E-mu 1820m

Price Paid: US $500

Ease of Use: 9
To be honest its pretty straight foward if you know a fair amount about the basics of recording soundcards. I could see how the patchmix can be confusing but once you learn it, its quite astounding in what its capable of.The manuals help out a whole bunch if you get confused.

Features: 10
Its features are great for its price.Theres a fair amount of inputs and outputs.There is 2 main mic/line pres in front with a 48v phantom power switch.The LED clip indicator in the front makes it easy to know when your getting an overload. And with one of the midi hookups in the front its easy to hookup a controller.
With a fast computer you can handle very low latency settings smoothly even at 2ms.I run it at 4ms and it runs great.

Expressiveness/Sounds: 8
The sound quality is great.The A/D converters are smooth as well.I def think that this a bang for the buck.I got and decided to purchase the proteus X software and i was impressed with its sound quality.The sounds are great and very useable.

Reliability: 10
Very sturdy.Ive never had a problem except when i the older drivers would not lot the asio drivers reload when you crashed a proggie.But this problem has been fixed in the new driver updates.So now i run flawless.

Customer Support: N/A
never had to deal with them

Overall Rating: 9
The EMU 1820 is great for the project studio.This is defintaly worth the money and will please you everytime you use it.I look foward to adding more sounds to the proteus x software.

Submitted by AnonEe at 10/27/2005 23:38

Price Paid: 799+tax (Canadian)

Ease of Use: 9
i've used e-mu's cracked version of aps driver on my sblive, so it took me very short time to get my head around for the patchmix. for some new users, it might take longer to familiarise the concept of how it works. anyhow, in my case, it's very easy to use.

Features: 10
the patchmix itself is sooooooooooooooooooooooooooo damn flexible! the first night i got this card i was too excited to sleep, because of the flexibility of the mixer, basically i can route signals from any source to any distination. the fx is not that fancy, but definetly usable.

Expressiveness/Sounds: 10
i can't help laughing at the first reviewer's comment on the converters. digidesign should be ashamed for themselves that they use converters considered "joke" by professionals in the recording standard protools hd system. lame lame lame!
anyway, this card sounded extremely good to me. i like the tightness of the sound and how i'm able to tell the amount of reverb used in a mix....

Reliability: 9
got projects with 15 audio channels and 10 midi channels using 2 to 4 vsti's with 2 reverbs including a converlution one and numerous other fx running at 5ms. i don't want to push the bundaries since 5ms is absolutely good enough for me. no problem with fewer tracks in 2ms. had a little problem with the older drviers before(asio stops responding after host program crash), but it's been resolved since the driver update.

Customer Support: 10
never had to call them for 1820m. bought an 1616m recently and the microdock wasn't responding(faulty product); the person at the emu was very friendly and knowledgeble. very pleased with the service.

Overall Rating: 10
awesome gear, definetly awesome. it's so good that i bought 1616m for my laptop. although i wouldn't recommend it to people who doesn't care to tune their system or likes spending time complaining rather than trouble shooting. the card will do a very good job if u respect it.

Submitted by Young Feng at 10/22/2005 21:10

Price Paid: N/A

Ease of Use: 8

RESPONSE TO THE FIRST USER that complained that much about 1820m (see below all posts in this thread):

Regarding "Easy of Use", he said that "it never does the same thing twice. You turn the computer on, go to your sequencer and maybe it will work maybe it will not".

All I have to say to this is: WHAT the hell were you doing with your computer and 1820m?? Really, I haven't seen in my whole life ANY peace of equipment, good or bad, that had this referred kind of strange, random on-off behaviour. What's up, dude? You plugged the 1820m to your microwave oven by mistake?? I can't help but laugh at such an incredible statement that the 1820m is SO bad.

Fact is, you can like or dislike the 1820m (or any piece of music gear for that matter), but please don't disturb this forum with ignorant opinions. I've said it several times in these pages: We've had enough of product bullying here!! (at least ignorant, bad-intentioned product bullying!).

