Internal Soundcard?...or Audio Interface?__Any Advice?

[nervx]

Hi -- I'm hoping someone will take mercy on this newbie, and offer some input to help me get started on my project.

I'm finally taking the plunge into computer recording, and have been pouring over catalogs, online info (yes, I read the tweakheadz info!), and anything else I can find to gain info on the subject. That said, I'm still uncertain as to what would be a good solution to my particular recording needs, considering my computer system and budget. Can someone possibly offer input on this?

Here's what I have: PC running Windows XP Service Pack 3, Athlon 2200 processor (single core I believe), 1 gig RAM, useless soundcard. I just purchased an M-Audio KeyRig49 which I cannot get to work, apparently because my soundcard sucks. I will likely be using Reaper or Audacity…or one of the programs that comes with whatever I buy next (Ableton Live Lite 6 came with the M-Audio, but seems kind of useless considering it's limitations). I also have a Fostex MR-8 mkII multi-track recorder (this is what I have been using up to now). I have Roland DS-90A monitors.

I need to record drums (Roland V-Drum kit), keys, vocals, and electric guitars. Only need 2 tracks at a time, right now. So….I guess I need midi, mic preamps, 1/4" inputs, spdif would be nice (being as I have done some field recordings with MD) but not necessary. I started out looking at audio interfaces, but after doing some reading, I have been considering an internal soundcard with break-out box/cables instead. Have not been able to find one with combo I need yet, in my price range…..which is $250 or less (preferably less). I want to create decent sounding demos, at minimum, for use on myspace etc.

I have been looking at M-Audio cards…..like maybe:

*Delta 66 6-in/6-out Audio Card (or maybe the 44 to save $$)....heard this is a great card, but does not have midi or mic preamps. Could add M-Audio Audio Buddy Microphone Preamp maybe? but still, no midi. :-(

*Delta 1010-LT PCI Digital Audio System.....but, I was hoping for 1/4" inputs. Would I just use adaptor?

*US41750 Audiophile 192 Hi-def Aud Card

Am I on the right track (so to speak!)? Suggestions for other solutions? Trying to find something that is most likely to work with XP, and not have latency issues, etc.

Thanks to all and happy recording!

 

[BeyondClarity]

What type of microphones will you be using? If you're going to be using condenser mics, you'll need something with phantom power.

Also, preamps are very important! Don't skimp on these.

My suggestion would be M-Audio DMP3 and an Audiophile 2496. Which will give you
- 2 great preamps
- 2 inputs
- Phantom power
- SPDIF
- Midi in/out

And those funky VU meters on the DMP3 are always a bonus

 

[dgatwood]

I tend to recommend against the PCI offerings from M-Audio (and anybody else, really) because they're basically non-updated old tech (we're talking mid-1990s converters and analog components here) and IMHO, the sound quality isn't nearly as good as the current USB or FireWire gear (even from M-Audio). It just sounds rather muddy, and generally lacking in clarity.

I'd suggest spending the extra few bucks for something designed this millennium. Your recordings will thank you.

Oh, and also avoid the MobilePre. Its phantom power has issues... like massively under the normal voltage.

Maybe an M-Audio Fast Track Pro, a Roland FA-66, or an Edirol UA-25.

 

[wheelema]

Hi -- I'm hoping someone will take mercy on this newbie, and offer some input to help me get started on my project...

The 1010LT is (relatively) cheap, has two extremely decent preamps (this is subjective but it will drive a Shure SM7B and not all pres can), sits on the PCI buss (fast) and has a boatload of I/O. On the flip side it's ugly (I hate that unorganized nest of cables), has no external controls, and is (somewhat) old tech. Personally I don't sneer at 90's tech just because it's 90's tech. The brand new shi... uh... stuff made in 2010 for the 'new millennium' is often just as buggy as stuff made in 1960. People are people are people and I haven't seen any wetware upgrades in them over the last fifty years.

I tend to avoid FireWire because for some reason it always bites me, and if you don't have FireWire (1394) on the motherboard (and I suspect you don't) then it's even more problematic using an expansion card. Keep in mind that I operate in the PC Universe and FireWire isn't the same problem child in the Mac Universe.

I would not ask what TO buy, I'd find a selection of offerings that meet my requirements and then ask what NOT TO buy. Keep in mind that no matter WHAT you put up for comments SOMEONE is going to hate it, ALWAYS! So take what you hear with a grain (or two) of salt, close your eyes, and roll the die.

Good luck.

 

[nodoubt45]

The 1010LT is (relatively) cheap, has two extremely decent preamps (this is subjective but it will drive a Shure SM7B and not all pres can), sits on the PCI buss (fast) and has a boatload of I/O. On the flip side it's ugly (I hate that unorganized nest of cables), has no external controls, and is (somewhat) old tech. Personally I don't sneer at 90's tech just because it's 90's tech. The brand new shi... uh... stuff made in 2010 for the 'new millennium' is often just as buggy as stuff made in 1960. People are people are people and I haven't seen any wetware upgrades in them over the last fifty years.

I tend to avoid FireWire because for some reason it always bites me, and if you don't have FireWire (1394) on the motherboard (and I suspect you don't) then it's even more problematic using an expansion card. Keep in mind that I operate in the PC Universe and FireWire isn't the same problem child in the Mac Universe.

I would not ask what TO buy, I'd find a selection of offerings that meet my requirements and then ask what NOT TO buy. Keep in mind that no matter WHAT you put up for comments SOMEONE is going to hate it, ALWAYS! So take what you hear with a grain (or two) of salt, close your eyes, and roll the die.

Good luck.

yeah im still happy with my OLD, MUDDY, delta 1010 i bought back in 2000 or so... 2 FUNNY......

 

[Vadim]

yeah im still happy with my OLD, MUDDY, delta 1010 i bought back in 2000 or so... 2 FUNNY......

If using it strictly for audio it is great. But it uses "DirectMusic" MIDI drivers instead of "WindowsMIDI", i didn't relise it would be a problem, untill I hooked up MOTIF-ES to my DAW and realized how bad the MIDI driver on 1010LT was... (even though I was using Motif's usb port the timing was still messed up...)

 

[nervx]

Thanks for the responses everyone! Much appreciated.

I'm still very uncertain regarding which direction to go in, however. Anyone have any further advice?

I actually have two more questions, somewhat different from the thread topic, so I will post a new thread for each, so that future info seekers can find more easily.....

 

[futuredays]

My recommendation is the same as post #2: M-Audiophile 2496 and the DMP-3. I actually used this combination (with Reaper) and it worked very well (until my computer died due to unrelated reasons). The Audiophile has a strong rep for being absolutely solid and you really can't go wrong with it. You won't have any problems with latency. The DMP-3 is a decent 2 channel preamp.

I see from your other thread that you are investigating USB interfaces. I urge you to stick with PCI options - it's faster, more reliable. (I am glad that you asked your question about USB 1.1 vs 2.0 - I am curious to hear the replies.)