I'm very new to computer recording. Im using Cubase SX, and when i try to record/monitor vocals or my guitar i have horrible latency problems. So i figure i need to get a decent soundcard. From what i've read i was thinking about the Terratec DX6, but i don't really need the multimedia aspects of it.
Here's what i'm looking for: Something capable of really low latency that i can plug my guitar directly into, hopefully not more than say $300 or so. I like the breakaway box from the Terratec, so please recommend something of that type. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated, as i don't really feel like i know enough to not make a horrible mistake if left to my own devices :). let me know if i should give any more info.
Topic Tags
Comments
Soundcard considerations It's been a while since I shopped for
Soundcard considerations
It's been a while since I shopped for a soundcard, but here are a few things to consider:
-If the card has built-in Phantom power (like the MOTU 828 MKII) , you can put off buying a mic preamp.
-This point is only valid if you plan on using condenser mics, of course.
-A card that goes for 3 or $400 is not likely to have more than 4 inputs, and few "extras" but if that suits you, go for it.
-Latency is not just a matter of the DSP of your soundcard, but also your processing power & RAM in relation to the number of tracks, effects running, higher bit & sampling rates & other strains on your system.
-Remember that flexible monitoring requires outs and it is easy to undervalue this aspect before you buy.
-Match your mixer & monitoring preferences to your soundcard's features.
Best of luck!
In my opinion I always trusted Sound Blaster. I used them for ma
In my opinion I always trusted Sound Blaster. I used them for many years and even if they aren't the top of the line for studios they are top of the line for home use. If you have a PC P3 or P4 or even Celeron or AMD then Sound Blaster is what you should get. I got a new one just awhile ago (Sound Blaster Audigy 2 ZS) (about a few weeks or so) and I am very happy with it. With my home studio I am very happy and it does not cost much.
It has all the output/inputs you need for recording and listening plus it has an extra feature. It includes a fire-wire port at a reasonable price. Firewire is the same technology as a USB just much faster and a lot of external devices are now using it instead of USB because it's much faster (approx. 480Mbps). With a firewire port if you have another computer with a firewire port you can connect the 2 computers together and share files (it's just like networking, however much simpler and way faster). Anyways I love this card and it is relitively cheap at Approx. $149.99 CAD at Future Shop or Best Buy stores. And at computer stores you can find it as low as $100 CAD.
For a few dollars more than the soundblaster, you can get one of
For a few dollars more than the soundblaster, you can get one of the professional audio recording products from E-MU. http://www.emu.com Even the cheapest one, the 0404 completely blows soundblaster away. Anyone that follows my postings knows I have nothing but top notch expensive pro gear and I am an admitted gear snob and I have found the E-MU product to be worthy of my money.
AudioGaff wrote: For a few dollars more than the soundblaster, y
AudioGaff wrote: For a few dollars more than the soundblaster, you can get one of the professional audio recording products from E-MU. http://www.emu.com Even the cheapest one, the 0404 completely blows soundblaster away. Anyone that follows my postings knows I have nothing but top notch expensive pro gear and I am an admitted gear snob and I have found the E-MU product to be worthy of my money.
E-MU is a wholly owned subsidiary of Creative Technology Ltd.
So in other words it's the same company as Sound Blaster / Creative Technologies. It's like saying for example Panasonic, Technics and Quasar are the same company because there owned by Matsushita Electric Industrial Co.
It's just that one of the subsidiary is better quality then the other. Like Technics is studio/DJ quality and Panasonic is for home use, less quality.
Close but no cigar. E-MU is part of Creative Professional Divisi
Close but no cigar. E-MU is part of Creative Professional Division and their products are their own with their own separate technology just as it has always been before they were bought. E-MU doesn't even share the same building as it is 45+ miles south of Creative Technology. E-MU gets to use the overhead and corporate resources of Creative for all the non engineering, sales and marketing, such as finace, HR, payrol, accounting, building maintenance, lawyers, distrubition ect... What E-MU offers or develops for products has no bearing or on what Creative Technology offers for products including te Soundblaster product line in some cases even competes with Creative Technology products.
What something with a breakout box? Look at the E-mu 1820. It
What something with a breakout box? Look at the E-mu 1820. It retails for $400 but check this auction out on ebay: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=41787&item=3778198327&rd=1&ssPageName=WDVW
Info on the actual 1820 is here: http://www.emu.com/products/product.asp?product=2210&category=754&maincategory=754
Act quick on that auction, those few he has will probably go quickly.
-LCD 8-)