FACTS are: if you happen to own a more or less DECENT computer, 1820m will work like a CHAMP! And a lot of satisfied owners are gonna support this claim I'm making!

But here the point is: EASE of use. Well, we must admit, PatchMix DSP application architecture and concepts can be a bit hard and represent a rather steep learning curve for the novice folks out there... But they're in their right to learn, get used to this hardware-software mixture, and then jump directly to fully ENJOYEMENT of it all! (This is because: They take their time to properly choose and configure their system, with some rationale behind all they do, without irrationaly expecting that it will work by itself just by desire without taking any time to learn it, so what? end up mostly dedicating their time to MAKE music, and LEARN the system, not SOB out there all time ridiculizing any product they can't cope intelectually or musically with!

Features: 10

About FEATURES, our man claimed that:

- As a VST pluging it doesn't work.
- WDM give max. 2 in / 2 out.
- Not stable above 48/24 for sure.
- Try to record 192kHz is a joke.

To ALL of the above he is deeply wrong, and I feel soooo sorry for him. For a start, not only EmulatorX VSTi does work fine for most systems out there (although I'd agree that on a Pentium 90MHz maybe you can't run it, well no perfection anywhere right? ;), but also we all enjoy the VST kind-of-rewire effects processing within our hosts applications, via VSTwire included plugin, which means for you starters, that you can refer a fraction of DSP processing on your host (i.e. Cubase, or whatever) to the DSP card, which is great (for our man is not, oh well.... this is a free world isn't it?).

Then, if our man read the specs for updated drivers (www.emu.com), he'd learn that E-MU DAWs has already reached the more-than 2-in 2-out WDM initial limitation. So he should shut up and get better informed before trying to "inform" others with his ignorant reviews.

Not stable at more than 48/24? Well, this is blatantly FALSE. If his system is stable only at 44.1/16, 44.1/24 or so, it's clearly a limitation of his host computer, which it seems it's a crappy one, so why to make the claim that the drivers or the 1820m is at fault? CMON, and remember, that I'm not being any snob here, I'm using 1820m at full potential in my -comparatively modest- Athlon XP 1600+, VIA chipset setup, with no problems at all. Oh well... maybe after all this is kind of a computer iliteracy problem on our friend's part... which the 1820m is not, again, to be blamed for, right?

Expressiveness/Sounds: 10

Our man said that because the system didn't work at all, he could not tell how it sounded (referring probably to the bundled EmulatorX software). Latency not down enough??? Hey dude, I got 2ms with the above setup (kind of modest Athlon-VIA chipset, which I thought was a "no-no" to using E-Mu DAWs. But it turned out great for me as I say!).

Reliability: 10

He says the 1820m is NOT reliable, because of what I can't see. He refers to the claimed ON-OFF random behaviour. He gives a miserable 2 points in this regard (expected from that kind of person, really, I picture him in his childhood as the usual playground rejoinder bully that spent all his time pushing others instead of learning something useful!).

All I have to say to his remark is one word: BULLSHIT (excuse me for this, but I get sooo crazy when I see users attack a product withour enough information, and without any special reason other than "IT DID NOT WORK FOR MEEEE (sobs)".

Customer Support: 10

Overall Rating: 10

Submitted by Moises Salmeron at 10/05/2005 11:18

Price Paid: US $499

Ease of Use: 7
Could be a bit difficult if you're unfamiliar with traditional mixers or how everything routes together. The default templates (and there are many) can help you get a feel for things.

That said, my only experience with any of this was using a DJ mixer. I was still able to set the 1820m up and start recording without incident. Unless your configuration needs are ridiculously complicated, I can't understand the frustrations some folks have expressed about the PatchMix DSP app.

Features: 9
PatchMix DSP takes care of any routings and metering. Each input/output on the breakout box has a corresponding channel that can be moved in or out of active use at will. Within each strip, you can monitor insert levels and specify up to five inserts. 6 master inserts are also available. For organization purposes, each strip can be dragged and dropped wherever you'd like.

For a nice overview of the routings you've specified, it also provides an image of your physical connections, as well as virtual connections. Viewing output routings allows you to choose whether to listen via the mix or direct monitoring.

