Recommendations for recording stuff...

  • Thread starter Thread starter MadStrum!
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MadStrum!

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I only need to record one source at a time, and I currently have a Soundblaster value live, which I may upgrade to an Soundblaster Audigy (it's 24bit rite?) ... but what is troubling me is that it seems that I need a preamp to boost the signal from my passive guitar pickup or microphone before it reaches the soundcard...
Other than getting a mixer, is there any other cheaper solution?

Thanks.

Pier.
 
The hoontech SoundTrack Audio DSP24 Value looks good... but does it come with onboard preamps? Or do I STILL have to buy a mixer ? :(

Pier.
 
if you are looking to record some electric guitar direct on a pc, get the GuitarPort...It's a no-brainer.....Vocals are a different thing.
 
I need to record vocals as well....
The Peavy RQ200 mixer seems to be the cheapest mixer I can find... does it have preamps built in? (or do all mixers do?) Pardon me, I'm new to all this..

Pier.
 
Pretty much all mixers have preamps built in. If you do not need all of the inputs, because you are only doing one track at a time, you could buy a standalone pre and spend less money
 
Can you give some examples of standalone preamps? (brand)
Also, where do I stick the preamp to? The line-in of the soundblaster live or the mic-in?
I don't seem to be able to hear my guitar when I stick the passive pick-up into the line-in? Is this normal? I can only get it to work with the mic-in... does anyone with the sblive have this problem?
I know it's a lot of questions... thanks a lot.

Pier.
 
First thing first, forget the Audigy and get yourself a Audiophile2496! remember... forget the Audigy!! :)

for preamp, you have a wide range to choose from, depending on your budget.... good choice would be Audiobuddy, DMP3, MQ3...

Lastly, forget the Audigy!!!!!!!!!!!!! :)
 
Is the Audigy that bad? I need a all-round soundcard because recording is not the only thing I do on my computer.... I play games, transfer video from camcorders(which I need the firewire on the audigy for) and program...

Pier.
 
"Is the Audigy that bad?"

Nah, I don't think so. It should be able to put a smile on your face after done recording/mixing your very own music. Although Audiophile is better for recording, Audigy will do the job. I would get a preamp for your guitar/vocal first, and then once your ears have developed to be pickier(?) or you have more money, you can then consider upgrading your soundcard.
oh, speaking of upgrading, you really should think about how many inputs you are gonna need in the long run. I bought my Audiophile while thinking indiffrerntly, "sh*t, I am only gonna play one instrument at a time anyways" but then there came my synth, which takes 2 ins, and then all these ways of micing a single guitar with many mics. and THEN a drummer stepped in and went, "mic my kit".....so, you know how that goes.

good luck, it took me at least 20 hrs of researching when purchasing my first soundcard. I say save that 20 hrs now and enjoy what you already got.
 
and to answer your earlier question, don't use the mic input of the souncard. It probably has a 1/4" stereo jack for a line-level input. after you get your signal up to line level (via a preamp of any sort), that's the input you want to use. the home pages of this website offer some tips on turning your computer into a recording platform - go check that out.
 
AlChuck

Just to mention a point I'm surprised that no one already did here, but be aware that the Audigy plays back 24-bit files but does not record 24-bit.
 
Dude Madstrum!
If you are on a tight budget you might as well stick to the SBLIVE card you already have. I connected my guitar amp earphone 'out' to the SBLIVE input directly. Yes, it will add some noise and the overall recording quality will suck on SBLIVE.
If you can afford the AUDIGY then get a MIA(< $199.00). I currently use M-Audio OMNI/Delta-66. I got this package for $400.00. It comes with a breakout box with built in preamps. It will be the best solution for an affordable home recording.

Good luck ;)
 
I have an M-Audio Delta 1010 on my system AND an SBlive. Now, I know I'll probably catch shit for this, but, I don't think sound recording wise the SBlive sucks that bad. I get better sounding tracks with that than my Roland VS-880. Not as good as the 1010, but it's not like comparing a transistor radio speaker with a Bose surround system.

I would recommend the Audio Buddy even though I don't have one, for a few of reasons.
1. Their preamps have been compared with the Mackie VLZ's (I own 2 1202's) in a positive way.
2. Price.
3. M-Audio makes good cheap stuff.
 
MadStrum! said:
Is the Audigy that bad?
Click to expand...

not really, I am using a SB live myself....

just that I think for a little extra you can get something so much better... :)

I just got the Audiophile myself yesterday. :)
 
Well, I live in Singapore, and I can't really find the audiophille anyway.... is hoontech a good brand?

Pier.
 
MadStrum! said:
Well, I live in Singapore, and I can't really find the audiophille anyway.... is hoontech a good brand?

Pier.
Click to expand...

no kidding!? I got my audiophile from S'pore... :) go to www.sinamex.com , their showroom is in ParkLane Mall.... the Audiophile is retail at S$347... you should expect a 10%discount. ;)
 
Just bought an M-Audio Audiophile 2496 at Guitar Center this weekend - $150. That's cheaper than any online store I found. I had been using the SB Live before this and so far the Audiophile seems to be worth every cent I payed for it. I just blows the SB away not only with clear sound and less noise, but my apps are running better and with less dropouts. It breathed some new life into my aging PII-400.
 
Leeking said:


no kidding!? I got my audiophile from S'pore... :) go to www.sinamex.com , their showroom is in ParkLane Mall.... the Audiophile is retail at S$347... you should expect a 10%discount. ;)
Click to expand...

Hey, good to see a fellow Singaporean here....
What exactly is the audiophile for ? how many inputs does it have..... do you stick one input for each channel on the mixer to an individual input on the card.... or do you mix the signal into one line before sticking it into the card's input?

Sorry ah, a bit confusing... hope u understand...

Pier.
 
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