Creative's E-MU 1820 Goes Home Studio Pro

Behavior At 44.1 KHz/16 Bits

In this configuration, we took measurements that correspond to the Compact Disc format, the most widely used format for digital sound. When studying our measurements, don't forget that the maximum theoretical signal/noise ratio of a system with 16 bit quantification is around 98 dB. So don't expect more, even with a perfect card! To overcome this barrier, you need to switch to 24 bit mode, where performance can take that qualitative step forward if the card is good enough, as we shall see below.

Frequency response : The response is perfectly linear throughout the audio spectrum, with a slight attenuation above 10 kHz.

Noise level : Although there are occasional incidents, the noise is very low and perfectly regular.

Dynamic capacity : The dynamic capacity is close to the maximum theoretical value in 16 bit mode. What more could you want?

Distortion : The distortion won't be robbing you of any sleep!

Intermodulation : Here again, a very remarkable reading.

Stereo separation : diaphony is almost nil because it is far in excess of 90 dB...