Sound Blaster Audigy 2 Platinum

[PABLOCK]

Hi,

I got all the neccessary software (cubase, Cooledit etc.) and I have been recording directly into the front inputs on the sound blaster card which have adjustable gain on them. I was thinking of getting a compressor to help with the vocals (which is what we are mainly doing). Do I still need to get a preamp even though the sound card has its own gain on it? Is a preamp or compressor really neccessary with all the effects and controls that are available for gain control etc. in Cool edit pro 2?

Just want some opinions as I am on a budget.

 

[AllOrNothinEnt]

Let me give you a better option..

M-Audio Delta 410 $116.00 on newegg, much better than a soundblaster.

And yes, you still need a pre-amp if your gonna use a condenser.

 

[AlChuck]

I love how everyone tries to sell you another card the moment you mention "Sound Blaster Live" or "Audigy" around here, even when it's irrelevant to the question being asked. Sometimes they even offer that suggestion and never even answer the actual question.

A compressor works on line level signals. If you want to use a compressor on the vocals before they go into the Audigy's mic preamp, then you will need a external preamp to bring the mic level up to line level so you can run it through the compressor - regardless of whether it's a condensor or a dynamic mic. Then come from the compressor into one of the Line inputs of the card.

A compressor in the front end is not strictly necessary but it can be useful in assuring that you don't clip the inputs on the Audigy's mic preamp while getting the hottest signal that you can into your recording software. But as long as you are happy with the signal you get into Cool Edit, sure, you can use the software compression just fine.

 

[DAFFYDRUNK]

Probably a good idea to get a mic pre,but I've gotten some decent results with the built in mic input... Good enough to play around anyway. Figure an audigy 2 could work as good as my onboard soundstorm, probably better... If you're using a condensor then you have to get a mic pre with phantom power.
I dunno if you need to compress going in though. Guess it depends on how the person sings. I like to use a pop screen and place the mic behind the pop screen about 1 foot away from my mouth. Then adjust the levels while singing the loudest part of whatever I'm singing. (or should I say "trying" to sing)
Compress in software later or record raw signal while monitoring it with a compression plugin if you can. I use acid, so I'm not sure if cubase or cooledit can do realtime dynamics... That way you can tweak it later...

 

[brzilian]

Let me give you a better option..

M-Audio Delta 410 $116.00 on newegg, much better than a soundblaster.

And yes, you still need a pre-amp if your gonna use a condenser.

Ummm - no. The Delta 410 is a discontinued product, that's why its so cheap.

You're wasting money on discontinued hardware because the manufacturer will not support it beyond the current OS version in use (in this case XP).

 

[PABLOCK]

thanks for the replies

As far as sound cards I thought the Audigy 2 platinum series has pretty good sound quality/latency. The only thing Im not happy about is that it is 5.1 surround but will only be 5.1 if your using 5.1 computer speakers the digital out to my home theater will not be in 5.1 but in pro logic


Im really debating this whole preamp/condenser business. I keep hearing that using a condenser can cause more hum or noise on the line even though it makes the voice sound better unless your using a noise gate? From hearing our singing so far I can tell some editing needs to be done for the highs and lows, especially with dual vocals and one of us sounding louder than the other as well as voice irregularities..highs lows. I thought you can preview the changes with cool edit in real time? Is there any condensers and pre amps you guys recommend?