Audio recording sound cards

[coaster831]

Oh- and I forgot to mention: if you're going to record using a microphone, the Audiophile doesn't have a built in mic preamp, so you need to either buy a separate mic preamp like the M-Audio DMP3 (don't buy the Audio Buddy) or buy an interface with the preamps built in (M-Audio Fast Track/Fast Track Pro USB interfaces).

 

[jlbenedict]

Originally posted by: coaster831
Oh- and I forgot to mention: if you're going to record using a microphone, the Audiophile doesn't have a built in mic preamp, so you need to either buy a separate mic preamp like the M-Audio DMP3 (don't buy the Audio Buddy) or buy an interface with the preamps built in (M-Audio Fast Track/Fast Track Pro USB interfaces).

Or a mixer. Mixer's are pretty reasonably priced.

 

[darkdemyze]

Sorry for my lame post last night. It was getting late and my head was almost spinning due to getting my new setup in order. I'll be a bit more responsive this time..

Originally posted by: Blain

Originally posted by: hAxsYn
I bought the Audiophile 2496 - Sound is crystal clear, plus RCA jacks work well with my mixer. MIDI In/Out for my keyboards & digital S/PDIF in/out for digital recordings. Good card, about $90 on newegg.

The only thing is, dont expect loudness from the RCA jacks... I usually run mine thru an amp or a pre-amp.

Here you go... And a review

Thank you for this, the review helped.

Originally posted by: jlbenedict
It depends on what your needs are? How many inputs do you need? How many outputs?

Lets see.. you could go PCI. There are also external Firewire or USB audio devices.

Here is the M-Audio MobilePre USB Audio Interface

Here is a firewire interface; M-Audio Firewire Audiophile Recording Interface

Another firewire interface, a cheaper solution; Behringer FCA202 F-Control Firewire Audio Interface

Another firewire interface, with 1/4" input for electric instruments; M-Audio Firewire Solo Mobile Audio Interface.

This is what I have; M-Audio Black Box Guitar Recording System

A USB interface will be ok for one or two inputs. Once you start getting into recording from multiple sources (more than 2) you are going to saturate the USB bus and have some issues.
This is where a Firewire or PCI interface is more optimal.

PCI Audio Recording Devices:

M-Audio Audiophile 2496 PCI Audio Card

E-Mu 0404 PCI Audio Card

Echo MIA MIDI Digital Audio Card

And if you need more capability;
M-Audio Delta 44 Recording System

M-Audio Audiophile 192 PCI Interface

This is a lot to take in. But I'm getting at it.

Originally posted by: anonymousvkfan
The thing I love about the X-Fi is the front panel. I hate having to switch the input connections on the back of my computer, which is always hard to get at.

Nice thing about my setup is I have no trouble getting to the back of my computer. Granted I just configured this setup last night and had to move half my basement around, but when it's all said and done, everything will be very accessible without much difficulty. Just wish I had a bit more room though..

Originally posted by: Dubb
one thing I feel I should point out is that m-audio is to audio recording as creative is to games.

both have a history of very sketchy drivers. I've heard m-audio techs lie through their teeth because they couldn't admit the problem was their fault, not windows. slightly higher end companies like RME and ESI have a much better driver support team. Actually RME really should be the standard by which tech support is measured.

Thank you for this..I'll look more into this ( look around for RME / ESI solutions ).

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Originally posted by: coaster831
You really need to give us more info to help give a good recommendation. First, give us your whole budget for this recording project, as well as how many tracks you want to be able to record at once- the things that are going to affect your recordings the most are, in this order:

budget -
<$1000, like I said, I'm not loaded
player/instrument -
A friend of mine and myself and hopefully a vocalist sometime in the near future. /
Korg EMX-1 and Korg ESX-1, Casio WK-1200 Keyboard, Novation X-Station 25 USB MIDI controller / synthesizer, Ibanez electric guitar, *uknown brand (have to check with friend)* 4-string bass
room/room treatment *very underlooked -
My basement, about 8ft (h) x 8ft (w) x 12ft (l) ft space ( may increase as I continue to move things around )/ Carpetted, wood panel walls, 1x1ft flat smooth ceiling tiles.
monitors (speakers) -
2.0 Bose Lo/Mid/Hi open boxes ( not sure what model, was a hand-me-down gift from grandparents but are still very nice ) that I run through a Sony amp ( old, looking to get a new one )
microphone
mic preamp -
N/A at the moment, I'm unaware of what is good as of yet
soundcard/interface
Deciding, reason for thread / PCI

There are dozens of soundcards to choose from ranging from $50 to several thousand dollars. The M-Audio is a good entry level choice- it's playback quality is fine for an entry level setup (that is to say, it's noticeably better than consumer gaming cards). If you're really worried about the A/D/A conversion, the Emu 1212M is a step up for $200 (the Lynx 22 mentioned above is great as well, closer to $600)- but, like I said, you really need to address the other factors above in addition to the soundcard. Good luck!

PS- The M-Audio does not have professional grade converters- no professional studio is using M-Audio stuff. They are a good prosumer level and cost efficient choice though (I used to own a Delta 66 for many years, which has the same converters as the audiophile- it served me quite well).

Answers edit above. ^.I only really need to record one or two tracks at a time for the time being, then just mix them with the computer software.

Originally posted by: misuspita
Also I agree that if you're trying to build a studio, there are more expensive things to consider, as you pointed out.

I don't have the cash to do anything that expansive right now, as I've said above in this post.

Originally posted by: jlbenedict
Or a mixer. Mixer's are pretty reasonably priced.

I've been meaning to get one sometime in the near future.


..hope that helps some.

 

[darkdemyze]

Edit: moved to a new topic.

 

[Rubycon]

Edirol Firewire and USB 2.0 solutions

Presonus is very good!

I have a firebox and the headphone output + utlimate ears UE10 = killer dynamics and the bass just oozes like getting a pumpkin smashed on the head! :laugh:

Mark of the Unicorn VERY nice equipment.

I'm an actress/singer and use this equipment every day and it doesn't disappoint. Cannot afford disappointment. Whether you're just strummin' some trax into your pc or setting up a recording studio, this gear will work well.

Presonus' biggest disappointment is no 64 bit drivers but it's coming I'm told.