multple sound cards

[Dudell]

I'm working with a MOTU midi-timepiece and aa Aardvark Aark-24 audio card. Both of which have BNC word clock connections. Would I be able to add another manufacturers card to my set-up? I'm working with Sonar and Cake doesn't recommend mixing cards. I know it's a timing issuue but I don't see why this wouldn't work. Also Aardvark cards are supposed to be able to all work with each other. I've been looking at the Direct Pro series and they don't appear to have the BNC for word clock. Any advice would be appreciated.

[AndyH]

For multiple cards, whether from the same or different manufactures, to work together, they must all be able to utilize the same clock. Without this, tracks recorded, or played back, cannot remain in synch with each other; the clocks on different cards are never exactly the same.

Synchronizing is done differently on different cards, most of which I've never played with and thus can't speak to. Perhaps the simplest method, where available, is to connect the cards via S/PDIF, with one running off its own clock and the other(s) getting timing from the first. Word clock connections are of course another way, specifically intended for timing. If the Aardvark has S/PDIF output, and your desired addition has S/PDIF input, that might work to run everything off the MOTU.

[vulcan_dc]

ok... this is what i found out recently as i was doing the same with my setup....

windows can use only one asio driver at a time... so it is important to have the second card be the same make-model of first sound card you have.... then you got to sync them via spdif cable.... it wil then work....

cheers...

p.s: guys pls correct me if i am wrong... i got this info off maudio website...

[AndyH]

This thing about ASIO drivers may be true, I don't know. If one or more of the cards is being used with MME or WDM drivers then that restriction does not apply.

[jmail]

Most audio apps can only choose one driver, also...

[AndyH]

I don't think this is true with most multi-track recording applications; the input for each track is separately set in the program. I haven't actually tried this, or used 'most' multi-track applications, but I've read other people's discussions of their use of two or more soundcards. I guess there is a message of caution here, however. Be sure you can test and return in case your choice does not prove to be functional.

[Dudell]

I'm using WDM drivers, but Sonar supports both.

[jmail]

Here's an idea for you, if you're just after additional analogue inputs: your Aark does ADAT, TosLink, etc. optical I/O. Figure out what you want to add, say the use of a Behringer ADA 8000
http://www.behringer.com/ADA8000/index.cfm?lang=ENG
and go to town, using the ASIO drivers for your Aarkie...

[Dudell]

I was thinking about optical but I can't can't do both at the same time on the Aark. I'm not looking for more inputs. I've decided I get a lot more punch runninig everything through a board.