I've been recording on my pc for a couple of years now.
I've been doing it all through the factory sound card.
I've got everything tweaked just right...most people can't even tell. But I'm very limited by all of this.
So I want to upgrade. My budget sucks. I was thinking about getting an M-audio card. Maybe the Delta 44 package. It would do just fine for what I've been doing so far. But I really want to get a soft synth too. I was considering the Ozone because it has built-in instrument and mic preamp.
My question is:
Does the Ozone, itself, expand my computer's audio capacity?
So if I run my instruments through the Ozone...will I be able to record at higher levels? or do I still need to get the card to achieve that?
I'm assuming I still have to get a card...but if not...that would be great.
I'd appreciate any input.
Thanks
If you think you'll utilize the midi keyboard controller and con
If you think you'll utilize the midi keyboard controller and control surface-like features that M-Audio's Ozone offers you could buy it first, and try out its built-in audio interface capabilities...if you find it lacking only then would you need to buy a soundcard.
M-Audio lists the Ozone with very decent specs.
Other companies are offering these types of keyboard controller/audio interface hybrids here lately, as well...Edirol PCR1, and Alesis Photon X25 are two other examples of small keyboard controllers with built-in soundcards.
There may be some limitations to using this design for certain types of recording...these are USB devices (if you try to do too much with USB 1.1 devices it is suggested that you may possibly run up against bandwidth restrictions)...but then again, for your particular needs, you may find this sort of all-in-one design to be an excellent space-saving, economical idea.
You can actually find the M-Audio Ozone for less than 200 dollars, around the net...considering all it does, that is quite amazing.
8-)