New Computer -what Card?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Azimuth
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Azimuth

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OK, after years of procrastination I am finally buying a new computer for the family. Of course, because I'm involved in the purchase we're getting nice stuff (AMD Athalon XP 1900) and now I'm contemplating the soundcard. While I do all of my recording and editing with a Roland VS2480 now I thought I might as well be prepared to use my new PC as well to improve my musical possibilities.

Creative makes their Soundblaster Audigy Platinum EX with alot of bundled software (Acid 2.0, Cubasis VST, Fruityloops, etc...) and a decent interface that seems like it would work well with my 2480 but I really don't have a clue. Have any of you used this card and it's breakout box? Is there another card in the $250 price range or similar I should look at? What about the RPC-1 (think that's what it's called)card made to work with R-Bus and the 2480 -how much is that and do I need it instead or as well? Please help me out here as I'd like to avoid wasting my money.

I don't need alot of ins and outs -I've got the 2480 for that. Just looking for a good soundcard and some software to do some work with specific tracks, etc...

Thanks a million!

Azimuth
 
First be aware that the Audigy is really only at 16-bit/48kHz card. They only claim to PLAYBACK 24-bit files. If you're going to be doing mostly MIDI, that's OK.... just be aware that you are not buying a real 24-bit card.

Second.... whatever you decide to get MAKE SURE that the soundcard supports and is known to work with your motherboard and processor. Many manufacturers will post what they know is compatible on their websites or you can email them. Sometimes buying the latest-and-greatest means you are actually an alpha or beta tester if the company hasn't had a chance to get its hands on your spanking-new PC.

Good luck!
 
For audio I would rather buy the M-Audio Audiophile 2496. You get real 24bit recoding, 2 INs, MIDI ports and it is only $160.

Creative Labs are clueless right now and keep putting out products with identity crises. The try to do too many thngs and end up doing them badly. Their support sucks too. Their site is always slow and the fileserver with driver updates crashes all the time.
 
M-Audio Audiophile 2496

Can you give a UK website for looking at the M-Audio Audiophile 2496 Card; for purchasing etc.
 
Pick up the Future Music magazine. Its a british publication and would have tons of local vendors...
 
Seem's like i am in the same boat. I purchased an audigy player, being homer's long lost brother i didn't check up properly and was horrified to discover no live drive. So i got a refund, but now i am stuck wether to get the platinum card or not. Having tested the card (audigy) music wise, i found very little wrong with it, play back was amazing, but i didn't get chance to record with it, hence the doubts now.

So i am stuck, however having read the reviews, i think i am going to go for the platinum, for a few reasons, one being versatility, the other being availability, and the last being cost!

At the end of the day, if its awful, i will send it back with the 14 day guarantee, and i will tell you all what i think as soon as i get the card.

regards

aL
 
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