Is buying recording hardware really necessary for a windows 7 system?

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rokinrandy

rokinrandy

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I finally upgraded from Xp home, pentium 4 ,With a couple 2 or 3 mb of ram to a New Windows 7 64 bit OS, with a pentium i7,And 16 mb of ddr3 ram...

I do have the Maudio delta 66 card with omni breakout But it's pci No slots for pci on the new machine ,just pci-e on the new system..

See,,My dads Machine is messed up so I gave him the old xp system..
I just play guitar,do some vocals and use vst's for drums or anything else to make it sound like a real rock band...

I'm not a full blown record producer and not trying to be ..Just a musician that likes some good demo's here and there.Real good Demos would be Nice..
This new computer is fast and powerful enough to make that happen with the Native instruments and the toontrack stuff that I own..
The older xp would fart out using all that stuff at one point or the other..
The new system runs so good That I Even thought about buying the new Sonar package or Reaper for this bad boy..

But As I learn my way around windows 7 I'm wondering do I really need to buy some sort of interface or card to do vocals or anything with mics??
And if so what are the logical picks these days..

I went to zzounds and MF and did not see pci-e recording cards..But seen a few usb toys...

I guess I could fix his computer and get my old one back,All he wants to do is check e-mail and collect coins..But that could be a month or 3..

What would you guys do if you were me??
I guess I could spend 400 bucks on something but cheaper is always better...
Not sure if I like the M audio fast track stuff or not..plastic..ehh..

I've heard of people using 2 seperate computers to make 1 whole D.A.W.S...But never thought I would be looking into the possibilitie of owning a setup like that..I wouldn't know where to start..I wonder if that would even be necessary..If it is than so be it,,Wow sucks to be me with all this work ahead..

So whats the Bomb deal out there these days?
Been out the loop for a while because of that slow machine..
Bout time I did something that sounds better now that there's no excuses Thanks for any help in advanced,RR
 
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Yeah, I think an interface is the best route to go.

I don't know much about PCI stuff, but I do know that USB equipment isn't highly desired for recording.
Especially mics, as you can't get playback if your mic is set up as your interface.

Tascam stuff is awesome. And you're already familiar with Native Instruments, so you know how good their stuff is. They have an interface as well, the Komplete Audio 6. But it's a bit limited. only 4 inputs, and 2 preamps. I hear the converters and preamps that are in there are great though.
 
I assume they make pci-e fire wire cards..I don't really want USB..I have some Cheap edirols for monitor..But I,m considering good headphones and an amp for close acurate monitoring and mixing ..And just getting my PA speakers that I already own for all around blasting,jamming or whatever else..

Guess I'll look at the focusrite..I haven't seen any interface at NI that would suit me yet..I mean unless I was a DJ or something,unless I'm missing something..Thanks guess It's time to start shopping.
 
With new devices and new computers there's nothing wrong with USB audio interfaces - note however, that some audio interfaces that use USB 2.0 have been known to have problem with USB 3.0 computer inputs.
 
Am I missing something here? What does the OS have to do with recording hardware?

The answer is yes.
 
james@refinery said:
I would definitely consider buying an external interface. You don't have to invest a lot of money, there are some great pieces of kit out there. Focusrite do some nice entry level gear, the scarlet series or saffire.

If your new motherboard has firewire I recommend using an interface that supports it. From personal experience I had a lot of trouble with USB interfaces generating pops and clicks.

This could have been an isolated incident though.

I'm not sure what you monitor back through but If you are using desktop speakers I would also consider getting some monitoring speakers. The KRK Rokit series is a good buy for the price and you will probably be able to get them second hand cheap.

Hope that helps!
Click to expand...

Just for a bit of clarification, USB is not typically the cause of 'pops and clicks' It is more associated with CPU allocation, and or latency (buffer) settings. Also, USB does not play well with other devices on the same controller. This is a use, and setup error in most cases. It is kinda lame, that manufacturers of USB devices, tend not to tell you that you really need an isolated USB2.0 hub to run a 4+ input channel interface. Took me a while to figure that one out.....
 
james@refinery said:
I would definitely consider buying an external interface. You don't have to invest a lot of money, there are some great pieces of kit out there. Focusrite do some nice entry level gear, the scarlet series or saffire.

If your new motherboard has firewire I recommend using an interface that supports it. From personal experience I had a lot of trouble with USB interfaces generating pops and clicks.

This could have been an isolated incident though.

I'm not sure what you monitor back through but If you are using desktop speakers I would also consider getting some monitoring speakers. The KRK Rokit series is a good buy for the price and you will probably be able to get them second hand cheap.

Hope that helps!
Click to expand...