As for those physical connections, there are many. 6x6 TRS 1/4", plus 2 mic/line preamps. Each preamp has its own gain knob, as well as an LED to indicate clipping. Switchable phantom power. E-Mu even included a pair of phono plugs on the rear, which is a *very* welcome surprise for those of us who like to sample off vinyl or just want to be able to record their collection to a digital format. They've also included 1x1 MIDI, which many will not use, but it's a nice touch for those who are new to this sort of thing.

There's a host of S/PDIF, Word Clock, and ADAT options - i'll be honest, I don't have any use for these right now and thus no experience as to how they'll impact anyone. I expect I might in the future, so it's nice to have those options available without worrying that I may have to upgrade later.

A particularly nice option is that if you opted for the 1820m on its own, you still can obtain the Emulator-X sampler software for only about $100.

Feature-wise, i'm quite satisifed :)

Expressiveness/Sounds: 9
You'll hear many mixed reviews on this and mine probably adds to the heap. Nonetheless, I feel i'm getting an accurate representation... I don't want to use too many "buzzword" terms, but things seem to reproduce in a very clear, liquid manner. Bass comes through with plenty of heft, the midrange is accurate and without mud, and higher octaves come through without a hint of metal sheen.

I don't know how well this does with acoustic instruments, but my synths absolutely sing through it. Having come from using less-than-professional soundcards in the past, I can honestly say i'm hearing new things from both hardware and software.

Preamps are, I have to admit, pretty weak. The clarity and presence seemed to diminish and sounded too muffled. Might be ok if you have a higher-pitch or a bit of sibilance to your voice, but only if you want to darken things up a little. Outboard pres are definitely recommended here. This tends to be the case with most interfaces, however, so it's only a very small niggle.

Reliability: 9
For the first month, using the included drivers, PatchMix would occasionally seize up on me and have to be restarted. Much to their credit, E-Mu quickly released driver updates for the system and I haven't had a single problem since then. I wouldn't take my desktop PC out for a live show, but I feel I could certainly depend on it if I did.

Customer Support: N/A
I consider it a good sign if I never have to speak with a company because it means I haven't had any problems. Happily, this has been the case with the E-Mu and I don't see that changing anytime soon.

Overall Rating: 10
I decided to wait on writing a review until I really had a good impression of the unit. This was purchased at a local Guitar Center about a year ago.

My only complaints are that it can't be used on a Mac and they don't offer a self-contained Firewire rack. Not really an issue with the unit, though, just E-Mu's choices.

An audio interface should be something you don't have to constantly fuss with, sounds great, and adapts easily to changes in your studio.

The preamps aren't incredible (and frankly, I don't care), so if going for outboard pres isn't in your plan you might find the PreSonus Firepod more to your liking. Otherwise, it's the only thing i'd use for PC recording and I don't think i'll ever get rid of it.

Submitted by tapeworm at 09/15/2005 11:01

Price Paid: US $500

Ease of Use: 5
So if you a E-mu fan it's easy !
If you are a proffesional you don't agree Creative even if they keep "SOUNDBLASTER" like arral stone !
It is a large disscution about the sound ! The Creative or E-Mu Support don't tell about one problem !
So E-mu Creative Proffesional is not Creative Audigy in the clasic loading waveforms or sound fonts !
You make care about that !
You cam use this SOUNDBLASTER only with Sound Module Like SC-88 Roland for example.
SO I tell You guys if you want sound font Buy Emulator X Software. That is the secret of selling that Creative Proffesional with a lot feature only with 500 USD. So after you buy ... HA you must buy Emulator X.
So Emulator X is not bad - but i think the sale strategy was implemented by an insurance GUY. Read the small back side paper conditions.

