This impression is further strengthened by the audio spec: the converters are capable of 24‑bit, 96kHz operation, and are mounted separately in a 5.25‑inch‑wide module. With eight analogue inputs and eight analogue outputs, along with S/PDIF digital input and output and MIDI In and Out, it looks ideal for those who want to do some serious 8‑track recording.
Gone are the consumer 16‑bit converters, along with the old‑fashioned ISA format - this new card is a compact PCI design that seems designed from the ground up for use by more serious musicians. It's not long since I last reviewed a Terratec soundcard (the EWS64 XXL in SOS July '99), but their new EWS88 MT is a completely different beast. The launch of yet another 8‑in/8‑out PCI soundcard might seem little cause for raised eyebrows, but Terratec have a few surprises up their sleeves with the EWS88 MT.
