Help selecting a soundcard

  • Thread starter Thread starter DJ-Indigo
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DJ-Indigo

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I'm sure this has been asked before, I went back a few pages and couldn't so thought I'd just ask.

I'm in the process of building a computer-based studio. I'm about to build my PC but I'm not sure what model soundcard I should use. I have had M-Audio and E-Mu recommended to me but I have very limited knowledge of soundcards and was hoping for a second opinion.

I have picked up a Behringer MX2642 26 mixer, so it will need to compatible with this.

Any help would be much appreciated.
 
It boils down to how many inputs you need - 2, 4, 8 ??
 
We need a little more info. What is your budget? How many inputs (like bulls said), what type of interface (USB, Firewire, PCI). Tell us that and we can point you in the right direction. Also what type of recording are you planning on doing with this card would be helpful too. And what processor, ram, etc.. you plan on putting into your new system.
 
I will be recording hip hop and electronica, so will be using two turntables via a DJ mixer, a drum machine, and multiple vocals on each song. I guess I'll be needing 4 inputs.

I apologise I have only limited knowledge and am not sure what interface I will e using. I also have no particular plans for the specs of the PC or processor type, suggestions for that would be helpful too :confused:
 
do you need to use all of those things at once?

if you can get away with only recording two things at once, you could get the m-audio 24/96. It is a stereo card, so you can record one stereo, or two mono sources at once. After that, you can simply layer more and more tracks on top of that in the computer.
 
I'll need to be able to record from the decks and one mic simultaneously. Budget is up to $700..
 
If that $700 budget includes your computer, then you're going to be a little limited with your sound card choice. You can get a pretty strong PC for around $500 or so, but that's assuming that you already have a monitor and everything, and just need the case. There are several options available, let us know what the budget is for.
 
Good post, I'm in the smae situation (just different taste in music) I'm purchasing my $900 computer tomorrow...I'm wondering and this may be a stupid question but what are you using the soundcard for reference or input. Cause either way i like some help with that. I planned on going from my mixer a Behringer 2442 FX into a M-Audio Firewire 410 to my computer. Also sorry if i took over your post dj...just curious
 
$700 budget is for soundcard only, although I'd like to spend less than that if possible. That is New Zealand Dollars, I guess that works out at US$400 ish?

All good Thor :)
 
Here's my suggestion in order -

Tascam FW1082 $799.99 (10 inputs and control surface)
Tascam FW1804 $599.99 (just like the Digi 002R)
Presonus Firepod $599.99 (10 I/O)

I'd get the FW1082 you get a nice control surface and 10 inputs that all works together.

http://www.americanmusical.com/item--i-TAS-FW1082.html

Audio-MIDI Interface -
# Audio I/O: 10 inputs and 2 outputs
# 24 bit resolution
# 44.1 / 48 / 88.2 / 96kHz sampling frequency
# 4 XLR Mic inputs with 48V Phantom power
# 8 TRS Line inputs (Guitar input is available on channel 8)
# 2 TRS Inserts for channel 1 & 2
# Trim control with OL & SIGNAL indicators on each analog input
# 2 analog TRS balanced line outputs
# 1 coaxial S/PDIF digital input
# 1 coaxial S/PDIF digital output
# 2 MIDI inputs
# 2 MIDI outputs
# 2 virtual MIDI outputs transmitted through the FireWire cable to the computer
# Headphone output (1/4 stereo connector)
 
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Terretec PHASE 88 PCI interface...$299 US

8 I/O 24/96

It is a simple soundcrd with solid drivers. I use 2 for 16 I/O with no problems! It also has a MIDI I/O

Just a thought!

As far as the PC, believe me, you will probably be upgrading soon (just assuming here). Audio recording is very taxing on your PC and you need a good prcessor with tons of RAM and a decent videocard.

Thorguitarist: What are you getting for $900?
 
DJ-Indigo said:
$700 budget is for soundcard only, although I'd like to spend less than that if possible. That is New Zealand Dollars, I guess that works out at US$400 ish?

All good Thor :)
Click to expand...
Check out the Delta 44. 4 inputs, 4 outputs for USD150.
This is where I got mine - these guys ship overseas

http://www.midi-store.com/shop/start.cgi Look under midi & audio hardware
 
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