
Compatibility with most popular audio/sequencer applications -- ultra-low latency 24-bit/192kHz ASIO 2.0 and Stereo WDM drivers
E-MU Production Tools Software Bundle - includes Cakewalk Sonar LE, Steinberg Cubase LE and Wavelab Lite, Ableton Live Lite 4 for E-MU, IK Multimedia AmpliTube LE and T-RackS EQ, Minnetonka diskWelder Bronze, SFX Machine LT, plus E-MU's Proteus X LE Desktop Sound Module -- everything you need to create, record, edit, master and burn is in the box
I/O Configuration:
2 E-MU XTC Ultra-low Noise Mic/Line/Hi-Z Preamps with Soft Limiter and 48V Phantom Power (-129dBu EIN)
4 x 1/4 in. Balanced Inputs
6 x 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/192kHz coaxial S/PDIF Out (switchable to AES/EBU)
2 sets of MIDI In/Out
Stereo 1/8 in. Speaker Outputs (configurable from stereo to 5.1)
2 Stereo Headphone/Line Outputs (one on card, one on MicroDock M)
E-DSP Hardware-accelerated Effects, Mixing and Monitoring
E-MU's Laptop Digital Audio Systems feature the powerful E-DSP chipset, which features a hardware-accelerated effects processor with over 28 effects plug-ins (over 600 presets). This effects architecture is fully expandable, allowing you to add more effect plug-ins to your system as needed. E-DSP also provides zero-latency, hardware-based mixing and monitoring via the included PatchMix DSP mixer, delivering unmatched flexibility in routing audio between all of your physical and virtual (ASIO/WDM) inputs and outputs- no external mixer needed.
All Digital Audio Systems ship with the following Effects Plug-ins:
Stereo Reverb
Lite Reverb
Compressor
Leveling Amp
Chorus
Flanger
Phase Shifter
Frequency Shifter
Distortion
Speaker Simulator
Rotary Speaker
Auto-Wah
Vocal Morpher
1-Band Para EQ
1-Band Shelf EQ
3-Band EQ
4-Band EQ
Mono Delay 100
Mono Delay 250
Mono Delay 500
Mono Delay 750
Mono Delay 1500
Mono Delay 3000
Stereo Delay 100
Stereo Delay 250
Stereo Delay 500
Stereo Delay 750
Stereo Delay 1500 read less
Specs
General
Sample Rates: 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192kHz from internal crystal or externally supplied clock (no sample rate conversion)
Bit Depths: 24 bit I/O, 32 bit processing
CardBus Card Specification:
Form factor: PCMCIA Type II
Bus-Mastering DMA subsystem reduces CPU usage
E-MU E-DSP 32-bit DSP with 67-bit accumulator (double precision w/ 3 headroom bits)
Hardware-accelerated, 32 channel mixing, and multi-effects processing
Zero-latency direct hardware monitoring w/effects
ASIO 2.0, Stereo WDM/MME/DirectSound Drivers
EDI (E-MU Digital Interface) proprietary 64 channel audio link over CAT-5 cable
Anti-Pop speaker protection minimizes noise during power on/off
Ultra-low jitter clock subsystem: < 1ns in PLL mode (44.1kHz, Opt. S/PDIF Sync)
Combo Microphone Preamplifier/Hi-Z/Line Inputs (2)
Type: E-MU XTC combo mic preamp and Hi-Z/line input w/ Soft Limiter
Gain Range: +60dB
Frequency Response (min gain, 20Hz-20kHz): +0.0/-0.1dB
Stereo Crosstalk (1kHz min gain, -1dBFS): < -115dB
Hi-Z Line Input:
Input Impedance: 1Mohm
Max Level: +18dBV (20.2dBu)
Dynamic Range (A-weighted, 1kHz, min gain): 112.5dB
Signal-to-Noise Ratio (A-weighted, min gain): 112dB
THD+N (1kHz at -1dBFS, min gain): -102dB (.0008%)
Microphone Preamplifier:
Input Impedance: 1.5Kohms
Max Level: +6dBV (+8.2dBu)
EIN (20Hz-20kHz, 150ohm, unweighted): -127dBu
Signal-to-Noise Ratio (A-weighted, min gain): 112.5dB
THD+N (1kHz at -1dBFS, min gain): -103dB (.0007%)
