Computer idiot trying to put together a pc DAAW...

  • Thread starter Thread starter pacman9000
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Because you do not have Firewire built into the computer, you must add a Firewire card in that open pci slot you have. There are many, rather cheap firewire cards that can be put into an open pci slot. I have one in my computer. Once you have the Firewire card in that pci slot, then you can hook a Firewire soundcard/interface to that Firewire card in the computer.

USB vs FireWire - Many, many Firewire soundcard/interfaces have 8 separate XLR/1/4 inputs, plus midi, plus digital ports. So Firewire can handle all of that I/O at once. The most capable USB has maybe 4 XLR plus midi and digital. That's all USB can handle. Firewire = more ports than USB

USB, Firewire, PCI ... it's just the way the digital audio gets into the computer.
 
talontsiawd said:
If you use a firewire mixer, you can record similtaniously and keep the tracks set up. So you can record, say 4 tracks at the same time, and in your software, they will stay seperate. That's the big advantage for me. USB doesn't seem that great since it only can do a stereo mix, from what i know. And PCI gives you the option of separating tracks if you have the hardware to support it (enough preamps, etc).
Click to expand...


enlighten me...so why don't I need the extra preamps with Firewire?

are firewire mixers cheaper then analog mixers? they're digital right, no analog eq.


man I should just stick to hardware, the more info I get the more I realize how little I know.

thanks for the info I don't have Firewire though, but yes I would like to keep tracks seperate.
 
Last edited:
Nick98338 said:
Because you do not have Firewire built into the computer, you must add a Firewire card in that open pci slot you have. There are many, rather cheap firewire cards that can be put into an open pci slot. I have one in my computer. Once you have the Firewire card in that pci slot, then you can hook a Firewire soundcard/interface to that Firewire card in the computer.

USB vs FireWire - Many, many Firewire soundcard/interfaces have 8 separate XLR/1/4 inputs, plus midi, plus digital ports. So Firewire can handle all of that I/O at once. The most capable USB has maybe 4 XLR plus midi and digital. That's all USB can handle. Firewire = more ports than USB

USB, Firewire, PCI ... it's just the way the digital audio gets into the computer.
Click to expand...


THANK YOU SIR!


Very straightforward for an idiot like myself.


Why do some people apparently think "pci is dead"?

is Firewire considered better by them?

So Firewire cards have preamps for each input, but with an 8-input PCI card I would need to install more preamps?

still just a bit confused...I know I'm not going to use a usb interface, but I thought pci cards were supposedly the best way to record into your computer.



Are there any Firewire soundcards (or PCI Soundcards) that are around $500 and have 12 or more inputs?

I use alot of stereo drums samples.
 
pacman9000 said:
Why do some people apparently think "pci is dead"?
.
Click to expand...

That was sarcasm based on the fact that as soon as you recommend something to someone, another person will come along and tell you it's dead or it sucks.

I'm surprised a master of incisive sarcasm like yourself didn't pick up on that. :cool:
 
boingoman said:
That was sarcasm based on the fact that as soon as you recommend something to someone, another person will come along and tell you it's dead or it sucks.

I'm surprised a master of incisive sarcasm like yourself didn't pick up on that. :cool:
Click to expand...

lol, my computer idiocy negated my ability to interpret the sarcasm there.


it's easy to understand, computer technology changes rather quickly, so to my mind it was quite possible that firewire was going to replace pci or something...I see you're continuing to troll around trying to find ways to get my goat, keep amusing me bingoman (old man).
 
pacman9000 said:
enlighten me...so why don't I need the extra preamps with Firewire?

are firewire mixers cheaper then analog mixers? they're digital right, no analog eq.


man I should just stick to hardware, the more info I get the more I realize how little I know.

thanks for the info I don't have Firewire though, but yes I would like to keep tracks seperate.
Click to expand...
If it's a firewire mixer, you will have as many preamps as the mixer has. So you buy one with enough preamps. Or some people hook up an analog mixer to a firewire (or usb) interface with 2 or no preamps for more channels. But this defeats the major advantage of firewire, being able to track out each channel seperately during recording. Again, many pci card allow you to track out multiple things individually but you have a mess of cables (like me).