Features: 7
Fatures was good. After Audigy Retail external Black and Audigy 2 the Creative guys have suport from EMU. Allready Emu is the provider for Audigy Chip Sets. So they join the two company from an umbrella so sad i think. This is two Mary with a single heat. It is very difficult to discuss with an European E-MU REP. THe are so bad in sales. Europeans don't see in their store E-mU ! Bad sales people and strategy and so great price for Hallo KeybSynth for example !
So the legacy form Creative Audigy lines was broke with this Creative Proffesional ! But my friends have a lot of probblems with the Software Emulator X. Again so sad response. Who respond for wc clean ? EMU or Creative. Hwo cares ! if you have problems you learn to spell !
Midi was great ! so it is a good legacy ...

Expressiveness/Sounds: 8
Instruments Ha HA HAAA !
You don't have instruments on board.
For that you must buy Eulator X - inssurance guy i said ! On emulator X you have something like Roland Virtual Sound Canvas in Style EMU named Proteus ... Again Proteus ?!
All type music is permited but not Oriental and Manele !
Effects is good in general !

Reliability: 2
This gear is for Home studio or small enterpr. ONLY ~! so be care !
not for gig !

Customer Support: 1
Who vote with Who ?
So EMU with Creative ; Creative with EMU; EMU with depeche mode EMAX ?!
So sad customer support. A shame ....

Overall Rating: 4

Submitted by Cristi Arghirescu at 08/23/2005 08:43

Price Paid: US $500

Ease of Use: 8
Works great! I use the latest version of Emus sound drivers and have NEVER had a problem. The patchmix digital mixer takes a little getting used to, but is very expandable and really is like having a fully functional digital mixer w/ hardware effects. People who say this stuff doesnt work well have not taken the time to learn this software. Manual is good. The mixer skin is good, although a better one can be loaded from Production Forums. The hardware box is simple. clean, and has lots of features.

Features: 10
Real good features. 20+ ins/outs. MIDI, 1/4-inch with preamps, XLR, Spdif, Wordclock,...you get the idea, tons...and they ALL work nice. There is a rumour that 2 of the 1820m boxes will be able to be used together.....who knows?

Expressiveness/Sounds: 10
Great sound...."warm" sounding digital conversion. Latency can be adjusted down to 2ms, although I find 4ms works just as well, without all the cpu load.

Reliability: 10
No problems yet.

Customer Support: 8
They were fine and friendly.

Overall Rating: 10
GREAT BARGAIN!!! Even better if you get the Emulator X studio with it. Probably the best sounding sub $1000 card right now. It outdoes Roland/Edirol, M Audio, and is up there with Lynx and RME. Some people say this card is all hype. Is it hype even if it's true?

Submitted by lion_tone at 03/11/2005 20:52

Price Paid: US $500

Ease of Use: 1
How can tell ease of use. It never does the same thing twice. You turn the computer on, go to your sequencer and maybe it will work maybe it will not.

Features: 2
It is supposed to have a lot of "feature". Does it? I don't know, what works what relly is not even their. I know the VST plug-ins do not work, thats a given. The WDM drivers give you a maximum of 2 ins/2 outs, thats for sure. It is not stable above 48 /24 I know that. To try and record at the advertised 192 is a joke.

Expressiveness/Sounds: 1
You can not get the latency down low enough to use it with a good sampler, who knows how it sounds. True it has the same AD/DA converters as the Digidesighn, but they don't mention that those converters are considered a joke by proffessionals

Reliability: 2
It's like I said sometimes it works, sometimes it don't. Would you call that reliable?

Customer Support: 1
Well for starters this is not a real EMU product. It is a Creative product, you know the same friendly,quilified support guys that helped you with your noiseblaster and audiology. By the way that is how your computer see's this card as a Audiology and it comes with all those neat little memory pigs like CTHelper and such. They say CTHelper is usefull, yeah at telling Creative everything they would ever want to know about your machine. There drivers are the worst I have ever seen. And they call you a lier and act like your crazy and your computer is a peice of junk if you try to point out the short comings of their hardware and driversw.

Overall Rating: 1
I would not wish one of these on my worst enemy. Stay away from this product till they fix the drivers, if they ever do. It is the biggest rip off and waste of money I've seen in 30 years of playing and recording.

Submitted by John Wilson at 02/10/2005 01:40