Just for a bit of clarification, USB is not typically the cause of 'pops and clicks' It is more associated with CPU allocation, and or latency (buffer) settings. Also, USB does not play well with other devices on the same controller. This is a use, and setup error in most cases. It is kinda lame, that manufacturers of USB devices, tend not to tell you that you really need an isolated USB2.0 hub to run a 4+ input channel interface. Took me a while to figure that one out.....
 
jimmys69 said:
Just for a bit of clarification, USB is not typically the cause of 'pops and clicks' It is more associated with CPU allocation, and or latency (buffer) settings. Also, USB does not play well with other devices on the same controller. This is a use, and setup error in most cases. It is kinda lame, that manufacturers of USB devices, tend not to tell you that you really need an isolated USB2.0 hub to run a 4+ input channel interface. Took me a while to figure that one out.....
Click to expand...

Does that mean a separately purchased hub or a certain computer port of its own?
 
A hub, just running off an existing USB port, would still be sharing the same controller. A PCIe card, or such, would be needed to have isolated connection to the interface. I purchased a $18 3.0 one for my old Dell desktop, that solved the connection problem. On my recording computer, I run my interface via the 3.0 port, and everything else, including external audio drive, off the 2.0 ones. If I run the interface on the 2.0 ports, I have immediate connection problems (dropouts). As I recently found, 3.0 is not completely backward compatible with all USB2.0 devices. The Tascam US800 would not be recognized by W7, via 3.0 port.
 
Hey Jimmy,
So you are saying in order to use USB hassle and pop free that I Should buy this device to isolate a 2.0 usb hub Like this device;
Z-TEK HUB(with power supply) USB2.0 7 port HUB [370] - US$33.99 : Best In China Online Shop

And than it should be good to go,Smooth sailing after I hook that up,,Correct?

And my system has this: 16 GB of DDR 3 ,A pentium i7 2600 CPU @ 3.40 ; under the hood.. Should that be enough CPU for the CPU allocation, and or latency issues?
 
From what I can tell, no. That is just a powered extension hub that will run off the same controller. I worded incorrectly above. You need to run a separate controller, directly from MOBO.

Something more like THIS is what I'm talking about. Man, prices have gone up. Mine was $16 at Micro Center...
 
So do you think The USB pci-e card with USB interfaces hooked up correctly are just as good as firewire interfaces with the firewire pci-e card for an isolated 1394 hub?
If so my buying descision will be much much easier..

I'm wondering if I gave the Fast Track a fair Chance now..Perhaps If I would have used that Card I would've had a better experience..

I'm assuming this isolation issue is why people are recommending the firewire card...I have a lot of extra USB cables but no 1394 chords at all..
I'm really thinking about selling my M audio pci delta 66 omni package and going for something descent,I've been told to keep it around though.


Thanks for the help everyone by the way..
 
rokinrandy said:
Ok,,I'm wondering if I gave the Fast Track a fair Chance now..Perhaps If I would have used that Card I would've had a better experience..

I'm assuming this is why people are recommending the firewire card...I have a lot of extra USB cables but no 1394 chords at all..
I'm really thinking about selling my M audio pci delta 66 omni package and going for something descent,I've been told to keep it around though.

So do you think The USB pci-e card with USB interfaces hooked up correctly are just as good as firewire interfaces with the firewire pci-e card for an isolated 1394 hub?
If so my buying descision will be much much easier..

Thanks for the help everyone by the way..
Click to expand...

Absolutely man. Firewire is being phased out. Can't even find a laptop with them anymore. My new MOBO for the i7 doesn't have one either.

I run an older Tascam US1641 via the USB 3.0 port on my newest desktop. Same when I had the old dual core dell, that I added the PCIe card to. Absolutely no connection problems. The Dell however, did have a buttload of problems regarding bloatware and use of the AMD dual core processor. I finally got it setup to run fairly well, then the hard drive crashed during a session. I vowed to never have that happen again, so I built a monster PC for about $1200, including RAID1 setup, so I don't have to go through the nightmare of installing/registering all my software again. Also added an external audio drive, as well as an addition external to back up the other. Nothing sucks worse than losing files due to a drive crash. Well, maybe not having an interface work properly. :/ That has been easy for me since I figured out the USB communication problem. Even a wireless mouse, can mess with a USB interface connection. USB is pretty much a one purpose gateway, when involving streaming audio. Firewire could candle more at once, but no better as far as quality of signal.

USB 2.0 is where the interface manufacturers are at now. I haven't even heard of a USB 3.0 interface yet. Probably because there isn't a reason for it as of now. 16 individual tracks at once, works perfectly for me at this point. Not sure that USB 2.0 cant handle more. Keep in mind, that USB 1.0 can, as far as I know, only do 2 tracks at once. Sometimes, reviews and conversations about USB, can be confused with the older version.