Phantom Power: 48V
Soft Limiter: 5dB max compression (software selectable)
Analog Line Inputs (4)
Type: servo-balanced, DC-coupled, low-noise input circuitry
A/D Converter: PCM1804
Level (Software Selectable):
Professional: +4dBu nominal, 20dBu max (balanced)
Consumer: -10dBV nominal, 6dBV max (unbalanced)
Frequency Response (20Hz-20kHz): +0.0/-.03dB
Dynamic Range (1kHz, A-weighted): 112dB
Signal-to-Noise Ratio (A-weighted): 112dB
THD+N (1kHz at -1dBFS): -102.5dB (.0007%)
Stereo Crosstalk (1kHz at -1dBFS): < -120dB
Analog Line Outputs (6)
Type: balanced, AC-coupled, 2-pole low-pass differential filter
D/A converter: CS4392
Level (software selectable):
Professional: +4dBu nominal, 20dBu max (balanced)
Consumer: -10dBV nominal, 6dBV max (unbalanced)
Frequency Response (20Hz - 20kHz): 0.0/-.06dB
Dynamic Range (1kHz, A-weighted): 112.5dB
Signal-to-Noise Ratio (A-weighted): 112.5dB
THD+N (1kHz at -1dBFS): -98dB (.0012%)
Stereo Crosstalk (1kHz at -1dBFS): < -115dB
Headphone Amplifier (2 Stereo: MicroDock and Card)
Type: linear power amplifier
D/A converter: CS4392 (dock), AK4396 (card)
Gain Range: 85dB
Maximum Output Power: 50mW (dock), 20mW (card)
Output impedance: 22ohms
Frequency Response (20Hz-20kHz): +0.0/-0.07dB
Dynamic Range (A-weighted): 112dB (dock), 115dB (card)
Signal-to-Noise Ratio (A-weighted): 112dB (dock), 115dB (card)
THD+N (1kHz, max gain): 600ohm load: -92dB (dock), -96dB (card)
Stereo Crosstalk (1kHz at -1dBFS, 600 ohm load): < -100dB
Phono Input (Stereo)
Type: RIAA equalized phono input
Maximum Level:
Professional: 60mV RMS
Consumer: 15mV RMS
Input Impedance: 47Kohm
Frequency Response (20Hz - 20kHz): +0.1/-0.3dB
Signal-to-Noise Ratio (15mV RMS unbal input, A-weighted): 96dB
THD+N (1kHz, 15mV RMS input): -88dB (.004%)
Stereo Crosstalk (1kHz at -1dBFS): < -80dB
Digital I/O
S/PDIF:
2 in/2 out coaxial (transformer coupled)
2 in/2 out optical (software switched with ADAT)
AES/EBU or S/PDIF format (software selectable)
ADAT:
8 channels, 24-bit @ 44.1/48kHz
4 channels, 24-bit @ 88.2/96kHz (S-MUX compatible)
2 channels, 24-bit @ 176.4/192kHz
MIDI: 2 in, 2 out
Synchronization
Internal crystal sync at 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192kHz
External sample rate sync via
ADAT (44.1 - 192kHz)
Optical S/PDIF (44.1 - 96kHz)
Coaxial S/PDIF (44.1 - 192kHz)
Retail Box Contents
E-MU 02 CardBus Card
E-MU MicroDock
EDI (E-MU Digital Interface) cable (1 meter)
Universal power adapter
MIDI breakout cable
CardBus Card carrying case
Quick Start installation guide
E-MU Digital Audio Systems CD-ROM
Windows 2000 and XP Drivers
E-MU PatchMix DSP
E-MU Power FX
E-MU E-DSP Effects Library
Owner's Manual and Tutorials
E-MU Production Tools Software Bundle CD-ROM
Cakewalk SONAR LE
Steinberg Cubase LE
Ableton Live Lite 4 for E-MU
Steinberg Wavelab Lite
IK Multimedia AmpliTube LE
IK Multimedia T-RackS EQ
Minnetonka diskWelder BRONZE
SFX Machine LT
E-MU Proteus X LE (over 1000 sounds included)
Minimum System Requirements
Intel or AMD processor - 1 GHz or faster
Intel, AMD or 100% compatible motherboard & chipset
Microsoft Windows XP (SP 2) or 2000 (SP4)
256MB System RAM
900MB of free hard disk space for full installation
Available Type II CardBus slot (PCMCIA slot)*
CD-ROM/CD-RW or DVD-ROM drive required for software installation
XVGA Video (1024 X 768)
*Simultaneous input/output channel count may vary depending on the PCMCIA controller in your system.
