WHAT? That damn network card!

[moskus]

Yes, I mean it. I updated the drivers for it (well, Windows Update did it), and after that my sound of crackles and pops! Even if I play mp3's! AAARGH!

The network card isn't happy with it's current drivers, and I thougth updating the drivers was a good idea. But NO! So I rolled back the drivers and the sound is now clean and crisp again...

It's a SMC Ez 10/100 card. I need a replacement.
What do you recommend? (It has to work under WinXP, you got that... )

 

[James Argo]

...hehehe, I told you not to buy anything in the Dark Side...

Try Realtek RTL8139 Family PCI Fast Ethernet NIC... I got no problem with it. Even with ASUS mobo...


James

 

[Stealthtech]

3M Etherlinks are pretty good as well

 

[crosstudio]

I've got a 3M also, and I don't have any problems with it.

oh, wait, i'm using win2k on my desktop.

i've got winXP on my laptop and i use the linksys wireless with no problem

 

[moskus]

Thanks for the replies!



I'm off, shopping for a new network-card...

 

[aschek]

If you are into making music, creat a profile with NO network card at all !... In windowsXP go to Control Panel, System, hardware, profiles and create one unabeling the network card.

THis is only if you want to concentrate your computer in music creation.

regards,
alex

 

[RWhite]

For network cards, I suggest the gold standard - 3 Comm. Not cheap, will probably run $60 instead of $15 for a cheapy. But they are the business standard.

ANY network card can potentially introduce noise into recording. I believe there is some info for this on the Cakewalk web site. It is a good idea to set up a hardware profile with the NIC disabled, although I've found that my 3Com has been well behaved even when enabled.

 

[Sklathill]

When dealing with NICs, the only given is that there are no givens. Different combinations of NICs and sound cards can produce results running the gamut from great to terrible. I used to have no problem with an old 3com 10 meg card in a BX system with an Audiophile, but then it gave me problems when I switched to an 815 board. I then went to a 3com 100 meg, a D-link, and a generic Realtek before I finally found one that worked: USRobotics.

If it works, good for you. If it doesn't, be prepared to keep on trying...

 

[moskus]

Thanks again, people!

I looked at some of the 3Com cards. EXPENSIVE! But as I tell other people: Whatever it takes... damn... guess I have to follow my own advice.

Sklathill, I don't see me buying card after card, just to see what works. But I must say that would be the best.

Schek, disabeling the card is a no-go. I need my network cause I connect more than one machine with MIDIviaNet. It's a great little program (even freeware) that allows midi-messages to be exchanged via network. And that's great when you have machines all over the house, with no room big enough (at least no extra room) to put my gear in. I have one "MIDI Lab" with Midi-controllers and hardware synths. One room for audiorecording. And a room for mixing. It's not the best setup in the world, but it works.