Speaking of Sound Blaster cards... (Audigy news)

[Jammrock]

Creative released more specs and information about the Audigy line, including DAC/DSP specs

Sound Blaster Audigy delivers stunning audio clarity in multi-channel through 24-bit/96kHz digital-to-analog converters (DACs), producing an outstanding 100dB signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). This dramatic increase in audio quality is attributed to the Audigy's high definition components.

A list of the Audigy cards are here.

For those people who want on the most expensive, Creative's response to the Game Theater XP is the Audigy Platinum eX. Which sports the external box, and a whole lot of goodies.

Jammrock

[High_Jumbllama]

I've only ever had one problem with a Soundblaster card. and that was a normal IRQ conflict. Then again I have a 686A southbridge and not a 686B.

[Dr Mordrid]

Audigy, Smaudigy.

If I want a REAL 24/96 card I'll stick with the Echo Gina24. That or update to the Layla24;

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PCI bus master interface or CardBus

Dynamic Range of 110dB (A-weighted) on inputs, 115dB on outputs

Eight Balanced +4dBu TRS inputs

Eight Balanced +4dBu TRS outputs

Full duplex operation (simultaneously record eight analog channels while playing back eight analog channels)

Will record analog and digital inputs simultaneously

Both Alesis ADAT optical and S/PDIF digital inputs and outputs

MIDI In/Out/Thru

Word clock I/O

Esync to other Echo 24 bit products

Software Console for monitoring, metering, and setting levels

Low-latency drivers

Headphone output with volume control

Compatible with all popular recording/editing software

Includes mixer application for audio outputs, monitor assignments, volume, and metering

Includes Syntrillium Software’s Cool Edit Pro - Special Edition multitrack recording/editing software

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Those are REAL studio capable cards.

Dr. Mordrid

[Jammrock]

For $400+ it better be kick the Audigy's butt

The Audigy is designed as a consumer/prosumer sound card solution. The Echo line appears to be professional end (I don't know enough about studio sound cards to say for sure). The Audigy is made so people can play games with 3D spactial sound on the same card they do recordings on.

Jammrock

[Dr Mordrid]

The Echo Gina24 that I have didn't run that much. I got it for <$300 USD, not a whole lot more when you consider it's capabilities.

Still, if you're going to run with the 24/96 dawgs and target the prosumers then the Audigy needs more I/O's at the least.

Very few prosumers, who tend to have multiple systems, play games on their audio workstations. I sure don't. Just as I wouldn't play 'em on the 3D workstations Oxygen GVX1 Pro OpenGL card.

Dr. Mordrid