Behringer FCA202 vs. stock PC sound card

[Ricklh]

I want to get the Behringer interface and I've seen mostly good reviews/comments on it. My sound card is the Realtek AC97, which I assume the Behringer will run circles around in sound quality? Also, how does the interface connect to the PC?

 

[TetraFish]

I'm sure this will sound a lot better than your stock sound card but you may want to consider something else. Behringer doesn't have the best reputation. I would get something with XLR ins and some decent pre amps. Both presonus and m-audio seam to have a fairly respectable reputation and both offer units under $200.

The Behringer unit connects with firewire, which can be picky on the firewire chipset in your computer. I would look on the behringer web site and see if they recommend any specific chipsets. Texas instruments is always a good bet.

 

[gecko zzed]

If you want to do recording, then the FCA202 will perform better than the Realtek.

However, if you want to do recording, then you should look at giving yourself a bit more flexibility, and as Tetrafish notes, get something with XLR inputs.

 

[Ricklh]

Thanks guys. I realized my old Gateway doesn't have Firewire input. What's my other option - just replace the soundcard, or go for a USB interface?

 

[TetraFish]

USB Should work fine.

 

[witzendoz]

Thanks guys. I realized my old Gateway doesn't have Firewire input. What's my other option - just replace the soundcard, or go for a USB interface?

Just grab a UCA202, they are cheap, cheerful, work on every computer with every software, they are not top shelf but are cheap and sound better than the inbuilt soundcard by a mile.

I own about 2 of these, one for each laptop I have, use it to play break music through at gigs, record from the desk as a live demo, even used one to run ableton (laptop) through a PA when our sequencer rig crashed once at a gig when I had a live dance music band.

Fine for a home recording demo set up.

Cheers
Alan.

 

[Washburn100]

Just grab a UCA202, they are cheap, cheerful, work on every computer with every software, they are not top shelf but are cheap and sound better than the inbuilt soundcard by a mile.

I own about 2 of these,

Alan.

For insurance purposes, you should really get a true count!

 

[witzendoz]

For insurance purposes, you should really get a true count!

Ha ha, when I wrote it I was trying to think if I still had more than 2, I have bought about 5 or 6 over the journey, but I keep giving them to friends to get them out of trouble when their inbuilt sound card packs it in or they need to record a tape or record into their computer. They are so cheap it's ridiculous.

Alan

p.s the friends usually buy me a coupe of beers to cover the price

 

[Ricklh]

Just grab a UCA202, they are cheap, cheerful, work on every computer with every software, they are not top shelf but are cheap and sound better than the inbuilt soundcard by a mile.

I own about 2 of these, one for each laptop I have, use it to play break music through at gigs, record from the desk as a live demo, even used one to run ableton (laptop) through a PA when our sequencer rig crashed once at a gig when I had a live dance music band.

Fine for a home recording demo set up.

Cheers
Alan.

I've looked up the description, read some reviews, and this is a very good solution, particularly if it'll sound better than the on-board soundcard, not to mention the price is pocket change. I'll come back with some results after I've used it. Much appreciated.