New to home recording: soundcards?

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disslunker

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So, I recently purchased a Rolls GCi404 audio interface, with the intention of recording amazing experimental music, ranging from stuff like Papa M and Sparklehorse, to stuff like Animal Collective or My Bloody Valentine

(note: This isn't just a chance for me to name-drop super hip indie bands. I just want it to be known what kind of stuff i'm going for.)

I have two unidirectional audio technia dynamic mics, one AKG condenser mic, two amps, two acoustic guitars, three electric guitars, about 12 effect pedals, an electronic drum set and a lot of hope. So i'm pretty much set to record!!...

my soundcard (creative soundblaster 32) apparently distorts..everything.


so, what kind of soundcard would be good for recording mainly acoustic effects-laden music?

my price range is like $250 max, but i guess that's negotiable.

any recommendations? thanks in advance.
 
but, you see, I already own this so I really only need a good soundcard rather than another audio interface..

thanks though
 
The Audiophile IS a soundcard.

Your Rolls is not really an interface, it does not dump digital data into the computer. It is really only a bay-mounted mixer than presents the sound to a soundcard.
 
That Rolls would even call that a "computer interface" is pretty misleading.

And really, aren't a soundcard and an audio interface the same thing?
 
Terratec phase 22

I have both an M-Audio 2496 and one of the new Terratec Phase 22
cards. They are very similar in price and function. The one thing I
prefer about the the Phase 22 is that it uses balanced audio in/outs.

They are both the same price now.

Hope that helps, John
 
okay, i am fine with the fact that the Rolls isnt a 'true' audio interface, or whatever.

Honestly, I would just like to plug my guitar and mics into the thing and not have it all distorted sounding. I really would not like to buy a sound card with all the inputs that I already have with the Rolls GCi404 - it seems like a waste of money.

so really, what I want is just a semi good soundcard that won't distort the sound coming from my rolls. is there anyway i could purchase this without paying for the 'audio interface' portion of it, such as all the mic inputs, 1/8" inputs, etc.?

should my soundblaster already be able to process the mic sound and guitar sound without distorting it, and maybe i'm just not adjusting the levels correctly?


on the otherhand, would using the Rolls along with one of the soundcard mentioned above be pointless? did i waste money in buying the Rolls, is what i am asking.
 
diss - no disrespect but i would have set things up like this.....
INPUT...mics >>>yamaha mg mixer (for example)>>>>phase or delta soundcard(for example) inputs
OUTPUT...soundcard line out>>>>monitoring (eg phones, spkrs etc)
if you want a nice sequewncer check out the laptop thread.
i dont want to retype.
 
disslunker said:
... would using the Rolls along with one of the soundcard mentioned above be pointless? did i waste money in buying the Rolls, is what i am asking.
Click to expand...
I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but I wouldn't have bought the Rolls.
You would do better off with even a Yamaha MG102 and the Audiophile.
Maybe you can pawn the Rolls off on somebody. Though you may find joy with just a better soundcard. The AWE32 is pretty dated.
 
crankz1 said:
I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but I wouldn't have bought the Rolls.
You would do better off with even a Yamaha MG102 and the Audiophile.
Maybe you can pawn the Rolls off on somebody. Though you may find joy with just a better soundcard. The AWE32 is pretty dated.
Click to expand...

ugh. i bought the Rolls because it was recommended by my girlfriends cousin who produces music out of his apartment (great sounding btw).

well, i'll probably just purchase the Audiophile (a few people i know have recommended it as well) and see how that works out with my Rolls.

Thanks to everyone for all yr help!
I'm not sure if i came off sounding impatient or ungrateful - i'm neither lol.
honestly thanks.
 
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