please explain about virtual outputs

[gigadick]

i have 2cards,gina and terratec and both seemed to have those kinda outputs
what's the use of it?
i think i can use it to separate each track to each output for best quality
but how to mix all those outputs internally?
mix into external mixer not a good idea for me cos there'll be degradation right?
thnx

[Easto]

A virtual output is when you internally route a signal via software so that 2 signals are using one actual "hardware" output. You would do this depending on how complex your mix was going to be and if you needed to combine/route more tracks than you have "hard" outputs.

[gigadick]

thnx
it's like using for example:wavelab for one out,cubase for another right?
then do i jave to sync those 2 SW?

[Easto]

I only has to do with the routing of the signal once it reaches your soundcard. I'm not exactly sure what you're asking in your last question.

For example: You have a Gina Soundcard with 8 hard outputs built into the breakout box. You can open the Soundcards setup/mixer panel and if you like you can tell it to combine the signal reaching reaching each output you chose. It has noting to do with your mixer settings in Cubase other than you can then route Track 1 to both channels 1 and 2 (which were previously combined)