Which PCI audio interface do I choose?

[se7en]

Hello all,


I got a few questions. I just bid on ebay a good used M-audio delta 1010lt audio interface for $100 and after researching, I ran into a couple of problems. First of all I like to sing. Actually I like to sing a lot. The thing is I don't play any kinds of instrument. I know a website where they post pre-recorded beats to any songs that I would like to sing and record. Therefore, I believe getting the 1010lt is too much for me because basically It has too many ins and outs that I feel I don't need. What do you recommend?

Also, I have an Art tube preamp that provides phantom power so that is not a problem.

I also would like to connect my Logitech x-530 5.1 sound system, can be found here http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/speakers_audio/home_pc_speakers/devices/211&cl=roeu,en, to the soundcard and it has three mini plugs, orange, green, and black and I believe they are 1/8".

As a beginner with little experience, what would you recommend for me to get? All I want to do is to plug my mic into the preamp, then plug the preamp into the pci interface card. Connect a pair of headphones to the soundcard and just record away with beats and have awesome quality.

Sorry if I asked to much, but I just want to clarify everything before making the mistake of ordering unnecessary parts.

[se7en]

any help please? Thank you in advance :)

[Paul]

I would say to get an Audiophile 192, because you don't need all of the inputs. The only problem with this is that the 192 does not output enough channels for surround sound connections to your Logitech. If you want to output surround from your card, then you will need the Delta 1010LT

[vastarray]

Hello, I've got a Delta 1010LT and Logitech X-530s as well. Is it possible to connect the Logitech's to the Delta properly, getting sound out of all 6 speakers? I'm having a difficult time because I'm a noob to higher end audio devices like the Delta. Please advise on how I should be connecting these devices, thanks!

[JA]

How to connect the speakers depends. What application are you using to playback surround sound audio? Is the application configured to send multi-channel audio to the Delta card? Does the application state which channels refer to which speakers?

[vastarray]

Thanks for the response. I'm using winamp, and I realize that I probably should be using something with a better array of configurable options for playback. What do you suggest?

The thing that confuses me is my speakers have three connectors to the soundcard, one for rear channels, one for front channels, and one for center. Since the Delta 1010lt divides its output connectors by stereo pairs, this doesn't match up.

[JA]

Try selecting Delta 1010lt Multi as the default playback device. You'll need adapters to connect the speakers to the 1010lt's RCA outputs. Try connecting L & R to 1 and 2; connect the rear L and R to 3 and 4, and connect Center 5 and sub to 6.

[vastarray]

Okay, I had a feeling I needed some sort of adapter to make this work. What is the name of the adapter that I'm looking for specifically?

[JA]

The Logictech has 1/8" (3.5mm) jacks right? If so you'll need 3 1/8"(F) to dual RCA(M) adapters. Like this:

http://www.sweetwater.com/images/items/215/YMR197.jpg

[vastarray]

Ah, I feel kind of stupid now knowing all I needed was a handful of adapters : )

Thank you very much! I look forward to learning a lot more about my new Delta.

[se7en]

I did exactly what you said JA, however I ran into a couple of problems. Because my line 1/2 is taken by my mixer for monitoring purpose, I am trying to use 3/4, 5/6, and 7/8 to connect my 5.1 speakers. However, in the Delta control panel, the only green light that shows up that has signal is line 1/2. Output 3/4, 5/6, and 7/8 seems to be not getting any signal outputting. Now, if I connect my front left and right speakers using the adapter to line 1/2, only 1 speaker is playing music while the other one doesn't. What is the problem?

[JA]

If only software returns 1/2 are lighting up, your application is not outputting in surround. The Delta card only passes through the audio it receives. You need to setup your application to output surround sound and send multiple audio channels to the Delta card. You'll also need to check the setup in your application to see if you can setup 5.1 output on 3-8 instead of 1-6.

[se7en]

I am using winamp and I have done everything to setup 5.1 surround sound outputs. However, I ran into another problem. When I select Delta 1010lt multimix under winamp, i can't get outputs out any channel except 1/2. However, if I select Delta 1010lt 3/4 as output, I can get signal out of output 3/4 only while the other channels doesn't receive signal. What is going on here. Please help.

[JA]

I'm not really familiar with WinAmp, but the Delta Multi would be the option to use to playback surround. What are you trying to play back? If you're only getting audio on 2 channels, it's probably just a stereo file.