Firewire mixers are almost always more expensive than a similar sized analog mixer. They are always more expensive that an analog mixer of the same quality. But, you don't need a soundcard, it becomes your soundcard so you can skip on that.

Firewire mixers (digital mixers) usually have an analog signal path. That means that all the eq, effects used, etc, will go through the mixer analog. It just gets converted to digital at the end. Some mixers let you diable eq, etc, when tracking out though.



The best deal i've seen lately as an Alesis Multimix 8 FW Audio Mixer from BSW. For $250 you get a mixer, an agk perception 100 condensor mic, cable and stand. I don't know if i'd trust the mixer but for the money, you can't really go wrong. Again, not my first choice in mixers, but it's an easy, cheap way to get into digital recording, especially with a free $100 mic thrown in.
 
talontsiawd said:
If it's a firewire mixer, you will have as many preamps as the mixer has. So you buy one with enough preamps. Or some people hook up an analog mixer to a firewire (or usb) interface with 2 or no preamps for more channels. But this defeats the major advantage of firewire, being able to track out each channel seperately during recording. Again, many pci card allow you to track out multiple things individually but you have a mess of cables (like me).

Firewire mixers are almost always more expensive than a similar sized analog mixer. They are always more expensive that an analog mixer of the same quality. But, you don't need a soundcard, it becomes your soundcard so you can skip on that.

Firewire mixers (digital mixers) usually have an analog signal path. That means that all the eq, effects used, etc, will go through the mixer analog. It just gets converted to digital at the end. Some mixers let you diable eq, etc, when tracking out though.



The best deal i've seen lately as an Alesis Multimix 8 FW Audio Mixer from BSW. For $250 you get a mixer, an agk perception 100 condensor mic, cable and stand. I don't know if i'd trust the mixer but for the money, you can't really go wrong. Again, not my first choice in mixers, but it's an easy, cheap way to get into digital recording, especially with a free $100 mic thrown in.
Click to expand...


thanks

I got tons of 1/4 to 1/4 analog cables (good brand) and I don't mind pluggin into a soundcard

I thought you were saying that firewire needed propriatary preams and I couldn't use the preams on the analog mixer or something.

still can't decide which route to go this is bs...


so If i had the digital mixer I could just get a stereo firewire soundcard, but I don't want a questionable mixer or soundcard, I would atleat 16bit 48khz no compression of audio or anything like that...


but i could also get a relatively inexpensive mackie mixer with a lot of outs and get pci card with 8+ inputs...

this is too complicated for a fuking musician man, i'm not a techie



for some reason I feel like PCI card might be more reliable...

is there the same type of latency issues for firewire too...


i hate drivers, do drivers even have anything to do with latency, can't keep all this sh1t straight man fjaskldklfsd
 
Oh, ok here i just found my pc model specs...someone tell me which would be better for me and i don't understand about un-installing drivers and modems which I have to do before installing the souncard


http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?docname=c00009568&lc=en&cc=us&dlc=&product=94088#


QuickSpecs
Compaq Presario 6027US
6000 Series Internet Desktop PC
June 2002
Model COMPAQ PRESARIO 6027US

Compaq P/N : 470028-931
Standard Features
Dimensions & Weights

(L x W x H) Unit: 16.55" x 6.88" x 14.5" (23.8 lbs)

Package: 23.20" x 13.0" x 23.50" (37.9 lbs)

Processor Intel® Pentium® 4 Processor - 2000 MHz (2.0GHz)

System Bus 400 MHz System Bus -----> is this bus fast enough to record music??

Cache

* 12K micro-op trace cache
* 8KB L1 Advanced Transfer Cache
* 512KB L2 Advanced Transfer Cache

System Memory 512MB 266MHz DDR DRAM ---> fast enough to record music??

2 Total DIMM Slots Upgradeable to 2.0GB (DDR DRAM DIMM required)

Hard Drive 80.0 GB UltraDMA Hard Drive ----> how fast??? does it matter?

