Help with choosing a sound card and computer speakers

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46and2

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We have a small sound studio in a converted bedroom of our house. We practice as a 4 person band with a drummer, bass, 2 guitars, organ, microkorg and a few other little goodies here and there. I recently decided to upgrade our recording device (was using a Fostex MKII 8 track digital recorder that can only record 2 inputs at a time). I purchased a Alesis Multimix 8 USB (older version, non usb 2.0) and found the limiting factor to be the 2 stereo outputs via the USB cable to the recording software I was using.

Through research I have determined that we want to go the firewire route. I am looking for a Multimix 8, 12 or 16 firewire now.

So here's the question. What sound card should I get? Obviously it will need to have a firewire input, but other than that, can someone recommend a good sound card that also has great speaker sound output? I also would like recommendations on a computer speaker system. I would like to have a computer speaker system that I could also run our MicroKorg through as well.

Regarding the sound card, there is one hitch, it has to be a regular PCI card ( I don't have PCI-E on my recording computer ). Don't know how much of a difference this makes on a sound card?

So please, any and all, what are your recommendations on a PCI sound card that has a firewire port, and speakers to complement the new sound card? I'm looking to spend somewhere between $200-$300 for the sound card and speakers (wouldn't mind spending less if there is something good out there for a good price).

Thanks

- Ray
 
Im not sure if I understand what you are asking, but it seems to me you are confusing firewire and PCI into each other.

Firewire is a port. If the soundcard is firewire, then it isnt PCI or PCI-e, its just firewire
 
My computer doesn't have a firewire port right now. In order for it to have a firewire port, I have to purchase a sound card that has one. The sound card will most likely be a PCI interface to my motherboard.

The main question is, Which firewire capable sound card is going to work the best, and with that in mind, I want to upgrade the audio / speakers on my computer as well (I'm using a crappy $10 pair of logitechs right now). So over-all, what is the best firewire audio PCI compatible card for my PC?

- Ray
 
OK, still the way you are wording it, I hope you are understanding, but...

A soundcard is EITHER firewire or PCI

If your PC doesnt have a firewire port, then youll need a PCI or PCI firewire card. Not a soundcard, just a firewire card. Just find one with a Texas Instruments Firewire Chip. There are many budget models to chose from with a TI chip, but make 100% absolutely sure it is a TI chip.

Now, onto the soundcard side, for firewire, MOTU and RME make the lowest latency soundcards with the best written drivers. They also use their own firewire interface, not relying on third parties like DICE-II or BeBOB
 
1) You need a firewire port. The firewire card does NOT act as a soundcard, it merely receives the digital signal from the mixer/interface and brings it into whatever recording software you are using. It only deals with information.
2) Your firewire mixer, or interface, will act as the soundcard. They act as an external soundcard. It is also to the mixer that you hook up your speakers and monitors, not your computer.


Mike
 
Ok, i'll look for a stricktly firewire card to install in the computer with TI chipset. I think the Alesis multimix uses DICE II. I read someone saying to stay away from DICE II like it is the plague??? I'm assuming they are nothing but trouble? any info on this?

FYI, they do make sound cards that have firewire ports on them, this is what I was talking about. Figured I would upgrade the computer sound card as well (seeing that the basic one, well, is basic).

So once I purchase this firewire card, the multimix 8 mixer will be my control module or sound card and the speakers will go directly into it. Check.

Any recommendations on a good set of speakers for a good price?
 
Yes, your monitors and speakers will go into the mains outs/speaker outs on your mixer.
I have heard nothing good about DICE II firewire chipsets, and I have heard a lot of negative on the MultiMix as well. It doesnt record a dry signal, its post-eq and post-fader, meaning everything you do on the board will be recorded.
Also, it wont act as a "control surface", meaning if you move up a fader on the board it wont move up a fader in the software. If you are recording, and move up a fader, it will record the change in volume though since the signal sent to the computer is post-fader and post-eq.
Id recomend looking into other audio interfaces. How many mics do you need to record?
 
As far as speakers go, if you are serious about recording you'll want to get studio monitors and not computer speakers.
Since your budget is probably tight, Ive heard good things about M-Audios BX5a's, and the Rockit monitors are also getting good reviews.


Mike
 
Mike,

I would love to have 6 XLR and 6 1/4 inch (3 stereo), however, 4 XLR and 4 1/4 inch (2 stereo) would be the minimum I would want to go with.

My big debate right now is do I go with the cheaper Alesis Multimix mixing board (which seems to offer exactly what I want, but I have no experience with this DICE-II protocol), or do I spend a little more and get one of the direct firewire recording devices. I really don't want to spend more than $300 on the sound card, and that is purchasing used on ebay or craigslist.

Thanks for the recommendation on the speakers as well, I will price those out.

- Ray
 
A firepod might be right up your alley and priced right used. Make sure you can test it first though
 
FirePod, now called FP 10x10 is currently on sale at musiciansfriend.com for something like $360 I think.
Oh, heres some links
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product?sku=184131V thats a factory B-stock Firepod
and monitors for $200
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/MAudio-BX5a-70-Watt-Active-Studio-Monitors?sku=603707

Puts you at around $500 for the complete studio (without mics) with 8 indivual XLR preamps, Firewire, and better monitors than Pc speakers.

If you buy used on ebay you should be able to meet your $300 quota.

Mike
 
pipelineaudio said:
OK, still the way you are wording it, I hope you are understanding, but...

A soundcard is EITHER firewire or PCI

If your PC doesnt have a firewire port, then youll need a PCI or PCI firewire card. Not a soundcard, just a firewire card. Just find one with a Texas Instruments Firewire Chip. There are many budget models to chose from with a TI chip, but make 100% absolutely sure it is a TI chip.

Now, onto the soundcard side, for firewire, MOTU and RME make the lowest latency soundcards with the best written drivers. They also use their own firewire interface, not relying on third parties like DICE-II or BeBOB
Click to expand...

Not to derail but this is on-topic. I had a FireWire interface, the adapter I got for my laptop was a TI based adapter and it didn't work. After some tech-support it was determined I should try a VIA card. I got a VIA based adapter and it worked perfectly. I don't understand the chipset/audio card relationship.:confused:
 
VIA is the other one that some manufacturers will suggest, but its usually second choice. Which soundcard was it?
 
The two firewire PCI cards I'm looking to get are Beklin. One is part number F5U501 and one is F5U503. They both claim to use the Texas Instruments chipset. So hopefully one of those two will work. :)
 
Oh, almost forgot, I'm DEFINITELY going with the Presonus Firepod. Thank you guys very much for pointing me in the right direction. This is the perfect interface for us.

Next is monitors, Those BX5a's look really nice. I'll see if I can find a deal on those.

Thanks again!
 
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