Pricing and availability
* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.
Description
Unlock the full potential of your music production setup with the E-Mu 1212M PCI audio interface, a robust cornerstone for any studio seeking top-tier performance without breaking the bank. Designed to integrate seamlessly with your existing gear, this interface boasts professional-grade 24-bit/192kHz converters—all delivered with the precision expected from the same A/D converters found in Digidesign's flagship Pro Tools HD systems. Whether you’re an aspiring producer or a seasoned audio engineer, the E-Mu 1212M is engineered to handle everything from intricate virtual instruments to full-scale productions.
At the heart of this system lies the E-DSP chipset, which empowers a suite of hardware-accelerated effects and mixing capabilities. With over 20 effects plug-ins and the ability to expand your library, the E-Mu 1212M ensures that your creative toolkit is as limitless as your imagination. This interface eliminates the need for an external mixer by providing zero-latency mixing and monitoring via its user-friendly PatchMix DSP mixer. Its flexible connectivity options, including 1/4" balanced analog I/O, ADAT, and S/PDIF, ensure compatibility with your entire studio setup.
The E-Mu 1212M PCI is not just about connectivity and effects; it also comes bundled with powerful software tools like Steinberg Cubasis and WaveLab LE, giving you everything you need right out of the box to start creating your next masterpiece.
Key Features:
- 24-bit/192kHz mastering-grade converters
- E-DSP 32-bit multi-effects processor with over 20 effects plug-ins
- Zero-latency hardware mixing and monitoring
- Flexible I/O with 1/4" balanced analog, ADAT, and S/PDIF
- Full compatibility with popular audio/sequencer applications
Product specs
| Sample Rates | 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192kHz from internal crystal or externally supplied clock (no sample rate conversion) |
| Bit Depths | 24 bit I/O, 32 bit processing |
| PCI Specification | PCI 2.2 Compliant, Form Factor: Universal Keyed, Short PCI Card, 3.3V I/O, 5V Tolerant, PCI Bus-Mastering DMA subsystem reduces CPU usag |
| Ultra-low jitter clock subsystem | < 1ns in PLL mode (44.1kHz, Opt. S/PDIF Sync) |
| Type | Balanced, low-noise, 3-pole low-pass differential filter |
| A/D converter | AK5394A |
| Level (software selectable) | Professional: +4dBu nominal, 20dBu max (balanced), Consumer: -10dBV nominal, 6dBV max (unbalanced) |
| Frequency Response (20Hz-20kHz) | +0.0/-.05dB |
| Dynamic Range (1kHz, A-weighted) | 120dB |
| Signal-to-Noise Ratio (A-weighted) | 120dB |
| THD+N (1kHz at -1dBFS) | -105dB (.0006%) |
| Stereo Crosstalk (1kHz at -1dBFS) | < -115dB |
| D/A converter | CS4398 |
| Frequency Response (20Hz - 20kHz) | + 0.0/-.35dB, |
| S/PDIF | 2 in/2 out coaxial (transformer coupled), 2 in/2 out optical (software switched with ADAT), AES/EBU or S/PDIF format (software selectable) |
| ADAT | 8 channels, 24-bit @ 44.1/48kHz, 4 channels, 24-bit @ 88.2/96kHz (S-MUX compatible), 2 channels, 24-bit @ 176.4/192kHz |
| MIDI | 1 in, 1 out |
| External sample rate sync via | ADAT (44.1 - 192kHz), S/PDIF (opt. or coax 44.1 - 96kHz) |
FAQs
-
Is the E-Mu 1212M PCI compatible with modern DAWs like Ableton Live?
-
Yes, the E-Mu 1212M PCI is compatible with modern DAWs, including Ableton Live, as it comes with Ableton Live Lite 4 for E-MU. It also supports other DAWs such as Cakewalk SONAR LE and Steinberg Cubase LE.
-
What are the main connectivity options available on the E-Mu 1212M PCI?
