Aardvark Direct Pro 24/96 and older computer

[HomeRec]

I'm just getting into computer recording, and I'm planning to pick up the Aardvark 24/96 card/interface combo. Initially, it will be running on a fairly low-end system.

Both the 24/96 and Cakewalk Pro Audio 9 (which comes bundled with the 24/96) list minimum specs at or below the system's specs. Has anyone run the 24/96 on a similar computer, and will it work? Eventually, I plan to upgrade or buy a new computer, and buy new software. But for now, I'm just looking to do some basic recording.

Basic stats:

PII 333Mhz
8GB generic drive (unsure of RPM) (may add second drive)
64MB Ram (will most likely upgrade +128 or +256)
Windows 98 (not SE)

 

[dobro]

If I was just getting into computer recording right now, I'd go for the Direct Pro, I think. If I'm right, you don't need a mixer with it (you monitor from the card, although you have to set monitor volumes onscreen rather than with a knob on the breakout box) - with the money you save, you can upgrade to a new computer, or at least buy more RAM, which I would bet is crucial in this case.

BTW, there's a good article on it (and its less-esteemed little brother) in June's Electronic Musician.

 

[HomeRec]

The price is one of the main reasons I am planning to pick up the Aardvark 24/96. Another is the minimum requirements for both card and software (Cakewalk Pro Audio 9).

If the system will not be of any use, I want to avoid making unnecessary upgrades and apply the funds toward a new computer. However, if it will work, albeit in a limited capacity, it is much less expensive to make a few upgrades for now (especially the RAM).

Thanks for the information on the article. I've done a lot of research on the 24/96, and it's always good to find new reviews.

I did consider the LX6, but the mic pre-amps on the 24/96 seem like a good option, allowing for maximum flexibility in the future.

 

[j]

the pre amps on the direct pro 24/96 are powered thru the pci interface.....so you'll want a good power supply for your PC.

 

[Queue]

My Aardvark DP 24/96 works fine with an AMD K6III+ 450MHz overclocked to 550. I'm using 320MB of RAM. You might be able to get by with your PII, but will be needing to upgrade quickly if you want to start using a lot of plugins or have a high track count.

Until you upgrade, you can do some digital 'bouncing' (for lack of a proper term). If you start hearing skips, mix a few tracks down to a single track, then mix that single track with new tracks.

You can email the tech support at Aardvark and make sure that the card will work with your motherboard chipset, those guys have gotten back to me very quickly when I've asked them questions.