M-Audio Audiophile 2496?

brockrexius wrote on 1/13/2005, 9:11 AM
One of you guys recommended the M-Audiophile 2496 for my new workstation....don't I want a card capable of Dolby 5.1? I read the specs on it and I'm under the impression that it only does stereo? I'm new to this, but if I'm wanting to create 5.1 sound to put on a DVD....won't I want to have a 6 speaker setup so I can hear what it's going to sound like ahead of time? Help!

Comments

JohnnyRoy wrote on 1/13/2005, 1:35 PM
Yep, if you want to do 5.1 you will need 6 outputs. The M-Audio Delta66 should work fine for this.

~jr
r56 wrote on 1/13/2005, 4:36 PM
The S/PDIF coaxial digital output of the 2496 is Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound capable. From the M Audio Delta control panel you get the option of sending the AC3 Digital Dolby 5.1 audio to an external decoder.
It is not the same of course as having separate analog outputs but then again it depends on what external gear you plan to use and how you will be processing the audio. If all mixing and mastering is to be done on the PC this card should be fine for monitoring the audio output. Not that I recommend of buying it for doing 5.1 work, just mentioning that its digital output it is 5.1 capable.