Compatible Laptop Systems
*Laptop
IBM ThinkPad T40 (X5650)
Compaq Presario 2100 (X5628)
Dell Inspiron 600m (C13102) Laptop
HP Pavilion zv5000 1.5 Ghz
IBM Thinkpad T23 1.2 Ghz
IBM Thinkpad A22P Pentium III 933MHz Laptop
Dell Latitude (X5502) Laptop
Sony Viao PCG-V505EX
NEC VERSA LXI (X5138) Laptop
HP pavilion N5310 Intel Celeron 750MHz (X5140
Toshiba A75 (X5953) P4 2.8 GHz Laptop
PCMCIA Controller
Texas Instruments CardBus RACEway
O2 Micro OZ 6912/711E0
O2 Micro 0Z711ECI Smart Card Bus
TI PCI-1520
TI PCI-1420
TI PCI-1450
TI PCI-1420
Ricoh R/RL/RT/RC/5C475(II), R5C520
TI PCI-1450
TI PCI-1420
ENE Technology CD-1410
*All tests were performed on Windows XP (Service Pack 2) or Windows 2000 (Service Pack 4)
Known Incompatibilities
There have been reported compatibility problems with E-MU 1616/1616M and the PCMCIA controllers listed below. E-MU is currently working with the respective PCMCIA controller chipset manufacturers to develop solutions that would improve the performance of Laptop systems with these chipsets.
ENE Tech CB1411
Ricoh R5C476(II)
Ricoh R5C475(II)
Sample Rates: 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192kHz from internal crystal or externally supplied clock (no sample rate conversion)
Bit Depths: 24 bit I/O, 32 bit processing
CardBus Card Specification:
Form factor: PCMCIA Type II
Bus-Mastering DMA subsystem reduces CPU usage
E-MU E-DSP 32-bit DSP with 67-bit accumulator (double precision w/ 3 headroom bits)
Hardware-accelerated, 32 channel mixing, and multi-effects processing
Zero-latency direct hardware monitoring w/effects
ASIO 2.0, Stereo WDM/MME/DirectSound Drivers
EDI (E-MU Digital Interface) proprietary 64 channel audio link over CAT-5 cable
Anti-Pop speaker protection minimizes noise during power on/off
Ultra-low jitter clock subsystem: < 1ns in PLL mode (44.1kHz, Opt. S/PDIF Sync)
Combo Microphone Preamplifier/Hi-Z/Line Inputs (2)
Type: E-MU XTC combo mic preamp and Hi-Z/line input w/ Soft Limiter
Gain Range: +60dB
Frequency Response (min gain, 20Hz-20kHz): +0.0/-0.1dB
Stereo Crosstalk (1kHz min gain, -1dBFS): < -115dB
Hi-Z Line Input:
Input Impedance: 1Mohm
Max Level: +18dBV (20.2dBu)
Dynamic Range (A-weighted, 1kHz, min gain): 112.5dB
Signal-to-Noise Ratio (A-weighted, min gain): 112dB
THD+N (1kHz at -1dBFS, min gain): -102dB (.0008%)
Microphone Preamplifier:
Input Impedance: 1.5Kohms
Max Level: +6dBV (+8.2dBu)
EIN (20Hz-20kHz, 150ohm, unweighted): -127dBu
Signal-to-Noise Ratio (A-weighted, min gain): 112.5dB
THD+N (1kHz at -1dBFS, min gain): -103dB (.0007%)
Phantom Power: 48V
Soft Limiter: 5dB max compression (software selectable)
Analog Line Inputs (4)
Type: servo-balanced, DC-coupled, low-noise input circuitry
A/D Converter: PCM1804
Level (Software Selectable):
Professional: +4dBu nominal, 20dBu max (balanced)
Consumer: -10dBV nominal, 6dBV max (unbalanced)
Frequency Response (20Hz-20kHz): +0.0/-.03dB
Dynamic Range (1kHz, A-weighted): 112dB
Signal-to-Noise Ratio (A-weighted): 112dB
THD+N (1kHz at -1dBFS): -102.5dB (.0007%)
Stereo Crosstalk (1kHz at -1dBFS): < -120dB
Analog Line Outputs (6)
Type: balanced, AC-coupled, 2-pole low-pass differential filter
D/A converter: CS4392
Level (software selectable):
Professional: +4dBu nominal, 20dBu max (balanced)
Consumer: -10dBV nominal, 6dBV max (unbalanced)
Frequency Response (20Hz - 20kHz): 0.0/-.06dB
Dynamic Range (1kHz, A-weighted): 112.5dB
Signal-to-Noise Ratio (A-weighted): 112.5dB
THD+N (1kHz at -1dBFS): -98dB (.0012%)
