Soundcard Recommendation Needed

[billru44]

Hey,

I am ashamed to admit but i've been recording w/ an Audigy 2ZS. I need a new soundcard w/ improved quality. Any recommendations? My budget is under $200.

I ONLY record guitar. One track at a time..... So, I do not need something w/ many inputs / outputs.

One question: will better soundcards provide better recording sound of distortion? Or is this just a consequence of recording direct?

Thanks

 

[scrubs]

A better soundcard will help you, but recording distorted guitar direct will still sound crappy, imo. I would look into upgrading my amp and getting a mic and preamp to record said amp before upgrading the soundcard (which will eventually be replaced, too). If an amp is not an option, look into a POD, V-Amp, J-Station, SansAmp, or other amp modeler designed for direct recording.

That being said, M-audio makes a great line of pro-sumer soundcards that are great for recording. In the event that you might want to record more than one thing at a time in the future, look into the Delta 44 or Delta 66 cards. They are 4 input (plus the Delta 66 has SPDIF for linking multiple cards and for digital gear). You can find either of these cards on e-bay for around $100, used.

 

[billru44]

Scrubs,

I hear even these amp simulators sound a bit 'fake' sometimes. But, like I said I will NEVER need to record multiple sources at the same time. I like to do it track by track.

How is the Audiophile 2496? Well, perhaps I may move into vocals in the future. I hear the audiophile does not have a 'mic in'. i guess i'd need a mixer? does a mixer server as a pre-amp as well?

 

[scrubs]

Scrubs,

I hear even these amp simulators sound a bit 'fake' sometimes. But, like I said I will NEVER need to record multiple sources at the same time. I like to do it track by track.

How is the Audiophile 2496? Well, perhaps I may move into vocals in the future. I hear the audiophile does not have a 'mic in.' i guess i'd need a mixer? does a mixer server as a pre-amp as well?

I've heard good things about the 2496 and the new Audiophile 192. You're right about the amp simulators. I think they sound crappy, but opinions vary.

Most mixers have built-in mic preamps with phantom power for condenser microphones. Look at the Yamaha MG series or Soundcraft mixers. If you only need one or two channels, you could just get an external preamp instead of a mixer, which will tend to be of better quality than the mixer pres. I would recommend the M-Audio DMP3 or the Studio Projects VTB-1.