Choosing A Soundcard

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Logos Removed

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Hello everybody, this is my first post.

Been recording music for a few years on my computer and I recently decided to buy a decent microphone, I had been using an Audio Technica ATR 25. Said "decent" microphone has an XLR connector and with all the bits and bobs to convert it to a 3.5 mm jack it sounds, well, decidely undecent. I currently use a Soundblaster Live PCI card but am looking for something with an XLR input.

I don't need to record more than one thing at a time (I build things up in multi-track) but I want something with an XLR input that supplies phantom power. A 1/4" jack input would be groovy, and an output that would be suitable for monitors (I normally use speakers but am thinking of getting some monitors).

Got a budget of around $200 for the card...

Any suggestions? Thanks in advance...
 
Logos Removed said:
Said "decent" microphone has an XLR connector and with all the bits and bobs to convert it to a 3.5 mm jack it sounds, well, decidely undecent. I currently use a Soundblaster Live PCI card but am looking for something with an XLR input.
Click to expand...

From your description it sounds as if you are connecting the mic directly (with adapters) to the sound card, and therefore not using a mixer or pre-amp.

If so, that is very likely the reason it sounds decidely undecent. You are using the pre-amps in the SB card, which are decidely crappy.

If you had a mixer or pre-amp, they would already very likely have XLR connections on them.

Replacing the SB Live is a good thought. But before that you need to get a decent way of boosting your mic's signal. (There are sound cards available with "decent" built-in pre-amps, so you could do it all in one shot).
 
I don't use pre-amps or a mixing desk as I haven't had to up to now. I had a look at the link LiquidBronze posted and from there I had a look at USB solutions and came across the Tascam - US-122 USB Audio and MIDI I/O, which has phantom powered pre-amps...costs $199 too so it's within my budget. I used to have a Tascam multi-track way back when so it's a name I trust...

What do you reckon?
 
Logos Removed said:
I don't use pre-amps or a mixing desk as I haven't had to up to now.
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That would explain why you are disappointed with the results. :)

Personally I would not use a USB interface for audio work. PCI is the way to go, unless for some reason you can't (e.g., laptop). YMMV.


has phantom powered pre-amps
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BTW, it phantom power AND pre-amps. They are two different things.
 
USB ain't the way to go huh? Okay, thanks.

As for Phantom powered pre-amps, I was just quoting the info on the site where I found this USB device...

Right, guess my budget will have to be a bit more flexible, as was pointed out earlier. I don't think $200 will cut it...
 
I've got one!

Hey, Logos.

I've got a US122 and so far it's been good. Picked it up at GC for $200, and a Rode NT3 for $100. I was in your painful place, but now I'm much happier. I have had 0 probs with USB. I posted an MP3 in the MP3 forum.

apl
 
I kind of like the look of the E-MU 1820 Computer Recording System, which is PCI... But then if you've had no problems with USB connectivity...

Lol...

Reckon I'll go with the Tascam product then. The price is right...

Thanks all... Sometime when I can be bothered I'll put up my website again so you can check out my first two albums...
 
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