low price soundcards to record guitar?

  • Thread starter Thread starter bball_1523
  • Start date Start date
B

bball_1523

New member
I am wondering what are the better soundcards that are low-cost, that will let me record my electric guitar directly and mic'd on the amp?

I've heard of brands such as M-Audio, Echo Mia, Layla, etc, but I have no clue what to get or what models to look for.

How are the soundblasters for guitar recording?

I am thinking about buying a custom built pc and I want to focus on getting a nice soundcard that won't cost me too much, but will allow me to play and record my guitar directly through the soundcard onto software. I also want my guitar plugins to sound great through the soundcards.

My price range is around $100-200.
 
Avoid the soundblasters.
I've had a Delta 44 came from a Audigy...wow what a difference.

I'm finally going to be moving up from my Delta 44 soon, but just 'cause I want more i/o readily available. And I like the rush I get buying about a grand worth of music related items...

so yeah, if you're going PCI ways, I can stand behind the Delta 44. Not sure how much it is new, but since I'm looking to upgrade, I've stalked ebay to see how they've been going for there and it's around the $100 range. And really, way better than what you'll get from a soundblaster (unless they've released something that actually sounds good in recent year and a half - which I doubt)
 
Nosferous said:
Avoid the soundblasters.
I've had a Delta 44 came from a Audigy...wow what a difference.

I'm finally going to be moving up from my Delta 44 soon, but just 'cause I want more i/o readily available. And I like the rush I get buying about a grand worth of music related items...

so yeah, if you're going PCI ways, I can stand behind the Delta 44. Not sure how much it is new, but since I'm looking to upgrade, I've stalked ebay to see how they've been going for there and it's around the $100 range. And really, way better than what you'll get from a soundblaster (unless they've released something that actually sounds good in recent year and a half - which I doubt)
Click to expand...

will the Delta 44 work good enough with viewing Dvd's, playing games, etc? If not, I was thinking about buying a separate cheaper SB Live card or something just for that if that's even possible...or use my onboard motherboard soundcard.

I'll definitely check out the delta 44. Quick question: do you record guitar directly with the delta 44? If so, how does it sound and have you tried guitar plugins with it?
 
The 44 will work well as an ordinary sound card for dvds etc.
.
It only has line level inputs so It's best to get a preamp or small mixer as well and mic your amp.

It will happily play any plugins you might want to use
 
Bulls Hit said:
The 44 will work well as an ordinary sound card for dvds etc.
.
It only has line level inputs so It's best to get a preamp or small mixer as well and mic your amp.

It will happily play any plugins you might want to use
Click to expand...

does that mean 1/4" inputs? sorry, I've been lacking in my recording terminology lately.
 
bball_1523 said:
will the Delta 44 work good enough with viewing Dvd's, playing games, etc? If not, I was thinking about buying a separate cheaper SB Live card or something just for that if that's even possible...or use my onboard motherboard soundcard.

I'll definitely check out the delta 44. Quick question: do you record guitar directly with the delta 44? If so, how does it sound and have you tried guitar plugins with it?
Click to expand...
I used my audigy and delta 44 in the same machine once, Delta for recording, Audigy for games in surround. But if you're just going to get a regular SB Live then just use the Delta for all audio purposes.

When I record guitar I either:
A) Guitar to VTB-1 pre-amp to Delta 44
B) Guitar to PODxt/VooDu Valve to Delta 44

I used to plug directly into the Delta 44 before the pre and modellers. It's do able- but you're going to want more level.

Guitar plug-ins like "Guitar Rig?"
If so, yes.

I believe there's a Delta Omni version which has pre-amps built in it...probably doesn't go for too much more than the 44 and you'll get that level boost you'll eventually want.
 
Nosferous said:
I used my audigy and delta 44 in the same machine once, Delta for recording, Audigy for games in surround. But if you're just going to get a regular SB Live then just use the Delta for all audio purposes.

When I record guitar I either:
A) Guitar to VTB-1 pre-amp to Delta 44
B) Guitar to PODxt/VooDu Valve to Delta 44

I used to plug directly into the Delta 44 before the pre and modellers. It's do able- but you're going to want more level.

Guitar plug-ins like "Guitar Rig?"
If so, yes.

I believe there's a Delta Omni version which has pre-amps built in it...probably doesn't go for too much more than the 44 and you'll get that level boost you'll eventually want.
Click to expand...

I've got the Omni and am very pleased with it.
 
what if I buy a small mixer, will that work well as a preamp for the delta 44?

How much do Omni's go for?
 
IIRC, the Omni Studio with the Delta66 were on a "blowout" for about $200. Do a search...you might get lucky.
 
hi

does the delta hold up well with overdriven guitars?
(recording direct, or lining out from the amp.)
 
M-Audio Mobilepre... a real no-hassle interface, you can plug your guitar right in...
 
Mo-Kay said:
M-Audio Mobilepre... a real no-hassle interface, you can plug your guitar right in...
Click to expand...

that's way out of my price range.

I'm looking for a preamp that's even less than 100 bucks. As cheap as possible to plug my electric guitar in directly.
 
I hear the audiobuddy has a rhyming word called "muddy."
I've never used the unit, so I can't speak on that with experiance.

If you're not going to get a soundcard with built in pre's I'd start and not waste time by going with a DMP3 or VTB-1 by Studio Projects.

Workable Pre's at good prices.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top