Echo MIA or equivalent

  • Thread starter Thread starter nosmas
  • Start date Start date
N

nosmas

New member
As a brand-spanking new subscriber to this BBS I've enjoyed the discussions and information available to a newbie such as myself. Here's my dilemma:

I want to dive into home-based PC recording for the purpose of, at least initially, putting my songwriting and music into digital format so that I can review it, edit it, etc. I have a 1 GHz AMD Athlon system with 128 MB of RAM but just a generic onboard soundcard.

I've looked into a few products such as the M Audio line and also the ECHO line of soundcards and the Echo MIA seems to fit what I'd like to do based on this criteria: I will be the only musician so I don't require more than two inputs and this card has an available driver for Windows ME.

What would I need in addition to the sound card? Do I need a mixer to interface the instruments and MICs into the sound card? Will the PC speaker suffice at least initially or should I invest in a good pair of monitors?

Last but not least, does anyone here have experience with the Echo line of products and, if yes, any reviews?

Sincerest thanks for all assistance!

Samson
 
you will need preamps for mics, so you could go for a small mixer or a dedicated preamp.....pc speakers can work ok, a home stereo reciever and speakers would do better if you have access....The Echo Mia is probably a good card, but Im a big fan of M-Audio so the Audiophile would be my choice....only difference being unbalanced inputs which isnt a big deal to me...either way, make sure there are no known compatability issues with the Athlon....
 
Thanks for the info. Why would (or wouldn't) balanced inputs/outputs be considered a factor when making the purchasing decision?

Nonetheless, I have confirmed the MIA is supported on my motherboard with the accompanying chipset and the driver for ME is available. I have contacted M-Audio support concerning the support for their adapter.

Once again, many thanks!

Samson
 
If you can get the Mia to work on your system I would say that for the price, retail 199$ (you can get it at GC for 169$) its one the best cards available. With things like the virtual outs and the balanced analog in and outs, multi client capabilities. I could not get it to run on my system at 96k 24 bit..but I have a very finikey
system :)

In regards to balanced and unbalanced, try to build your system balanced and keep it that way throughout. A balanced system is gonna be quiter and you can make longer cable runs if necessary.
It also enables you work with hotter signals. Youve probably seen this expressed as +4dbu (balanced) or -10dbu unbalnaced.

Whichever route you go, keep everything aligned at the same operating levels for record and playback.
 
Hmmm.... I believe I will go with the MIA, it appears to get raving reviews and, again, it SHOULD work with my system. What is GC? I would much rather pay $169.00 than $199.00 which is what it goes for around these parts (Austin, Texas area).

Thanks to everyone for their assistance!

Samson
 
Which GC sells it for $169? GC in Austin sells it for $199!!!!

Thanks,

Samson
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top