Optical Drive(s) 16X DVD-ROM Drive

40X CD-RW Drive

Communications 56K ITU V.90 Modem and Integrated 10/100 Ethernet Networking

Diskette Drive 3.5" 1.44 MB Diskette drive

Graphics Integrated Intel Extreme Graphics with up to 48MB Dynamically allocated as video memory:

* 64-bit hardware-accelerated 3D graphics
* Compaq DVD Player/Navigator
* Video Player (AVI, MPEG2 and others)
* Maximum non-interlaced resolution of up to 1920 x 1440 @ 75Hz (when supported by monitor)

Audio/Speakers Integrated Soundmax III Digital Audio:

* Audio CD player
* Create, organize and play digital MP3, WMA or personal CD audio files on your PC
* Dolby® Digital Surround Sound (AC-3)

Mouse Internet Scroll Mouse

Keyboard(s) Compaq Internet Keyboard

Compatibility/Compliance

* Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI)
* Plug-and-Play


Power Supply Steady-state 220 watts

Drive Bays

* One (1) 3.5" internal for hard drive
* One (1) 3.5" external for 1.44 MB diskette drive
* Two (2) 5.25" external for optical drives


Expansion Slots

* One (1) PCI slot with modem installed
* One (1) 4X AGP slot open for expansion
* Two (2) PCI slots open for expansion

I/O Interfaces

* Six (6) USB ports (2 front, 4 back)
* Two (2) Serial RS-232C compatible, DB9 connector (16550) (2 rear)
* One (1) Parallel EPP/ECP standard centronics-compatible interface (DB + B3225 connector) (1 rear)
* Two (2) PS/2 ports (mouse, keyboard)
* Two (2) RJ-11 phone jacks (1 input, 1 output)
* One (1) RJ45 Ethernet Port
* One (1) VGA monitor connection
* Three (3) Audio ports (1 line-in, 1 line-out, 1 microphone-in)



Compaq Service and Support Quick and effective product care and customer service:

* Comprehensive product protection plan : 1-year parts, 1-year labor, 1-year end-user replaceable parts (EURP)
* 24 x 7 eServices through www.compaq.com/consumersupport for the fastest path to accurate answers
* Built-in preventive care and maintenance featuring anti-virus software, Internet security, restore and recovery solutions as well as the new Compaq Help and Support Center built right into the PC.
* Extended warranty and service plans for extra product protection available - call 1-888-866-8106

Compaq Advisor Provides relevant and timely information regarding PC's functionality, enhancements and proactive notification of potential product or service issues. Messages are current, useful and serve relevant offers only at the time of interest.
Internet Access 3 months of AOL included with purchase of Compaq PC - Seven email addresses, personal Web space and access to AOL's Instant Messenger
Software Preinstalled

Microsoft® Windows® XP Home Edition

Microsoft® Money 2002

Microsoft® Works 6.0

Microsoft® Media Player 8.0

Quicken Financial Center/Quicken New User Edition

Real Player 8.0

Coloreal Color Management Technology

Microsoft® Encarta® Online Deluxe 2001

Norton Antivirus 2002

Intervideo WinDVD
 
specs don't even say how fast the hardrive is or if I can add another one internally...BOOOOOOOOO!
 
CAUTION: Many HP Pavilions came with sound cards combined with modem cards. The sound device description will reflect this. If the sound card is a combination card, the modem and its drivers must be removed as well. Otherwise, the modem may fail.


^????????????






HP strongly recommends using an anti-static wrist strap and a conductive foam pad.


^??????????????




http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?docname=bph07166&lc=en&cc=us&dlc=&product=94088

^the rest seems pretty straight forward.
 
-Make sure the motherboard in the PC can support the type of drive that you want to install. The most compatible drives are IDE, followed by Utra-IDE (EIDE), and then Serial ATA (SATA).

-If you want to add an additional hard drive to the PC, you probably should upgrade the power supply as well. Especially if additional components like memory or a CD or DVD drive were also added.

-If adding an IDE drive to a PC that already contains an IDE hard drive, you may need an IDE cable that has three connectors. Some HP and Compaq PCs use IDE cables that contain only two connectors, one for the motherboard connection and one for the back of one drive.



^????????????????????????????????????


http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?docname=bph03429&lc=en&cc=us&dlc=&product=94088



fu,khaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa
 
You are getting the right idea.

If i were to change some things, i would buy a mackie Mackie 1604-VLZ mixer. That has 8 outs. Analog. Then use my delta1010lt pci soundcard that has 8in and outs. That gives you the same avantages of tracking out similtaniously as a firewire mixer for about the same price as a good one. And then you have all the advantages of a dedicated analog mixer as well (well, most firewire mixers can be used analog as well, not a huge advantage). Anyway, i think this would be a great combo. Tons of features, great flexibility, etc. It's pricy though.

