Which is the best card to use with KX drivers?

robert74 · Dec 5, 2008, 05:10 PM

I currently use an old sblive value, but I'm thinking the Audigy 2 ZS would be a better option.

If I buy an Audigy 2 ZS, what are the main benefits?

I hope for:
- 24 bit recording
- ability to use more effects in the DSP
- lower noise floor

anything else good about it?
Is it as reliable?

Your advice is appreciated,

Robert.

Maddogg6 · Dec 5, 2008, 07:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by robert74

I hope for:
- 24 bit recording

Yup. With Caveates...kX ASIO is now 24/48 and works well.
Wave HQ is capable of 24/96 - but only with analog inputs and maybe with digital inputs already at 24/96 - which I dont have - I suspect its a sample rate conversion thing, which almost makes it moot - but it has caused unexpected issues for me.

Quote:

- ability to use more effects in the DSP

Yup - I think about 2x the resources:

10K2 - A2ZS
Instr: 1024
GPR's: 512
iTram: 192
xTram: 64
iTramSize: 8192
xTramSize: 2048 (user setting, 2048 is max possible)

10K1 - Live
Instr: 512
GPR's: 256
iTram: 128
xTram 32
iTramSize: 8192
xTram Size: ?? 1024 - I think is the max - is 256 by default

Quote:

- lower noise floor

Only slightly lower with AC97 ins - but using the AC97-2/UDA is a bit better - but still has noise - I2S based inputs with the platinum is even better.
I can only compare my SBLive OEM non-platinum (CT4832) to my A2ZS Platinum (SB0350)
The audigy Ac97 inputs *sound* better besides the noise - but I might be remembering the UDA/AC97-2 aspect - as its what I always use mostly. And only played with normal AC97 - you will likely hear the difference if planning on using it for DAW, and may mean you need to use lower fidelity source audio on that...
So you know - I can use 2 stereo ac97 inputs discreetly, not possible on the Live.

Quote:

anything else good about it?

More Ins and Outs possible.
Wave HQ as an added multi-channel playback capable audio device - and the extra WDM audio recording device - tho, I dont really use either one much as I mostly use ASIO, and the Wave HQ device has some limitations inherant to the designed use of the P16V device (see the kX help for more about this).

Quote:

Is it as reliable?

Its as reliable as the live as far as I can tell.
You can use both like I do too.

JGSF · Dec 5, 2008, 08:48 PM

Currently any E-dsp card.

robert74 · Dec 21, 2008, 05:41 AM

Thanks so mcuh - i think I'll have to get one!

Dec 5, 2008, 05:10 PM	#1
robert74 DriverHeaven Newbie Join Date: Dec 2008 Posts: 7 Rep Power: 0	Which is the best card to use with KX drivers? I currently use an old sblive value, but I'm thinking the Audigy 2 ZS would be a better option. If I buy an Audigy 2 ZS, what are the main benefits? I hope for: - 24 bit recording - ability to use more effects in the DSP - lower noise floor anything else good about it? Is it as reliable? Your advice is appreciated, Robert.

Dec 5, 2008, 08:48 PM	#3
JGSF HardwareHeaven Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 452 Rep Power: 0	Re: Which is the best card to use with KX drivers? Currently any E-dsp card.

Dec 21, 2008, 05:41 AM	Thread Starter #4
robert74 DriverHeaven Newbie Join Date: Dec 2008 Posts: 7 Rep Power: 0	Re: Which is the best card to use with KX drivers? Thanks so mcuh - i think I'll have to get one!