Do I need to upgrade my soundcard?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Dionna Blue
  • Start date Start date
Dionna Blue

Dionna Blue

Accentuate the positive.
I read a great reply to a different post about upgrading to an external soundcard and I wondered if this would apply to me also if I am only recording vocals over instrumental tracks and my signal chain is mic>Art Tube preamp>Alesis iO2 interface>PC USB input. The songs will be mixed by the producer, I'm only adding my vocals. I record with Cubase LE.

If I should, what am I looking for in terms of specs?? I have an HP laptop running Win 7 64-bit with stock soundcard.

Thanks for any advice.
 
Alesis iO2 interface = external soundcard

If you're not satisfied with the quality you're getting I'd be looking at (1) knowledge (2) mic (3) preamp before worrying about your Alessis box.
 
Armistice said:
Alesis iO2 interface = external soundcard

ahhh very cool thanks.

If you're not satisfied with the quality you're getting I'd be looking at (1) knowledge (2) mic (3) preamp before worrying about your Alessis box.
Click to expand...

We shall see. I don't think my needs are overly demanding, I just need a clean, true sound for vocals.
 
It depends on heaps of things. I have & really like an internal s/card that was built for the purpose of homerecording. It's in a computer that isn't used for anything else so it's not a prob having a break out box attached.
You can get a decent signal with all sorts of things. Check the specs on you interface, your preamp & your mic. Do some tests, get a freq. analysis VST & have a look at a sample recording to see if you're getting anything unnatural/unwanted from your chain. Use your ears - is there something you're not happy with. Use someone else's ears - the producer's to suss for the same thing.
Good recordings can be had/done with quite modest gear.
Post a sample of your voice recored with your gear (solo no backing) & a few of the good ears in the forum might give it a listen & let you know what they reckon.
 
woohooo #10 darn I don't have any links to post. haha
 
Something to be aware of with your setup. The iO2 does not have true line inputs. Meaning, you are running through it's preamp with your line signal from your ART preamp. This connection will potentially amplify the noise. You will want to experiment with the gain on both to find the sweet spot. Generally, I would try to keep the gain low on the iO2. I have owned the ART and found it to be quite noisy compared to other budget pre's. Not unusable, just be wary of gain staging and your noise levels when recording. Try to keep your input level into Cubase around -12 dBFS. That is the basic equivalent of 0 dB in the analog world. Most plug ins will perform best (clean) from signal at this level. Your ears will tell you what works for you. :D
 
These guys are right. You probably don't need to upgrade.

To clarify, the built in sound card is irrelevant cos it's been 'replaced' by the IO2.

The only way you'll get your answer for sure though is to record something and see if it sounds good or not.

Armistice has it though. There are probably other more important things to worry about at this stage.
 
Thanks for the tips I'm sure they'll come in handy. Now if only the big brown truck would get here! :)
 
I cant stand waiting for truck on new gear delivery day either! It never arrives early enough! Toys now damnit! :D
 
tell me about it.

I bought a macbook pro. They guy wont be able to post it until the 13th.

I'm tempted to book a flight!!!!
 
Lol. UK i'm afraid.

I guess i'm just gona have to wait.
I'm not a good waiter.
 
I must spread some.......before.... you get the point


wait, uh,


ah hell with it,


think what you wish. :)
 
Ha! tell me about it.
They should have a dummy rep button so you don't get points, but you know someone loves you! lol.
 
They call that a 'like' button on a few other sites. I find it is more interesting to just fumble your way through saying 'I like you,' without coming across as gay. I remember one time I was called out as Greg's boyfriend for agreeing with him. I probably would have clicked on a 'Like' button just to hear it go further. Hell, I might be gay, Silly B once came from the future as my gay self. Maybe Dave sent him to test me? lol..
 
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