Usb Converter. Do I Really Need This?

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jalbert

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I am trying to use a Telex P-500 USB Digital Audio Converter to run sound into my laptop for recording. I got an error message when I installed the software and it said there was a problem using it with Windows XP. The sound is terrible and I'm wondering what I should do. I e-mailed the company and asked if they had different software to use with XP but I'm not sure if it's even worth the trouble. I've used the little 1/8 inch mic jack as a line in and the sound seemed alright to me. What's better about using the USB? I'd be glad to hear suggestions about how to fix it or whether I should just send it back and forget about the USB.
 
Can someone at least explain why the USB is better than using the mic jack?
 
USB connections offer more data to be transfered to the computer than through a 1/8" connector. Mainly 'cause USB is transferring actual digital data while 1/8" is electricity that gets converted to digital in the soundcard. The reason people generally get an outboard unit for audio conversion (ie. a USB interface) is because the A/D converters and preamps are generally better than any soundcard that comes with your computer or that you might buy out of Best Buy.
Here's a trick to try if you're having problem with the software you're installing:
Right click on the .exe file of the software (not the shortcut)
Choose properties
Choose the Compatibility tab
Click "Run this program in compatibility mode for:" and choose Windows 2000 or 98
This will trick the software program into thinking that you're running an older version of windows. Actually it probably does some other stuff than just trick it...but I'm not 100% sure what. I'm not gonna promise you this will work, but some of the times when you get an error like the one you're getting, this can help.
If this doesn't work, you might try a different program. A lot of people have recommendations around here, so look around. Good luck.
 
You don't need that thing, and it's pretty much useless. It's not really for what you are trying to do. It's meant for voice recognition stuff, totally lo-qual. I'm not surprised it sounded better just going into your laptop. :) Toss that thing.

A baseline usb interface that works for recording is going to be something like an M-audio mobilepre usb, about $175. What you get is better A/D converters, for one thing. This makes a huge difference in the sound. And xlr mic connections, so you can hook up pro mics. And a nicer preamp to boost your signals.

People use USB and firewire because they can both transfer large amounts of data. If you record four tracks at a time, you can go from a mixer to a computer via a soundcard, but you have to have four cables & four inputs. Can't do it on a laptop. Hard to even get a decent soundcard. With a USB or firewire box, you can get into your box with one cable. They are great for laptops because you can connect pro mics even though you don't have the room on your platform. And if you want to take it with you to record you don't have to carry a mixer.

If you are happy just plugging the mic in, go for it. But at some point check out a usb interface, or an outboard mic preamp. I bet you'll like the sound a lot better.
 
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