Starting with some basics

T

Take Two

New member
I asked some questions yesterday (all right, last night, and I had just found this BBS) and I'd like those of you who enjoy helping out newcomers to shed a little light.

My basic questions are:

the cost, abilities, and compatibility issues for sound cards

connectivity issues for preamps

input/output modes for soundcards and preamps

Here is a link to my first post:

https://homerecording.com/bbs/showthread.php?s=&threadid=90063
 
Take Two said:
I asked some questions yesterday (all right, last night, and I had just found this BBS) and I'd like those of you who enjoy helping out newcomers to shed a little light.

My basic questions are:

the cost, abilities, and compatibility issues for sound cards

connectivity issues for preamps

input/output modes for soundcards and preamps

Here is a link to my first post:

https://homerecording.com/bbs/showthread.php?s=&threadid=90063
Click to expand...
Soundcards come in a variety of flavors. Internal PCI cards, some with breakout boxes. Anywhere from 2 to 10 ins and outs. Some with built in pre-amps. Prices range from $100 to a couple thousand. The number of ins and outs and quality of the AD/DA converters, etc.. dictate the price.
Most cards today are compatible with all OS's and recording software. Some cards come bundled with software.
Ooopps...gotta go , get back to you later
 
Thanks, I'm looking forward to the next "installment".

Specifically, here is what I have in mind (as if no one has wanted this, right?):

I'd like to spend no more than $300 for the mic and the sound card/interface.

I expect a decent mic (condenser) will require a preamp and phantom power. Someone suggested a "tube mic" and from what I have read today, that suggests a mic with a tube built into the microphone, which also requires a power supply.
I'm allowing another $100 for the preamp.

Cords, a pop screen, and a mic stand with boom: another $75.

I'd like to hear some specific names and models that come close to this set of specs, those that some of you may already know will work together from your experience. The software will be Cool Edit Pro 2.1

There are so many choices, I'm having trouble keeping it all straight.
 
I would definately consider the m-audio series or delta series cards/interfaces. They have proven reliability. I used an AP2496 for a couple years and was quite satisfied with it.
Perhaps the omni studio would be a good choice with built in pre-amps. Or the audio buddy preamps are good as well. I mention the above because cost is an issue for you.
As far as mics., Im not a specialist in that field. We have a member here (username-Harvey Geirst) who knows quite a bit about mics. I can say however, that the shure mics. are good quality mics. I use a SM57 and a KSM27 and love em. Great for vocals. I also use a presonus preamp thats quite sufficient as well.
The omni studio and others like it use a XLR input with phantom power...no need for cable adapters.
Im not sure what you mean by input/output modes ?
 
Im not sure what you mean by input/output modes ?
Click to expand...

Well, it seems that every preamp or "box" has a different idea about sending its output to the sound card.

Some use USB, and some posters say that USB is too slow.

Some use a 1/4 inch phone plug, which I understand is now called a TRS plug. Some use the XLR for the output, which seems strange to me, since none of the soundcards are wide enough for an XLR panel jack, which means I have to get some adapters if I want to go that route.

The only RCA outputs I have seen (at least I think they are outputs from the pictures) are on the M Audio portable boxes for use with a laptop computer. That would make sense for use with an audiophile 2496, which HAS the RCA's for a typical audio cord.

It seems that these input and output issues are at the whim of the manufacturer, rather than a standardized system that allows for easy ind intuitive use.

I like the Delta 44 for the price, buit what preamp should I use for ease of connectivity and purity of signal? I want to use a nice condenser mic like the B1 or the Rode.

Ideas?
 
Most will utilize 1/4" ins and outs.
The ones with XLR like my Lynx card have breakout cables that connect to a port, like a serial port.

I would'nt go the USB route...internal PCI card will be best.
The 44 comes with a card and breakout box which you probably know by now.

As far as mics and pre's...maybe someone will chime in here, but I would put it to the test at a music store and see what you like best. Word of mouth is not always right for everyone. When I got my KSM27 I tested it at the store along with 30 other mics. The KSM fit my needs for vocals. An the Presonus I put to the test also and loved it. Plus it has SPDIF connects which I was looking for.
 
Thanks.

So, if I use the 44, I need a good clean preamp that uses the 1/4 outputs and can power the condenser mic.

Anyone want to chime in on this issue?
 
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