-
The E-Mu 1212M PCI offers two 1/4" balanced inputs, S/PDIF and ADAT digital I/O, and MIDI In/Out, providing versatile connectivity for various studio setups.
-
Does the E-Mu 1212M PCI support high-resolution audio?
-
Yes, the E-Mu 1212M PCI supports high-resolution audio with sample rates up to 192kHz and 24-bit depth, ensuring high-quality audio recording and playback.
-
What kind of software bundle comes with the E-Mu 1212M PCI?
-
The E-Mu 1212M PCI includes a comprehensive software bundle featuring Cakewalk SONAR LE, Steinberg Cubase LE, Ableton Live Lite 4, and more, along with a range of effects and virtual instruments for enhanced audio production.
-
Is the E-Mu 1212M PCI suitable for professional studio use?
-
Yes, the E-Mu 1212M PCI is suitable for professional studio use, offering a dynamic range of 120dB, ultra-low jitter clocking, and high-quality A/D and D/A converters for pristine audio quality.
Videos
Денис Беляев
E-MU 1212M 09.06.2022
Reviews
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about E-Mu 1212M PCI.
Features and functionality
-
Direct monitoring on the E-MU 1212M allows signal routing from input to output within the card, minimizing latency before reaching the DAW.
Source -
The E-MU 1212M's DSP effects can be used in the monitoring loop, adding effects with minimal additional latency, closely approaching zero-latency performance.
Source -
The E-MU 1212M was one of the first affordable cards to offer 24bit/192kHz recording, using light pipe for low latency.
Source
Comparisons
-
The E-MU 1212M PCI is noted for near-zero latency similar to higher-end interfaces like the UAD Apollo, but with distinct routing capabilities for direct monitoring.
Source -
Owners transitioning from legacy interfaces like the Aardvark Q10 Pro note USB's simplicity and continued functionality despite outdated drivers.
Source
Use cases and applications
-
For guitarists, using a reamp box with the E-MU 1212M provides flexibility to split signals for simultaneous amp and DAW recording, enhancing the recording process.
Source
User experience
-
Users find the small latency introduced by the E-MU 1212M's monitoring negligible in practical scenarios, emphasizing skill development over technical perfection.
Source -
After 8 years, some users consider upgrading from the E-MU 1212M due to evolving setups and the need for easier connectivity options.
Source -
Users with eclectic setups appreciate the E-MU 1212M for its budget-friendly high-quality audio recording and mastering capabilities.
Source
Software and compatibility
-
Some users find USB interfaces more compatible with modern systems, especially if manufacturers cease driver support for PCI soundcards.
Source
4.0 out of 5
Based on 2 Reviews and 4 Ratings
283
For home music production and listening
If you are about a serious music production at home or just listening music in the HI-FI - its your choice. I use it with Yamaha MSP 7 Studio monitors and the sound is extremely high quality: very detail, enough bassy, punchy and transparent. I found this card complex ideal for the recording, mixing, pre-mastering and even for the listening you favorite music and songs (the high quality DSP effects onboard will help you to correct the sound for your wishes and needs). But the cons is its drivers. Esp. for the modern PC and OS, sometimes it can work unstable or even crush. Anyway, this is very nice card with an excellent sound quality if you find the good pair of the reference class powered loudspeakers. And if someday I will want to replace it I think it will be only the card by Lynx Studio, RME ...
436
Sounded sweet back then,know absolete...
This sound card had pretty solid sound for its price,often bit buggy drivers, but overal pretty pleasant and full sound,not transparent in any way imho. Still for its price at the time it was pretty good deal. I would only suggest this only if for some strange reason someone want to have an old computer with OS Windows XP to use some of absolete software on it,etc.
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
More E-Mu Audio Interfaces
Accessories & Related Items
Artist usage
Community setups
Similar
Gear Guides
Most Popular Audio Interfaces
Most Popular Brands
-
Added to Equipboard on by
kodinGear IQ 108
-