Thread: External USB Soundcards...

RoyN, that MayaEx looks awesome, however, I'm scared that I may run into the same problem I have now with my external SB 24bit usb.. that is, my amp for the 5th channel (sub channel) requires a straight up mono connection, so I would for that card to be front left/right, rear left/right, sub mono, and then a spare one for center channel may be nifty.

Good Luck w/ the search.

Well, if I am not mistaken, the 6 RCS outputs can be mapped as you wish...

1 for each speaker (4 + center optional), and 1 for sub (mono)...

However, even if you have a 2 channel output for the sub, you can always use a Y cable and join the signal into mono... you should be careful though, you dont want to mix the center channel and the sum together (since when using 5.1 they are usually on the same output pin.

I wonder if the maya can do 4.1 also...

RoyN posted: 2 RCA inputs (could I attach a mic to this?! would I need a 2.5mm pin->2rca y cable?),

I think you need a small voltage applied to the rca inputs like the voltage on a line out from a stereo, dvd player, etc. I think you would need to go mic>pre-amp>rca.

I think that sound card looks cool though!

How about this:
http://www.geeks.com/details.asp?inv...&cpc=SCH&srm=0

Looks decent, I'm just scared of the you get what you pay for law.. $19 is cheap..

-arebelspy

I use th USB Soundblaster Live! 24-bit. I've had no problems with it at all. I've read of quite a bunch of people having trouble with the Audigys though. The card does not have RCA outputs but it has regular headphone-type jacks which are easily converted to RCA. it has an output for Front, one for rear, one for sub; inputs are line-in, and mic. It also has an optical out. It does 4.1 and is bus powered. I think this is a pretty good card, although that Maya looks nice too.

Originally Posted by Willy-Mach1

It does 4.1 and is bus powered. I think this is a pretty good card, although that Maya looks nice too.

It has 5.1, the center/sub are on the same jack - I have it, suspend/hibernate is non-issue with it.

@kingtut, can i use 4.1 instead of 5.1? (Will the software split the center channel into the front channels? otherwise movies and stuff made with center channels sound like crap, it issnt just setting 5.1 and ignoring the center channel)

I have an Audigy NX 2 I think its great. My set up is a little differend from what you want to accomplish - S/PDIF to H/U, TOS-LINK to Sirrius, mic for Navi Voice.

Never had a problem, other than my son lost one of the volume knobs, but is sounds fantastic. Very reliable and have never had issues with sound in anyway, I have a dedicated USB port for it.

I have also heard good things about M Audio, did you check them out?

Also I dont see any sound shapeing software for time delays, X-overs (ones on amps are very minimal)., PEQ etc.

Originally Posted by kingtut

It has 5.1, the center/sub are on the same jack - I have it, suspend/hibernate is non-issue with it.

@kingtut - I know it does 5.1, I was just confirming that it does do 4.1 too which is what RoyN is looking for,

Originally Posted by RoyN

can i use 4.1 instead of 5.1?

@RoyN - that is how I have mine set up and it works great, and like kingtut, I do not have any standby/hibernation issues.