Another Soundcard Question

  • Thread starter Thread starter NLAlston
  • Start date Start date
NLAlston

NLAlston

New member
After reading some of these postings I have found that the SoundBlaster Live cards are not all that they are touted to be - and that there are cheaper cards which offer the same (maybe even better) quality of sound. One such card mentioned was manufactured by Ensoniq. I don't know the model# but it is supposed to retail for approximately $30, or so. Though I don't quite understand "SOUNDFONTS" I am almost sure that it is something that I could use, and would hope that someone could offer some clarification (also on "PLUGINS": is this hardware, software, or what?)
Getting back to the soundcard issue, I am not into professional presentation of my works, but would like to listen to quality sounding reproductions of my creations. What would be the cheapest way for me to go in a card offering digital in/out, and with the SoundFont feature included. Would that Ensoniq be the one and - if so - would anyone know the model number? In advance do I thank anyone for the sharing of their time in helpfulness to me.

NLA
 
The card you are referring to is the Ensoniq PCI 16 bit. It's made by Creative Labs (or at least it's marketed by Creative). It's cheap($30'ish) and doesn't have any bells/whistles, but it's very quiet and lends itself nicely to audio recording in 16 bit (for the price).

Check out:

www.pcavtech.com/soundcards/compare/index.htm

They it gave a good review.
 
PSmith66,

Thanks for the info. I just paid a visit to the site of the web address you forwarded, and had to conclude that I needed more than what the base model Ensoniq offered. I've been hearing a lot about the "Audiophile" card, which may be the one that I shoot for. It's supposed to be selling for as low as $159, online, but the cheapest I was able to find was $239 (I think it was). I'll keep exploring, though - and thank you again.

NLA
 
Thanks Gidge,

I'm going to check this site out in just a minute, and hope that this card has that "SoundFonts" feature. In the event that it doesn't, is there a dedicated SoundFont program that one could get to integrate with that card?
 
The Audiophile doesnt do SoundFonts...I think thats the Soundblaster cards that have that...Audiophile doesnt have an onboard synth so if you want to work with soundfonts, youd have to get one of those also.....You can get a Soundblaster live value for $39...that will give you your midi sounds....
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top