Stereo Crosstalk (1kHz at -1dBFS): < -115dB
Headphone Amplifier (2 Stereo: MicroDock and Card)
Type: linear power amplifier
D/A converter: CS4392 (dock), AK4396 (card)
Gain Range: 85dB
Maximum Output Power: 50mW (dock), 20mW (card)
Output impedance: 22ohms
Frequency Response (20Hz-20kHz): +0.0/-0.07dB
Dynamic Range (A-weighted): 112dB (dock), 115dB (card)
Signal-to-Noise Ratio (A-weighted): 112dB (dock), 115dB (card)
THD+N (1kHz, max gain): 600ohm load: -92dB (dock), -96dB (card)
Stereo Crosstalk (1kHz at -1dBFS, 600 ohm load): < -100dB
Phono Input (Stereo)
Type: RIAA equalized phono input
Maximum Level:
Professional: 60mV RMS
Consumer: 15mV RMS
Input Impedance: 47Kohm
Frequency Response (20Hz - 20kHz): +0.1/-0.3dB
Signal-to-Noise Ratio (15mV RMS unbal input, A-weighted): 96dB
THD+N (1kHz, 15mV RMS input): -88dB (.004%)
Stereo Crosstalk (1kHz at -1dBFS): < -80dB
Digital I/O
S/PDIF:
2 in/2 out coaxial (transformer coupled)
2 in/2 out optical (software switched with ADAT)
AES/EBU or S/PDIF format (software selectable)
ADAT:
8 channels, 24-bit @ 44.1/48kHz
4 channels, 24-bit @ 88.2/96kHz (S-MUX compatible)
2 channels, 24-bit @ 176.4/192kHz
MIDI: 2 in, 2 out
Synchronization
Internal crystal sync at 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192kHz
External sample rate sync via
ADAT (44.1 - 192kHz)
Optical S/PDIF (44.1 - 96kHz)
Coaxial S/PDIF (44.1 - 192kHz)
Retail Box Contents
E-MU 02 CardBus Card
E-MU MicroDock
EDI (E-MU Digital Interface) cable (1 meter)
Universal power adapter
MIDI breakout cable
CardBus Card carrying case
Quick Start installation guide
E-MU Digital Audio Systems CD-ROM
Windows 2000 and XP Drivers
E-MU PatchMix DSP
E-MU Power FX
E-MU E-DSP Effects Library
Owner's Manual and Tutorials
E-MU Production Tools Software Bundle CD-ROM
Cakewalk SONAR LE
Steinberg Cubase LE
Ableton Live Lite 4 for E-MU
Steinberg Wavelab Lite
IK Multimedia AmpliTube LE
IK Multimedia T-RackS EQ
Minnetonka diskWelder BRONZE
SFX Machine LT
E-MU Proteus X LE (over 1000 sounds included)
Minimum System Requirements
Intel or AMD processor - 1 GHz or faster
Intel, AMD or 100% compatible motherboard & chipset
Microsoft Windows XP (SP 2) or 2000 (SP4)
256MB System RAM
900MB of free hard disk space for full installation
Available Type II CardBus slot (PCMCIA slot)*
CD-ROM/CD-RW or DVD-ROM drive required for software installation
XVGA Video (1024 X 768)
*Simultaneous input/output channel count may vary depending on the PCMCIA controller in your system.
Compatible Laptop Systems
*Laptop
IBM ThinkPad T40 (X5650)
Compaq Presario 2100 (X5628)
Dell Inspiron 600m (C13102) Laptop
HP Pavilion zv5000 1.5 Ghz
IBM Thinkpad T23 1.2 Ghz
IBM Thinkpad A22P Pentium III 933MHz Laptop
Dell Latitude (X5502) Laptop
Sony Viao PCG-V505EX
NEC VERSA LXI (X5138) Laptop
HP pavilion N5310 Intel Celeron 750MHz (X5140
Toshiba A75 (X5953) P4 2.8 GHz Laptop
PCMCIA Controller
Texas Instruments CardBus RACEway
O2 Micro OZ 6912/711E0
O2 Micro 0Z711ECI Smart Card Bus
TI PCI-1520
TI PCI-1420
TI PCI-1450
TI PCI-1420
Ricoh R/RL/RT/RC/5C475(II), R5C520
TI PCI-1450
TI PCI-1420
ENE Technology CD-1410
*All tests were performed on Windows XP (Service Pack 2) or Windows 2000 (Service Pack 4)
Known Incompatibilities
There have been reported compatibility problems with E-MU 1616/1616M and the PCMCIA controllers listed below. E-MU is currently working with the respective PCMCIA controller chipset manufacturers to develop solutions that would improve the performance of Laptop systems with these chipsets.
