A BAD day :(

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tsphillips

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I just got a new Dell, I paid extra for the 24 bit Soundblaster Audiology card.

Only to find out it does not have stereo ins! Total drag.

But to make matters worse, I got 24-bit so I could download and use Pro Tools Free. Well now I find out that Pro Tools Free does not work with Windows XP!

Well since every stuido in NYC uses Protools, can anyone suggest software that will be most compatible with that when it comes to taking a CD to a pro studio for mastering?

And any card that does not cost $1,000 that will work well with four mikes recording on seperate tracks?
 
Just about any multi-tracking software out there has the "ability" to put out pro-quality sound. It's 90% about the engineer and the sound of the instrumentation. When it comes to having it mastered, compatibility with ProTools should be the last thing on your mind. You're comparing apples and Altoids there.

Just kick out the best work you can in whatever software you choose, save it as 24-bit PCM files and send 'em out.

As far as the choice of software, if you can fill us in on your budget, that'll make things much easier.

On interfaces, M-Audio's Delta 1010LT has plenty of ins & outs, but you'll still need preamps. I think it has two mic preamps built-in, but I don't think they supply phantom power.

Your SB card should have the ability to accept a stereo pair using the proper connectors (most likely a male 1/8" trs to dual [whatever you need on the other end])
 
The m-audio delta 44 fits your needs perfectly for a sound card: 4 in, 4 out 24 bit audio and it costs WAY less than 1000 dollars.

Using software that is compatible with pro-tools should not even be a concern. You will mix everything down to a stereo audio file before a mastering studio will even touch it. All mastering studios will except a 24 bit audio file on a burnt cd. There should be no compatibility issues. Any of the current multi-tracking software will work fine:

Cubase
Samplitude
Sonar
N-track studio

They all produce recordings of the same caliber. Download the demos, try them out and then buy the one you like the best.
 
doesnt pro tools acknowledge OMF files? i know sonar and nuendo do
 
Yep, OMF is the fomat to export to for PT.
You can get PT LE software - I think you have to buy a Digidesign audio interface to get it - not certain of that though.

The Audigy should not be limited to mono - just it's mic input. Try feeding the line input from a mixer.

There again, an Audigy is not a card I would recommend if you expect your tracks to end up in a pro studio.
 
tsphillips said:
I just got a new Dell, I paid extra for the 24 bit Soundblaster Audiology card.
Click to expand...
You've been a member of this board since June 2002 and you still bought a Soundblaster?
Come on!!!

Sorry for the rant but by now you should have known better.
 
well actually I come here rarely, as I usually just hit record and record and dont have any issues. But at least I get the 5.1 DVD sound etc, once I guy the speakers. I was just hoping I could us it for recroding too. I am more bummed about the Pro Tools Free. It is FREE after all. The idea of paying for an interface is one thing. I do not NEED to pay $500 or more for Cubase or Sonar. I just need four mikes and an acoustic guitar and a nice free pro audio program would have been great.
 
tsphillips said:
I just got a new Dell, I paid extra for the 24 bit Soundblaster Audiology card.
Click to expand...
So send it back if you can and buy something cheaper.Take the money you saved and buy a recording card that comes with software...just a thought.
 
Get N-Track, it's only $59 bucks, and spend more money on the interface (such as the Delta 44). I've been using it on my Dell for awhile and I really like it.
 
You can get a radio shack adaptor for you audio card. Then redo the hard disk so you have a dual boot 98/XP setup. Problem solved other than you still have a Dell with a Creative Labs audio card in it...
 
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