Best SoundCard?

  • Thread starter Thread starter laxwill11
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laxwill11

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Hey folks

I'm new to this home recording stuff & although i have a decent grasp of whats involved, i could do with some advice (based on your experiences) of what i need, SoundCard & Software wise...

I'd mainly be doing just vocals & guitar (singer/songwriter type stuff) but have a Mackie 1202-VLZ mixer to increase my options slightly. Now, if i connect the tape out of this mixer to the line-in of my (unknown, probably fairly cheapo) soundcard i can record either one channel at a time or whatevers going into the mixer as a mixed, single track output. Thats all good, but since i only need a single input on my soundcard (can use the multiple inputs on my mixer for more) is it still worth spending more on a decent one (ie, is a more expensive soundcard always better sound quality?). If so, any recommendations for someone on a limited budget (say up to £70?)

Softwarewise, i've seen i can get ProToolsFree which will happily sort out 8 tracks for me - again, does anyone have any experience of using this? Or, despite only foreseeing a need for limited tracks & effects, should i still invest in something a bit more advanced? Again, reasonably priced suggestions (up to £70).

Basically, i'm happy to pay whatever is costs to get good quality but i'm hoping the small need for multiple tracks & effects should keep prices down...

Of course, if i've completely got the wrong end of the stick then let me know too!

Cheers in advance
 
lax, if you want a good value for money multitrack software with built in effects so you dont have to buy plug ins and which does both audio and midi
recording, i recommend what i use. powertracks. try the demo at pgmusic.com. its 49 dollars , about 22 pounds i guess.
and does 48 tracks if you have a powerfull enough pc. it wont be beat for the price. just demo everything available in recording software at every price point, as well as free...and come to your own conclusion.
it will work with any windows soundcard. as well as multiple input soundcards should you wish to upgrade in the future.
another i use and recommend is magix music studio. but the midi features are not as easy to use. the audio side is very good.
peace.
 
we really need a sticky at the top of this forum with info on basic sound cards and programs. I have seen this question at least 10 times in the last week or so. not to bash the beginners but it would just be easier to have all of the information in one place insted of it being all over this board. And i'm sorry manning but if i read that post one more time in a different thread.... ;) I think it's great that you offer your advice to all but i, as with others are getting sick of reading it and i'm sure you are getting sick of typing it.

to sum up, not bashing anybody but i think having a sticky would do us all a favor.
 
i agree minofifa. a sticky would be a good idea.
but will people read it ?
 
we could put in a sticky, name it appropriately, and flame people mercilessly if they ask questions that are in the sticky. just kidding of course but it may be a good idea.
 
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