ESI Waveterminal 2496 - Manual (Page 2)

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1. Overview
Thank you for choosing the Waveterminal 2496. You have made the best choice in audio interface
cards, as you will find out shortly.
The Waveterminal 2496 (WT2496) is a professional 24-bit PCI digital audio card for the IBM PC
and compatibles. The WT2496 can be used with your digital audio recording software to record
and/or playback 2 analog and/or 2 digital audio sources simultaneously (full duplex) with
exceptional audio quality. On the surface, the WT2496 may appear to be a simple 24-bit/96kHz
sample rate upgrade of the original Waveterminal. However, there are major internal modifications
and a multitude of new features that are unique to the WT2496. Through laborious research and
development, we believe we have created the most reliable and versatile 24-bit 96kHz audio
interface currently available anywhere in the world. Furthermore, inclusion of ASIO 2.0, GSI/F
(GigaStudio
), and WDM drivers allow the WT2496 to interface seamlessly with popular audio
software.
Best of all, take a listen and you will immediately notice the difference in the sound quality. After
all that’s what it boils down to, isn’t it? Digital or analog, not all audio interface cards are made the
same. If you are a professional or in need of a professional audio interface, you have made a sound
investment in the Waveterminal 2496.
F E A T U R E S
24-bit/96kHz Sample Rate Analog-to-Digital and Digital-to-Analog Converters.
Highest quality AD/DA converters in the WT2496 provide unmatched sound quality with
exceptionally low noise.
2-In/2-Out Balanced or Unbalanced Analog Audio Inputs and Outputs.
The WT2496 provides 1/4” TRS phone jacks for use with either professional +4dBu
nominal level audio equipment or –10dBV nominal level consumer audio equipment. In
either case, you can use unbalanced connectors as well. For the cleanest possible audio signal
paths, you’ll never need to adjust levels. Unlike some audio cards that deliberately boost
their output levels to give you a false sense of audio quality, the WT2496 gives you a true
indication of your levels. What you hear is what you get. Nothing’s added or taken away
unless you intend to do so. If you need to adjust levels, digital level adjustment is provided
for analog inputs and outputs.
4 Channel Recording and Playback
You can record analog and digital sources simultaneously and play them back
simultaneously as well.
24-bit 96kHz S/PDIF Coaxial Digital In & Out
Unlike some audio cards that claim 24-bit 96kHz capability, the WT2496 offers a true 24-bit
96kHz S/PDIF digital input and output. There’s no additional conversion process for a signal
already recorded in a 24-bit 96kHz format.