Sound cards...?

  • Thread starter Thread starter skeeve
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skeeve

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Hey, I'm a music major in college, I'm about to buy myself a computer, and I'd like to be able to do some decent recordings on it. So my main question is on soundecards. How important is a good sound card?

If I get a decent computer, is the integrated sound system going to be fine, or is an upgrade a must? I'm not looking to record professionally here, just get some of my music recorded so I'm not embarressed to give out a recording. So, on a college student's budget here, is a soundcard something I need to look at imediately, or something that can wait until I start getting more serious with my recordings?

Beyond that, and wisdom on things to look for in a computer for recording would be appreciated.

Thanks alot.
 
Some will argue that you need better than a stock soundcard card but I've heard decent recordings done with a Soundblaster. I say if your soundcard has stereo line in/out and you don't need to record more than 2 tracks at a time, you can spend your money now on decent mics and preamps and upgrade the soundcard later.
 
skeeve said:
So my main question is on soundecards. How important is a good sound card?
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that depends on how important your recordings are to you...

skeeve said:
If I get a decent computer, is the integrated sound system going to be fine, or is an upgrade a must?
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I wouldn't even consider using the integrated sound card if you plan to distribute your recordings. A cheap alternative is the M-audio Audiophile 2496

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/MAudio-Audiophile-2496-PCI-Digital-Audio-Card?sku=701341


I think there is still an M-audio DMP3 for sale in the Ad's section of the board...if so, you should consider that as well....I think he is asking just over $100 for it and it is almost a MUST have for a beginner...

so there is a pretty good start for you at only $200...spend another $100 on a mic and start recording....
 
EddieRay said:
Some will argue that you need better than a stock soundcard card but I've heard decent recordings done with a Soundblaster. I say if your soundcard has stereo line in/out and you don't need to record more than 2 tracks at a time, you can spend your money now on decent mics and preamps and upgrade the soundcard later.
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but why spend money on a decent pre and mic when your soundcard isnt capable of converting to a decent digital signal? If you have $1000 mic and pre....you will still only get $50 sound from your soundblaster....

Id put more faith into an SM57, a DMP3 and a $100 converter than I would a U87, an avalon, and a soundblaster.......everyday of the week and twice on Sundays....
 
thajeremy said:
but why spend money on a decent pre and mic when your soundcard isnt capable of converting to a decent digital signal? If you have $1000 mic and pre....you will still only get $50 sound from your soundblaster....

Id put more faith into an SM57, a DMP3 and a $100 converter than I would a U87, an avalon, and a soundblaster.......everyday of the week and twice on Sundays....
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Like I said, I've heard some decent recordings done with a SB so I just don't believe they are as incapable as you say. Granted, the guitar player was top-notch and it was recorded it a good room with good stuff in the signal chain. The point is if all he's lacking is a mic and preamp, he can fill that void and start now, then upgrade later if he decides to stick to it.
 
guess we just need to know what kind of budget he is working with.....
 
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