Yet another SC question...

  • Thread starter Thread starter Cacawate
  • Start date Start date
C

Cacawate

New member
Alright, recently I blew my soundcard up (don't ask), and along with that bit of bad luck I've recently been looking into getting a soundcard for recording. I was wondering if there was a card out there that could help me replace the soundcard I blew up (on-board) AND get me on the road to recording. This is what I do, and what I'm looking forward to:

I would like to record the major parts of a small band: Guitar, Bass, Vocals, etc. with ZERO-latency direct monitoring (I pluck the string and hear it right away). I will be playing the guitar through the emulated output of my Marshall Valvestate VS100 and the bass directly in to the card. The vocals will also go directly into the soundcard, with the drums going through a mixer. None of these will be recorded at the same time for the time being, so it doesn't have to be fancy.

I understand that there is a soundcard out there for around 50$ called the Santa Cruz. I can definitely just pay that much to get that soundcard and pay a little more to get the recording one seperately. Would that be smart? If not, why?

So, all in all, I NEED at least:

1x 1/4 inch input (unbalanced?) <---Guitar, Bass
1x XLR input <----Vocals
1x L/R RCA inputs <-----Mixer (Recording drums into 4track, and then dumping into computer)

Oh, and what is up with S/PDIF? I comes with basically all audio cards (or so it seems), but I don't have it on any of my equipment. What is it mainly used for? Is it important?

-Jeff

P.S. More questions will probably follow due to my ignorance in computer recording so please bear with me.

Edit: My current financial situation begs for a setup ~$200
 
Last edited:
The RME Line
Delta Series
Lynx

spdif is for digital transfer via outboard equipment with spdif
 
Looking at those three manufacturers coupled with the knowledge I've gained from the board in the past three or so hours I've come to the conclusion that I will most likely be purchasing something from M-Audio. What will I purchase?

Well, I would like to get the Delta44 but the problem with that would be no XLR inputs, so I'd have to get a small mixer of some sort (not sure yet, maybe the Behringer UB802). Of course I could always use my 4 track. My next choice would be the Audiophile 24/96. Although I don't really need the MIDI inputs, as I have an Oxygen8, It's very cheap, boasts good sound quality, and has RCA ins where I could plug my mixer into. But, in the end I would only be able to record 1 track at the most, and now that I think about it I might want to record more down the line.

If anyone has suggestions on these two setups, or can advise any more please post. And also if you can recommend any small mixers or maybe steer me in the way of a mic pre instead. Thanks everyone!
 
I would go with the Omni Studio by maudio as it is a Delta 66, with a breakout box that has XLR and 1/4". It also alows you to hook up monitors, 2 sets of headphones, inserts, and an effects loop, blah blah.

I'm starting to sound like a broken record with this omni studio stuff :)
 
'Tis a pretty penny, that Omni, but I guess you get what you pay for. Thanks for the advice.
 
So far these are my options along with pricings(general)

Option 1 (The really nice setup!)

Santa Cruz - $43
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=29-118-101&depa=0

Delta 44 - $230
http://www.zzounds.com/a--2676837/item--THKMIMD442

Behringer UB802 Eurorack 8 - $50
http://www.zzounds.com/a--2676837/item--BEHUB802

Total - $323

Option 2 (The cheaper setup!)

Santa Cruz - $43
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=29-118-101&depa=0

Audiophile 2496 - $150
http://www.zzounds.com/a--2676837/item--MDOAP2496

MAudio AudioBuddy - $80
http://www.zzounds.com/a--2676837/item--THKMIMAB0

Total - $273

Option 3 (The all in one package!)

Santa Cruz - $43
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=29-118-101&depa=0

Omni Studio - $320
http://www.zzounds.com/a--2676837/item--MDOOMNISTU

Total - $363

So, what do you all think? Do I really need the Santa Cruz to replace my busted soundcard? Are there other ways (read: cheaper) to set this up? And what problems might arise with some of these setups?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top