Somebody card me...

[sad_analogist]

So, yeah, I'm very new (first post), and very blue (burnt toast), so I thought I would ask for some help...

Basically, I'm going to be recording on my Tascam 424mkiii (once it arrives in the mail) and eventually want to mix down to my PC. I know I will need a new soundcard for this, and was hoping for some suggestions. I'd like something 'decent' (as in it will work without sounding like shimsham), but would prefer to spend $150 or less. Is this an acceptable approach, or should I just stick to cleaning dishes for a living?

Many thanks.

 

[MadAudio]

My reco is the M-Audio Audiophile 24/96.

Welcome to HR! May I see your ID?

 

[sad_analogist]

Thanks for the warm welcome Mad, and thanks also for the prompt recommendation - I've actually managed to find a used one on eBay within Canada (Yep, I'm Canadian), so...neat.

I'll of course take other recommendations if they are out there, but I'm certainly keeping that one in mind.

*bow*

 

[Kevin Deschwazi]

If you just need 2 channels in I'll second MA's suggestion.

Welcome aboard!

 

[Carter]

Yeah the 24/96 is nice, I have two!!!!!

 

[scrubs]

If you'd like to transfer the individual tracks to you computer and mix them there, you could also look into the M-Audio Delta 44 card, with 4 analog inputs.

 

[MadAudio]

If you'd like to transfer the individual tracks to you computer and mix them there, you could also look into the M-Audio Delta 44 card, with 4 analog inputs.

That's assuming the 424mkiii has 4 seperate tape outs, of course.

 

[andyhix]

That's assuming the 424mkiii has 4 seperate tape outs, of course.

It doesn't, but it has 2 fx outs that can bring you up to a total of 4 pretty easily.

 

[andyhix]

So, how easy would installation of either of these cards be into a laptop? I'd be using it for basically the same type of thing mixdown of 424-recorded songs. For $100 it might actually be worth it (or 150 if you don't tell my wife).

 

[Carter]

The 24/96 and the 44 are PCI cards,(44 with a break-out box) so you cant use it in your laptop unless you get a PCI card case (or whatever they call it) to run it in on a serial port on your laptop, which is kinda expensive....100 for the card, 300 to 400 for the case....

 

[LfO]

There's always USB:

http://www.zzounds.com/a--2676837/item--MDOMOBILEPRE

or Firewire:

http://www.zzounds.com/a--2676837/item--MDOFWAP2496

for laptoppers.

 

[andyhix]

There's always USB:

http://www.zzounds.com/a--2676837/item--MDOMOBILEPRE

or Firewire:

http://www.zzounds.com/a--2676837/item--MDOFWAP2496

for laptoppers.

So, any reason why I shouldn't buy the first one listed here? It would seem being USB Driven, that installation would be easy even for a computer dolt like myself, eh? Do you know if you can use all 4 inputs at once - the 2 xlr and 2 line? Or 6, if you include the stereo mic jack?

EDIT - I found the answer to my second q - no, only two channels at a time (you can use all inputs, but they will be mixed indiscriminately down to 2 channels going to the computer).