Some things to keep in mind. First if you have an extra pci slot, you don't need to ditch your stock soundcard. You can just leave it in and set your new pci card (or usb, firewire) to your default in your preferences. So it looks like you have two open, they you don't need to worry about the modem stuff, etc.


One thing about firewire mixers, you don't need any soundcard for them. They are basically a soundcard. You need a firewire card since your computer doesn't have it, that's it. Nothing audio related except the acutal mixer.


In my oppinion, pci is the way to go. It's defienatly debateable. The main thing for me is i have yet to have a single issue with it. Even with outdated drivers (like when you first buy it), both my m-audio cards worked perfectly. I have yet to have a single issue. This isn't as true of firewire/usb. Not that they will have issues per say but it seems more common. Some people claim that pci picks up more internal noise from your computer, i have yet to see proof and can't see logistically why it would happen.

Disadvantage of a pci card with alot of ins and outs, cabling for sure. If you have 8ins hooked up, and then hook up 8 outs (I hooked them up to my mixer just because, just so i could mix on my mixer if i felt like), so 16 cables. Then 2 midi, 1 spdif. Alot of cables in a small space. Instead of one firewire cable. But i don't find it to be that bad.

Maybe that will help a bit, i know i repeated some things already posted as well.
 
talontsiawd said:
You are getting the right idea.

If i were to change some things, i would buy a mackie Mackie 1604-VLZ mixer. That has 8 outs. Analog. Then use my delta1010lt pci soundcard that has 8in and outs. That gives you the same avantages of tracking out similtaniously as a firewire mixer for about the same price as a good one. And then you have all the advantages of a dedicated analog mixer as well (well, most firewire mixers can be used analog as well, not a huge advantage). Anyway, i think this would be a great combo. Tons of features, great flexibility, etc. It's pricy though.

Some things to keep in mind. First if you have an extra pci slot, you don't need to ditch your stock soundcard. You can just leave it in and set your new pci card (or usb, firewire) to your default in your preferences. So it looks like you have two open, they you don't need to worry about the modem stuff, etc.


One thing about firewire mixers, you don't need any soundcard for them. They are basically a soundcard. You need a firewire card since your computer doesn't have it, that's it. Nothing audio related except the acutal mixer.


In my oppinion, pci is the way to go. It's defienatly debateable. The main thing for me is i have yet to have a single issue with it. Even with outdated drivers (like when you first buy it), both my m-audio cards worked perfectly. I have yet to have a single issue. This isn't as true of firewire/usb. Not that they will have issues per say but it seems more common. Some people claim that pci picks up more internal noise from your computer, i have yet to see proof and can't see logistically why it would happen.

Disadvantage of a pci card with alot of ins and outs, cabling for sure. If you have 8ins hooked up, and then hook up 8 outs (I hooked them up to my mixer just because, just so i could mix on my mixer if i felt like), so 16 cables. Then 2 midi, 1 spdif. Alot of cables in a small space. Instead of one firewire cable. But i don't find it to be that bad.

Maybe that will help a bit, i know i repeated some things already posted as well.
Click to expand...


yeah thanks you have been a great help...


fuk another questions, i thnink i need to eat i dont'[ understand anyhthing anymore



http://cachepe.zzounds.com/media/onyx1220_om-93aa54497effc7f708d342fd87fec4ed.pdf

does this mixer have a 1/4" analog out for every channel or atleast 8 1/4" analog outs?

they dont' show a picture of the back of the computer, the only thing i see about outputs is this:

"Balanced direct outs for every channel via DB-25 connection"

http://www.zzounds.com/a--2676837/item--MACONYX1220





here's the manual

http://cachepe.zzounds.com/media/onyx1220_om-93aa54497effc7f708d342fd87fec4ed.pdf
















haha i don'k teven know what up timping anymor i been on the compuoter all day and I what have i accomplish ed , i dnop't remembrer anything i read all day, the governmetn stole my memory...
 
I don't think it does, not even looking at anything but a short description. It would be redundant though, just use firewire in that case. Then you can do 14 channels.
 
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