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A little known fact about the world of computer audio is there is a distinct difference between audiocards and soundcards; the most notable of which is the quality of analog-to-digital and digital-to-analog conversion. That is, the quality of playing back and recording audio on a computer with an emphasis on the latter. The average computer user can most likely appreciate great (or at least decent) quality audio playback -- through games, DVDs, and the like -- but generally has no need for high quality recording, understandably. Because of this, audiocards are more suited towards musicians or anyone else in looking to record sound on their computers. I thought I would mention this off the bat so as to not disappoint the gamers in the crowd :] Audiophiles, however, take note: with audiocards (and specifically the MIA) hitting an impressively low price point, very high quality playback (24bit/96kHz, no less) is becoming an economic reality.

The Echo Digital Audio MIA is a low-end audiocard for which operates on both the PC and Mac platforms. The card is capable of 24bit / 96kHz quality recording through its 2 balanced TRS inputs (1/4” plug), 2 balanced TRS outputs as well as a stereo S/PDIF input and output (which can operate in both the consumer and professional output formats). Through an onboard DSP chip, the MIA also sports 8 virtual outputs (which I will explain in further detail later on), making this card a very powerful and cost efficient recording solution. Low-end does always need to be synonymous with low-quality and few features – at the very least not with the MIA anyway.

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