TiagoTiago

I would like to see a table comparing all aspects, including things like performance, sound quality, memory, all those values on top of the DSP editor, types (and numbers) of physical inputs and outputs present and so on.


Currently i got a SB Live 5.1, i've been thinking about upgrading for some time but never really looked too much into it; i would like a card that can handle more complex DSP setups, and preferably with a physical stereo mic plug so i don't have to patch my stereo mic thru the onboard soundcard to convert it to line in; i think having all the options that are compatible with KX drivers organized in a table showing all the pros and cons of each model would help me identify which ones to choose among that would fit my needs, and with that smaller list it would just be a matter of me identifying how much i can find each one of them for and weight the pros/cons over the prices.

Russ

As far as DSP resources go, it is just 10k1 (Live! models) vs 10k2 (Audigy models). 10k2 models have twice the resources of 10k1 models. Beyond that it is mostly about what features you want and how compatible the card is with kX.

Aside from EMU models (that I am not completely familair with) the best bang for the buck is probably the Audigy 2 ZS Platinum.

janez

Here is a list:

The E-mu Audio Production Studio (APS) card
The motherboard models of 10k1 cards (M002, M003 and others)
PCI256 (CT4890, CT4891 and CT4893) and PCI512 (CT4820 and SB0150) including OEM model (CT4790)
The original Live! (CT4620) and Live! Value cards (CT4670)
The Live! X-Gamer, Live! MP3+, Live! Player 1024, Live! Platinum cards (CT4760) and value cards (CT4780)
The Live! X-Gamer 5.1, Live! MP3+ 5.1, Live! Player 5.1, Live! Platinum 5.1, Live! Digital Entertainment 5.1 cards (SB0060, SB0100, SB0102, SB0220, SB0222, SB0103 and SB0105) and Value 5.1 (SB0101)
The generic and custom OEM Live cards (CT4830, CT4831, CT4832, CT4850, CT4870, CT4871 and CT4872)
The Audigy series, including the Audigy MP3+, X-Gamer, Platinum and OEM cards (CT0070, CT0072, SB0090 and SB0092).
The Audigy 2 series, including Gamer, Platinum, Platinum eX and OEM cards (SB0242, SB0244, SB0320, SB0240, SB0240P, SB0280).
The Audigy 2 ZS series, including Audigy 2 ZS Gamer, Platinum and OEM cards (SB0350).

24/96 support for the Audigy 2 and Audigy 2 ZS cards is under development.
Audigy 2 Value (SB0400), Audigy 2 ZS Notebook (SB0350) and Audigy 4 Pro (SB0380) cards are partially supported.
The Dell OEM SB Live! (SB020x) is not yet supported since it uses a custom version of the EMU10k1, whose details are unknown. Experimental support may be provided when more information about it becomes available.
Soundblaster Live! 5.1 cards (SB022x) are supported.
Soundblaster Live! 24 Bit and Audigy LS are incompatible with kX, since they do not use the 10kX chips.
Audigy2 ZS Notebook is supported, although some limitations apply.
E-mu E-DSP based PCI devices are supported (0404, 1212, 1820, ...).
Extigy is NOT supported and will not be supported.
X-Fi is NOT supported and will not be supported.

kX Project -- FAQ (Frequently asked questions)

I donīt know how up to date that is.


As Russ said, there is only 10k1 and 10k2. So you need one or two Audigy Cards

I donīt think there is any KX Hardware with real balanced Mic Inputs with Phantom Power. But in terms of connectivity you should look for a frontmodule. But you should make shure, that its compatible with the corresponding Audigy Card. There are two different connectors. One that is compatible with basicly any live and Audigy I card and another one with a different pinout for the Audigy 2

the Audigy 2 zs is propably the best choice. But going for an Audigy 1 and an old Frontmodul would be way cheaper.