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Description

Unlock the potential of your home studio with the M-Audio Audiophile 2496 PCI Audio Interface, a versatile and powerful tool for musicians and producers alike. This 4-in/4-out PCI card is designed to provide top-tier audio performance, whether you're delving into multitrack or MIDI recording, mastering, or archiving your vinyl collection. With its 24-bit/96kHz converters, your recordings will capture every nuance with pristine clarity.

The Audiophile 2496 is compatible with both Mac and PC, making it a flexible choice for any studio setup. It features analog I/O on RCA jacks, S/PDIF I/O for digital connections, and 1x1 MIDI I/O, giving you plenty of options to connect your gear. Its compatibility with Pro Tools M-Powered opens the door to the industry's standard software, allowing seamless integration into professional workflows. Plus, the inclusion of Ableton Live Lite means you can start creating music right out of the box.

Perfect for both budding musicians and seasoned pros, the M-Audio Audiophile 2496 offers reliable performance at an accessible price, ensuring your creative process is as smooth as possible without breaking the bank.

Key Features:

  • 24-bit/96kHz audio fidelity
  • Compatible with Pro Tools M-Powered
  • S/PDIF digital I/O
  • 1x1 MIDI I/O
  • 2x2 full-duplex audio performance
  • 36-bit embedded DSP
  • Comes with Ableton Live Lite
  • +4dBu/-10dBV pad controls
  • Works with PCIx-equipped Mac and PC
RAYGproductions

RAYGproductions

M-Audio Audiophile 2496

Video thumbnail for M-Audio Audiophile 2496 by RAYGproductions

M-Audio Audiophile 2496

RAYGproductions

RAYGproductions

Video thumbnail for PCI Sound Cards Vs USB Interfaces - My Thoughts by Guitar Chops Free

PCI Sound Cards Vs USB Interfaces - My Thoughts

Guitar Chops Free

Guitar Chops Free

Video thumbnail for Is the M Audio Audiophile 2496, truly an audiophile’s sound card?! by Antons Hardware

Is the M Audio Audiophile 2496, truly an audiophile’s sound card?!

Antons Hardware

Antons Hardware

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about M-Audio Audiophile 2496 PCI Audio Interface.

Software and compatibility

  • Users have successfully used Win7 drivers on Win10/11 for continued functionality, despite M-Audio only listing compatibility up to Win7.

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  • On Linux systems, audio may need to be manually adjusted using alsamixer after installation as default settings can have low volume.

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Use cases and applications

  • The card can directly connect to turntables via RCA jacks for vinyl ripping, with Audacity recommended for software.

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  • For recording worship services, a stereo feed off the house mix is noted as a limitation; digital mixers are suggested for better results.

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Features and functionality

  • The card's capability to operate in both vintage and modern systems, including Debian 11 for audio streaming, showcases its wide range adaptability.

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  • Dual RCA to separate TS cables are necessary to avoid issues with balanced signal detection.

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Value and pricing

  • Owners have acquired this card for as low as $5 used, highlighting its affordability and ongoing utility in older systems.

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Comparisons

  • A Behringer UCA202 is mentioned as a cheap alternative with 2 in/2 out RCA interfaces, praised for reliability over six years.

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Setup and maintenance

  • TRS connections are primarily for balanced-mono or unbalanced stereo, not suitable for unbalanced stereo unless specified for devices like MP3 players.

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Critic Reviews

Midiman/M-Audio Audiophile 2496 Sound Card Review

ixbtlabs.com

M-Audio's Audiophile 2496 PCI Audio Interface impresses with its excellent sound quality, thanks to high-quality converters and a robust Envy24 processor. It's a boon for computer musicians with its support for professional interfaces like GSIF, ASIO, and EASI, alongside low-latency performance. Priced under $200, it offers superb value with solid VxD and WDM drivers, making it a versatile choice for Windows users. However, its complex control panel requires a careful read of the manual, and it lacks internal digital inputs, which might deter some users. Overall, a solid, affordable option for budding audiophiles and music creators.

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4.5 out of 5

Based on 2 Reviews and 6 Ratings

5 star
4 star
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1 star
pjacobsonmusic

Great value soundcard for music makers.

Does the job & low latency. Really great card.

soloprosquad

Great little guy!

Clean...cheap....fast (0 latency)...PRO!!

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