Multiple Soundcards

[jack20]

I have two PCs with three audio cards. PC1 is equipped with a Wami Rack 192X system and PC2 with two cards in it - one an Echo Mia and the other an EMU 1212M.

I intend to use the 1212M for final mixdown and processing whereas the Mia would be used mainly for sequencing. The Wami would also be used for sequencing on PC1. Both PCs would be MIDI-sync'd using MIDI interfaces (Pocket Express and RomI/O).

PC1 has n-Track Studio while PC2 has Sonar Producer. I have Reason and other synths that I need to decide as to which PC they should go to. But first a few basic queries:
1. How to make the Mia and 1212M live together peacefully?

2. How to digitally sync the three cards through SPDIF (each has one SPDIF I/O)?

Further queries upon receipt of answers.

[AndyH]

Generally, two soundcards in one computer is no problem. They are independent devices and each does its own thing when called upon. People look for solutions when they have a problem, such as resource conflicts, not for solutions to something unknown and unexperienced.

Only one ASIO driver can run at once on a computer. If the multiple soundcards al use the same ASIO driver, such as the M-Audio Delta series, they can work together, otherwise only the one started first can function. If you are not using ASIO drivers, this is not a consideration.

There is a general ASIO like driver , ASIO4ALL, or something like that, which is not soundcard specific, as manufacturer’s drivers generally are. It can sometimes allow one to get around the problem by controlling all the cards.

Using multiple soundcards at once usually means more audio channels at once. The overall computer resources, especially RAM and hard disk access, may put an upper limit on number of tracks and especially effects used on those tracks.

Keeping the cards in synch via S/PDIF means letting one be master, using its own internal clock, and the next be a slave, using an external clock (the first card) by connecting the second card’s S/PDIF in to the first card’s S/PDIF out.

A third card can be chained to the second in the same way, with the clock signal feeding through from the first card. Cards two and three will need to be configured through their manufacturer’s control panel.

[jack20]

Hi Andy

I think your answer is one of the most intelligent I have ever had from anyone in the past months on any forum. Crisp and clear pal.

Thanks a lot.

Just a couple of questions though for your statement: It can sometimes allow one to get around the problem by controlling all the cards. Is ASIO4ALL proven enough or not? Do many people use it?

[AndyH]

Based on the number of comments and recommendations I've seen in various forums over the past few years, I would guess it is used quite a bit. It doesn't work under all setups, but posts seem to indicate that it works more often than not.

I can't say for certain, but I think it is installed as just another driver that can be selected, much as I can select between the various manufacturer's drivers in programs that can operate with either. If so, there may be no downside to putting it in and trying it.