Head-to-head: Audiophile 2496 vs. Audiophile 192

[DJMarshy]

Hey all,

I'm in the market for a new sound card for my desktop, seeing as I'm starting to get into some serious production and live performances with it. I've just picked up an X-Session Pro (which I love), and I've been playing about with Torq LE for a bit.

I used to use Virtual DJ when I ran XP, but upgraded to Vista and got stuck into school so I kinda got out of the audio scene. Now that I've re-installed VDJ on Vista, its sound quality isn't where I'd like it to be (probably thanks to Microsoft dropping hardware audio processing; way to go, guys! :mad:). Now, Torq sounds amazing; the beats match perfectly, it's easy to use, and while the LE version isn't as full-featured as its big brother, it's still pretty good. However, my poor old SoundBlaster Audigy just isn't up to the task of low-latency, high-quality audio. So I'm looking for a new card.

I mainly want two things out of it: either 3.5mm or dedicated RCA output for my stereo and either 1/8" or 1/4" outputs for my headphones. I've narrowed it down to the Audiophile 2496 and the Audiophile 192. The Audiophile 2496 satisfies my first requirement with its dedicated RCA outs, but from what I can tell it has only S/PDIF and MIDI outputs other than that, which means I'd need to use either an adapter of sorts or my on-board sound to monitor with my headphones. The Audiophile 192, on the other hand, has the 1/4" output which I can use for my headphones (or the BX8a Deluxes I'm lusting over) but no output for my stereo.

So my question is two-fold: Is there any way I can get both the outputs I want/need out of one of these cards (and if so, which one)? Or, if there isn't, which card would you go with that could offer me that?

Thanks!

[JA]

None of the Delta Series cards have headphone outputs. While you could get an adapter to connect them, the setup is not ideal. The other problem is, both cards only have 1 stereo analog output, the 3/4 output is digital (S/PDIF). This means that you would have to use a mono master output and a mono cue output from Torq LE. Another drawback is you can't use the Delta cards with your laptop, which could pose a problem if you want to DJ away from home.

I would suggest looking at a USB or FireWire interface instead. These devices can be used on either computer, are available with multiple analog outputs, and also include dedicated headphone jacks. Are you planning on recording into the computer as well?

Conectiv (http://www.m-audio.com/products/en_us/TorqConectiv.html) is a USB interface with 4 RCA inputs/outputs (2 stereo pairs), a 1/4" headphone jack, as well as a 1/4" mic input. This package includes the full version of Torq, which gives you more effects, the ability to run VST effects, a sampler, and more. Plus, you can still use your X-Session Pro as a control surface.

Other USB interfaces (http://www.m-audio.com/index.php?do=products.family&ID=USBinterfaces) to consider would be the Fast Track Pro or the Fast Track Ultra. These devices have XLR mic inputs with phantom power, which are great if you plan on recording into the computer as well. The ProFire 610 (http://www.m-audio.com/products/en_us/ProFire610.html) is a great option if you're looking at a FireWire interface.

[DJMarshy]

Are you planning on recording into the computer as well?

Don't plan on recording into the computer, but I do plan on recording on the computer with FL/Reason/Ableton.

Conectiv (http://www.m-audio.com/products/en_us/TorqConectiv.html) is a USB interface with 4 RCA inputs/outputs (2 stereo pairs), a 1/4" headphone jack, as well as a 1/4" mic input. This package includes the full version of Torq, which gives you more effects, the ability to run VST effects, a sampler, and more. Plus, you can still use your X-Session Pro as a control surface.

I do like the look of the Conectiv, but it's a bit pricey. It seems to offer everything I need in a nice small package. I guess it's also useful if I ever end up getting enough money to buy a "real" setup again (thank you high tuition fees!). I have seen the Numark DJ|iO (http://www.moogaudio.com/product_info.php?products_id=910) which seems to do essentially what I need the Conectiv to, but at about half the cost. Would that do essentially what I need?

[JA]

The Numark looks like it will allow you to cue up tracks separately in the headphones while DJ'ing.