Help with getting good cheap sound

[fuzzymuzzy]

I have recently purchased a USB to MIDI device to hookup to my ancient keyboard. The problem is it has a very limited selection of sounds so I can't use it to play back things from sibelius or cubase (like the metronome)

Don't want to use microsoft GW synth or whatever as the latency is far too high. So what's the cheapest way to get low latency playback? I would have thought an external audio card but is there any other way?

 

[Masterherm]

Cheap sound card

I have recently purchased a USB to MIDI device to hookup to my ancient keyboard. The problem is it has a very limited selection of sounds so I can't use it to play back things from sibelius or cubase (like the metronome)

Don't want to use microsoft GW synth or whatever as the latency is far too high. So what's the cheapest way to get low latency playback? I would have thought an external audio card but is there any other way?

I have been using a E-mU 0404 with super excellent quality sound.Not only that, I was able to
sync it with my old Layla 20 therefore saving me alot of money .Asio all the way in digital domain.

 

[TimOBrien]

I have recently purchased a USB to MIDI device to hookup to my ancient keyboard. The problem is it has a very limited selection of sounds so I can't use it to play back things from sibelius or cubase (like the metronome)

Don't want to use microsoft GW synth or whatever as the latency is far too high. So what's the cheapest way to get low latency playback? I would have thought an external audio card but is there any other way?

A) Cheapest way is to use soundfonts.

You dont have to have a crappy Soundblaster card to use 'em any more.
Download the FREE vst soundfont player SFZ:
http://www.project5.com/products/instruments/sfz_player/default.asp

Install the dll in your vst-capable sequencer (or use a free-standing vst player like Toybears VST host)

The go get some FREE sounds (soundfonts that is) from hammersound.net or sf2midi.com and load them into SFZ. Instant new sounds.


B) Get a decent soundcard.

Still using a built-in soundcard?? Unfortunately, those are made with less than $1 worth of chips for beeps, boops and light gaming (not to mention cheapness for the manufacturer) and NOT quality music production.
#1 Rule of Recording: You MUST replace the built-in soundcard.
Here's a good guide and tested suggestions: http://www.tweakheadz.com/soundcards_for_the_home_studio.htm

 

[fuzzymuzzy]

Thanks for that Tim I'll give it a shot.

Yeah I'm very well aware of how bad onboard sound cards are for audio recording however the only thing I'm using it for at the moment is for transcribing music to notation and I don't need a great sound, just accuracy.

Thanks again you certainly saved me a couple of hundred bucks!

Murray