ENE Tech CB1411
Ricoh R5C476(II)
Ricoh R5C475(II)
Reviews
Reviewers gave this product an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.
(52 ratings)
Submitted March 7, 2008 by a customer from hotmail.com
"The E-MU 1616 Rocks!!"
Verified Customer
zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
This review has been selected by our experts as particularly helpful.
I would buy this again. It has helped me achieve my goal of playing live gigs with a software mixer. I'm happy with it, and I would buy another one if it were lost or stolen.
Sound
OK..I bought this after trying out the PreSonus FireStudio and the Line 6 TonePort UX8. The E-MU 1616, IMHO, sounds way better than those other units. Yes, I use it for live performances...and I don't have to drag a mixer with me, I use PatchMix.
Features
The PathMix DSP mixer is my favorite feature. I find it very easy to use and understand, especially if you have had any experience with analog mixers. Read the manual if you have any questions, it is very understandable. I had it up and running in less than ten minutes. Your first channel is by default set up to play back audio files from your Windows media player or whatever (WinAmp, iTunes, etc). You can insert a channel, and then choose what comes in to it from the 1616. You have six inserts per channel where you can drop effects, etc. The first thing you should insert is a peak meter. The effects are very nice. You can add color to vocals, guitar, etc. This box rocks.
Ease of Use
I found it extremely easy to use. Like I said, up and running in ten minutes. Good luck to the guy who slammed this product and wants to try firewire...the FireStudio uses Beta drivers which suck...do yourself a favor and google "Presonus Firestudio problems". Firestudio doesn't… read more like Sonar, and I got nothing but audio dropouts trying to get it to work with Sonar LE. I returned the unit..then I tried the Toneport uX8 and my CPU was running at over 60%...and still audio dropouts. I have a DELL 6000 with 2 gigs RAM and a 1.86 gHz processor. With the 1616 I run about 9% on the average.
Quality
The quality is great. I use it for live gigs...you just have to take care of your equipment. I also have an expensive hollow-body guitar which is built well but will definitely break if I handle it carelessly. Just because I carelessly break something doesn't mean it wasn't built well.
Value
Excellent value...and I did my homework and compared.
Manufacturer Support
I haven't dealt with support.
The Wow Factor
I really like the PatchMix DSP mixer. The unit itself is sort of plain, but the functionality is compelling.
Musical Background:
Active Musician
Musical Style:
Jazz read less
Sound
OK..I bought this after trying out the PreSonus FireStudio and the Line 6 TonePort UX8. The E-MU 1616, IMHO, sounds way better than those other units. Yes, I use it for live performances...and I don't have to drag a mixer with me, I use PatchMix.
Features
The PathMix DSP mixer is my favorite feature. I find it very easy to use and understand, especially if you have had any experience with analog mixers. Read the manual if you have any questions, it is very understandable. I had it up and running in less than ten minutes. Your first channel is by default set up to play back audio files from your Windows media player or whatever (WinAmp, iTunes, etc). You can insert a channel, and then choose what comes in to it from the 1616. You have six inserts per channel where you can drop effects, etc. The first thing you should insert is a peak meter. The effects are very nice. You can add color to vocals, guitar, etc. This box rocks.
Ease of Use
I found it extremely easy to use. Like I said, up and running in ten minutes. Good luck to the guy who slammed this product and wants to try firewire...the FireStudio uses Beta drivers which suck...do yourself a favor and google "Presonus Firestudio problems". Firestudio doesn't… read more like Sonar, and I got nothing but audio dropouts trying to get it to work with Sonar LE. I returned the unit..then I tried the Toneport uX8 and my CPU was running at over 60%...and still audio dropouts. I have a DELL 6000 with 2 gigs RAM and a 1.86 gHz processor. With the 1616 I run about 9% on the average.
Quality
The quality is great. I use it for live gigs...you just have to take care of your equipment. I also have an expensive hollow-body guitar which is built well but will definitely break if I handle it carelessly. Just because I carelessly break something doesn't mean it wasn't built well.
Value
Excellent value...and I did my homework and compared.
Manufacturer Support
I haven't dealt with support.
The Wow Factor
I really like the PatchMix DSP mixer. The unit itself is sort of plain, but the functionality is compelling.
Musical Background:
Active Musician
Musical Style:
Jazz read less
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