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wichase Posts: 55	Posted - Tue Dec 18, 2001 2:06 pm  Just a few questions before I purchase the Delta 44 or 66. The general reveiws I've seen in this forum and elsewhere indicate that is a good card. Just what I need. My questions are: 1. What is the main difference between the Delta 44 and 66. Is it only that the 66 has S/PDIF? There may be instances where I want digital output, so I'm leaning towards the 66. 2. How do I monitor and play back what I am recording? Connect the the outputs on the breakout box into a mixer? Is this the only way? I don't have a mixer, nor do I feel I need one since I will do all my mixing in CEP and burn it to CD. 3. If I'm not using an external mixer, would I have to route the sound to another soundcard so that I could hear what I've recorded and do mundane things suchs as listen to Winamp or a CD? Most sound cards have some kind of headphone/line out jack so that you can do these things. If I could get any advice it would be appreciated. I was so excited to find the Delta because it was a perfect match for me, but was confused when I thought about how I was going to be able to hear what I recorded.
Syntrillium M.D. Location: USA Posts: 5124	Posted - Tue Dec 18, 2001 3:24 pm  Hello. You are correct in that the main difference between the 44 & 66 would be the inclusion of SPDIF In/Out. As far as monitoring goes, these devices do not have headphone outputs, so you'll need to either connect their line-level outs to a stereo system Line or Aux In (and then you could use headphones and/or speakers for monitoring) or an additional external mixer. The routing of where sound goes can be controlled thru the Delta's own Mixer panel and CE, so yes, there isn't really a need for an external mixer...of course, if you plan on using Microphones, you'll need a preamp... Which brings the Omni box to mind...Many people are raving about that, and it's a nice addition to the Delta66. ---Syntrillium, M.D. _________________
wichase Posts: 55	Posted - Tue Dec 18, 2001 3:35 pm  I do have a mic preamp, an ART (I don't remember the exact model), which I am pleased with. I also am thinking about getting a DVD drive on my machine, and in that case I would want to be able to watch movies in 5.1 surround. Can a Delta co-exist with something like an SB Audigy 5.1? Could I monitor and play back what I am recording in the Delta through the Audigy (since its output is 24-bit)? Or to put it another way, can I use the Delta to record and an Audigy to play back?
wichase Posts: 55	Posted - Thu Dec 20, 2001 1:21 pm  Quote: Which brings the Omni box to mind...Many people are raving about that, and it's a nice addition to the Delta66. I did some reading on the Omni box, and may go with that option, but I had one last question that I hope I can get an answer on about the Omni (before this topic get buried hoplessly in the forum). The inputs are described as this (on the Midiman website): "• 2 Mic/Inst and 2 line level balanced/unbalanced analog inputs to the Delta 44 or Delta 66 soundcard. • 2 Mic/Inst inputs equipped with XLR phantom power, insert I/O jacks, individual gain controls, gain reduction "pad" switch, and signal/clip indicator LEDs." Are all of these inputs still configurable between -10dB and +4 dB just like the normal Delta 66 breakout box? What I like about the normal breakout box with the 66 is that you get 4 line inputs that can be configured to the type signal going in (mic, line, or instrument). Are the inputs on the Omni "hard-wired" so that when it says that I only get two mic inputs and only two line inputs, that is really what I get? Sorry for all the questions, but I'm just trying to get as much info as possible before I spend the money. Any help is appreciated!
clothesburner Location: USA Posts: 412	Posted - Tue Jan 01, 2002 3:09 pm  I don't know what I'd do without my Omni i/o. Of all of my equipment, it's the thing I appreciate the most. Input 1 and 2 are pre-amp channels and, I'm sorry but, the pre-amps on this unit blow the ones you have. Also, inputs 1 and 2 have insert jacks that make compressing a vocal on the way in so super easy. But let me tell you something else. This is the main thing I want to tell you. A Delta 66 with just a breakout box goes for close to $300. For a measley hundred more, you could have the Omni i/o. Goto www.marsmusic.com and compare prices.
wichase Posts: 55	Posted - Wed Jan 02, 2002 5:06 pm  Well, I did order the Omni with the Delta 66 bundle. Got the whole smash for 389.00 plus free shipping from the Midi Store (www.cdbm.com). The only problem now is that M-Audio seems to be way behind on fullfilling orders, so I am at 2 weeks and still waiting. Oh well, from what I hear, it will be worth the wait. Thanks for everyone's help. p.s. The Mars store here in Salt Lake doesn't carry the Omni or the Delta 44/66 cards anymore. What gives?
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