USB2.0 interface, adequate multi core CPU, a separate audio drive, optimize your PC for recording, and delegated USB controller for the interface, will get you running smooth. On my current system, I can record new tracks, to a 40+ track project, with a buttload of VST's, as well as VSTi's, with less than 8ms of latency, while monitoring from my DAW (Cubase 6). I never have problems anymore. Life is good! :)
 
Alright Thanks..Good Answer..That is the reason I posted in Windows 7 64..Basicaly the only way i knew how to ask and phase out confusion with the older stuff..
I'm glad you are able to get something out of a usb unit..You may help a lot of people save a few bucks with this info,plus help the companies that are trying to sell the stuff.Guess I'll post back after I buy another interface and share the help:listeningmusic:
 
Well, the only real way to find out what actually works, is to try. This site alone has probably saved me thousands, by knowing what to use to start the trying process. Of course, then I spent thousands more to get what I really want. Double edged sward it seems. lol.

There is a bunch of crap info to be found on the internet. Most of it seems to me, to be people who haven't a clue, giving uneducated reviews about gear/software they do not know how to use or setup. 99% of issues are due to incorrect drivers, and basic understanding that most consumer PC's, without proper optimization for recording, can have severe issues keeping up. It would be nice if there were a perfect answer to every question/gear selection/OS setup, but this is just not really possible. Each DAW, OS, interface, software, mic, preamp, etc..........., has it's own unique issues. It takes conversations with users of each, to get even close to finding any of the answers. Thankful for this forum for that!

I myself do not claim to be a guru, I just share my experiences, in hopes that others won't have to waste time and money like I have in the past. I now have finally found my own nirvana, and life is good. :D

Jimmy
 
Yep!

You just gotta try.
Nothing happens from sitting around and talking about it.
In my experience- I have a computer with all the RAM in the world, and a br00tal AMD CPU... but my computer kept crashing on start-up. I reinstalled everything, only to find out that my crashing was happening because of a bum CPU fan that AMD had included with the new CPU :eek:
Never would have expected a brand new fan that they included with the cpu to be the problem, but it was! I'm also finding out that my other problems are probably happening due to my PSU and harddrive doing too much!
Not my interface, DAW, or anything else someone would expect.

Listen to Jimmy! He's responsible for more interface purchases around here than anyone else!
 
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kidkage said:
Yep!

You just gotta try.
Nothing happens from sitting around and talking about.
In my experience. I have a computer with all the RAM in the world, and a br00tal AMD CPU... but my computer kept crashing on start-up. I reinstalled everything, only to find out that my crashing was happening because of a bum CPU fan that AMD had included with the new CPU :eek:
Never would have expected a brand new fan that they included with the cpu to be the problem, but it was! I'm also finding out that my other problems are probably happening due to my PSU and harddrive doing too much!
Not my interface, DAW, or anything else someone would expect.

Listen to Jimmy! He's responsible for more interface purchases around here than anyone else!
Click to expand...

That's the kind of bs that leaves individual users, blaming the wrong source of problems. Glad you figured out you issue kid. That would be almost impossible to diagnose, even in a forum.

Responsible? For interface purchases? lol! I can only give advice based upon my own personal experiences. Mine happen to be mostly with the Tascam US line. I have had nothing but great results from mine. Almost all other users of the 1641 or 1800 (same basic animal) have had the same positive results. At the same time, there is banter on the internet regarding it being useless. Mostly, simple misunderstanding of how it all works, causes blame of one device. But, as kid as shown, it could come down to one link of your hardware, or setup of it, that causes things not to work.
 
Thanks everyone for the help and taking time to do so..
Kiddage,MJ,Jimmy

I've been asked why don't I keep the M audio delta around and buy a power amp for my mixer and hook it all up for a recording slash live rig and use the new computer together..Sounds like a good Idea,Good way to have the acoustics and other guitars ready to go through one amp not to mention..Not to mention I could cut out a whole band if I wanted to.

But the old system just can't handle all that cpu from NI and EZ Drums or the latency of playing vsti..Audio is not an issue though..

I think I might take that advice and just apply it all to my new computer if it's at all possible..But that won't leave much of a reason to keep the pentium 4 computer and delta omni studio around,,unless there is any suggestions on what I should do with it.Any feedback on that I dea would be nice too..

I've been busy all week so I haven't bought anything yet..I'm fixing to go shopping again as soon as I post this..But I have a few different ones to look at and I'll post my descision right before I buy it and wait to see if I get any feedback...
 
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