RME HDSP 9632 PCI audio interface, 32-Channel 24-Bit/192kHz

Only had it for about a month. Put in a new system, and there was configuring and updating, so only about two weeks of actual use. Installation was easy. Runs well with Windows 7, 64 bit with AMD Athlon X2 Dual core. No problems. Manual is a bit intimidating, but careful reading a couple of times, and you get the gist. Drivers and hardware flash update was not bad at all. Again. careful reading of the manual. Card was easily recognized by Windows, and by Steinberg's Cubase. The built in motherboard audio still functions and still does all the Window's based audio, Cubase uses RME card for playback and recording. So far, zero conflict. As for sound quality, currently only using 44.1, 16 bit functionality through analog inputs outputs, but must say there is a noticable improvement in overall sound. Not sure how this is possible since a bulk of the tracks were recorded on a EMU 1212. A card that unfortunately died in the transfer to the new system. Maybe it is simply a result of ultra low latency. Don't know, but it is noticable. Card has no trouble playingback multitracks (only 8 so far), and multi recording(only 2 tracks so far). No immediate problems with midi using VST instruments. But these were just system tests, under a minute, 4 tracks max. Why only 4 stars? First of all, the price. I mean, wow! maybe even ouch. Next, I've only had it for a short time, and used only a small portion of its features. At its price point, it needs to perform more consistantly and noticably better than the EMU 1212 it replaced, which lasted more than 5 years, and came with a boat load of useable software. Would have purchased another EMU 1212, but they may be out of business, or have retired that card. Don't know. This card fit the bill, and had superior specs to other offerings, so it seemed the logical replacement. The initial impression is very good, and it just may be a five star card. Only time will tell.

This item is incompatible with all new computers as there is insufficent bandwidth to process information. A complete waste of $520

The analogue inputs and outputs sound like no digital audio card I have ever heard. They don't change the sound in any way, they just deliver it as close as possible to the original. And deliver they DO ! Sound quality is unbelievable. Clean and pristine. The word clock stability is also nothing like I have ever heard before. The stereo image is clear and solid - no flutters of jitters between channels. Solid as a rock. It is MUCH more stable then many hardware word clock modules that I have worked with. Adding the Word Clock Module to this card yields a super clock-stable digital arrangement/studio (which affects recording quality as well as playback quality). ASIO performance is excellent, although I did not get to play 2ms latancey as opposed to what RME says - my computer will not play the sound when configured to below 6ms. But, not to worry, 6ms is a near INSTANT reaction, and that's just the way this card reacts - instantly. Take into account that 2ms is the time that takes sound pressure waves to reach from the monitor to your ear (when the distance is around 3 feat), so imagine how fast this card is. I can only assume that a faster PC then mine will deliver 2ms performance, although I have a very fast Athlon 64 PC configured for audio only. Many users do not understand a very important element in the audio cards/interfaces world that affects the usability of the product: SOFTWARE. If the drivers or the software that operate the hardware are not stable your hardware is as good as crap. The drivers for this card (which are the same for all RME audio cards/interfaces) are STABLE AND NEVER CRASH. They are very clear, easy to use and simple. Changes you make in the Hammerfall system tray are applied immediately. This is where most cards fall and this one (including all RME cards) does not.

The drivers are rock solid and the sound is xstal clear. I'm using WinXP 32 bit. I think the A/Ds & D/As are top notch. This is a very good card. I've been using it for sampled pianos and e-pianos with numerous various effects and everything sounds great in my system. I dinged it one star because I think at this price point, the balanced analog I/O cabling should come with it rather than being a pricey option. That's the only minor quibble I have with it. I don't have the balanced IO cable option, but everything's been sounding great using the included RCA connectors so, I guess I don't miss it.