What's the best soundcard for MIDI?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Dumbil
  • Start date Start date
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Dumbil

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First of all, sorry for the very broad question from the Newbie like me.

OK, now, If I wanted to record MIDI from MIDI keyboard (like Oxygen8 or Ozone) to Calkwalk then play it back on my monitor. What would be the best soundcard to handle that?

Please recommend ones under $200. Thank you!
 
There is no real quality difference since midi is not an audio signal. The main thing is to make sure it works with your operating system and has enough midi ports.

If you are going to record the keyboard's audio output on your computer than you will need a good recording soundcard.
 
Isn't Ozone a midi controller only? In that case you will need some softsynths or a soundblaster card so you can use the built in soundfonts.
 
Tex said a good point...

And in addition of the "regular" Creative's SB Live! card, you'll need to buy the optional MIDI kit, unless you have the Live! Drive breakout box...

;)
Jaymz
 
TexRoadkill said:
Isn't Ozone a midi controller only? In that case you will need some softsynths or a soundblaster card so you can use the built in soundfonts.
Click to expand...

OZONE is a MIDI controller and MIDI interface. It's also 2x2 Audio interface with MIC input (built-in preamp).

Yes, I definitely need a softsynth or soundcard. I have a sound-on-board, not sure if it is used with built-in soundfonts, the sound is gonna be good...
 
Re: Tex said a good point...

James Argo said:
And in addition of the "regular" Creative's SB Live! card, you'll need to buy the optional MIDI kit, unless you have the Live! Drive breakout box...

;)
Jaymz
Click to expand...

Thanks James!

So, your suggestion is it's fine to use SB Live (with good soundfonts). But would SB Audigy 2 that comes with the soundfont be more interesting?

I plan to buy M-Audio Omni Studio so I can connect its "Aux In" to the soundcard's output for the playback.
 
So, your suggestion is it's fine to use SB Live (with good soundfonts). But would SB Audigy 2 that comes with the soundfont be more interesting?
Click to expand...
Well, yes. Anyway, I think basically, they both will serve you just fine with their soundfont. They use same technology on both cards I think. Audigy comes with the Live! Drive, so you don't have to buy the MIDI kit. That will be good news. If I don't get it wrong, so you plan to put 2 cards on the same computer, huh ? Yes, that doable and fine. One for MIDI stuff (Creative card) and one for audio stuff (the Delta). BTW, what's your Cakewalk ? Is it SONAR 2XL ? If so, then you don't have to route your audio out from Creative card to Aux in of the Delta to record your MIDI stuff to audio. Just "Bounce to track(s)". And your MIDI tracks will be "converted" to audio tracks. Do you use external mixer as well ?

;)
Jaymz
 
I'm using CWPA9...Wish I have some more to go for Sonar but, for now, it'll be used for Omni Studio and SB card.

Routing audio out from soundcard to Omni is for monitoring purpose, and, coz I won't use external mixer, I'm thinking about recording output from Omni to some mixing software or (maybe) DAT.
 
Don't bother with an SBLive.

Get a 24-bit soundcard and the $30 Bismark BS-1 VST soundfont player. The 24-bit card will give you much better overall quality with your music.

If you've got more money, you could also use Sampletank or (even more expensive) Gigastudio to play back your midi.

I have a 24-bit card and an SBLive card in my PC but after trying (and purchasing) Bismark, I won't be putting an SBLive in my next PC.

Just my view...
 
Don't bother with an SBLive.

Get a 24-bit soundcard and the $30 Bismark BS-1 VST soundfont player. The 24-bit card will give you much better overall quality with your music.
If you've got more money, you could also use Sampletank or (even more expensive) Gigastudio to play back your midi.
Click to expand...
Well, you may be right for some reason, Tim. But how could I suggest that while Dumbil is "on limited budget" like he meant above :D
I'm using CWPA9...Wish I have some more to go for Sonar...
Click to expand...
See...? He's not affordable by now yet. And anyway, you can't use VST with CWPA9. While VST wrapper only works with SONAR... :) I'm thinking of optimizing what he already has, untill he can afford to take the next step for better quality music :).
I'm thinking about recording output from Omni to some mixing software or (maybe) DAT.
Click to expand...
Nah, you can mix it within your current CWPA9. Export the result as wave, and burn to CD... master it latter if necessary.

;)
Jaymz
 
Guys...Thanks for all your opinions. Appreciate it.

Tom, what 24-bit card are you using? Does it handle MIDI well?

Yeah, I sure do have budget problem ;)

But I think I can go for Audigy 2 Platinum ($150 on Ebay) for my MIDI (and maybe some "experimental" audio recording) for now since it's capable of 24-bit recording/playback plus it comes with the soundfont. And, later, get Omni Studio for my "real" audio work.

James, thanks for the advise on mixing with CWPA9...I totally miss out that it actually can do this!!!
 
I heard (Live! & Audigy cards) PLAY 24 bit, but record up to 16 bit... But why bother for now since you plan switch to better card on time. Go 16 bit 44KHz fine for now. It's not that bad, until you're ready to go with 24 bit. I kept my SB Live! card next to Delta 66 to do almost ALL my MIDI work. Use the Delta when I'm done with MIDI session and mix to audio.

;)
Jaymz
 
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