Sound cards?

[firestar]

Newbie alert!

Okay so I want to transfer a mix straight to my comp. The sound card I have only has one input (one of those stock SB cards) I obviously need something with two inputs right? Or the mix will come in as mono?

Can anyone suggest a sound card that is good for recording mixes? Nothing too expensive I guess.. I have soundforge ready to go, but I don't think i'm using the right soundcard..

Any help greatly appreciated :)

[-evil-duerr-]

The Edirol UA-25 is great. Nice price too
http://[img]http://www.americanm....jpg[/img]

[mux]

The soundcard input you're talking about is stereo, so technically it will work and record a stereo signal for you. Tonnes of mixes have been recorded with Soundblasters, tho you're right, they're not the greatest.

Even though I slam their USB and FireWire shit hard (because it's utter crap), one of the best cards for recording mixes is the M-Audio Audiophile 2496. It's a PCI card with RCA inputs - they're not RIAA preamps, so you can't just plug your decks into the card, but plug your mixer in and you're set. These have been out of play for a while now, so you can probably get one cheap. I got one at a yard sale for $50, in the box and everything.

Recording your mix at 24bit will give you a much better recording with more of the 'vinyl nuance'. Personally, I wouldn't bother going with 96khz, 48khz is fine. At least, I have a hard time telling the difference in the studio.

Wait - do you mean "transfer a mix straight to your computer" off CD or something? I'm assuming you mean you want to mix records and record the mix...

[firestar]

Originally Posted by mux

The soundcard input you're talking about is stereo, so technically it will work and record a stereo signal for you. Tonnes of mixes have been recorded with Soundblasters, tho you're right, they're not the greatest.

Even though I slam their USB and FireWire shit hard (because it's utter crap), one of the best cards for recording mixes is the M-Audio Audiophile 2496. It's a PCI card with RCA inputs - they're not RIAA preamps, so you can't just plug your decks into the card, but plug your mixer in and you're set. These have been out of play for a while now, so you can probably get one cheap. I got one at a yard sale for $50, in the box and everything.

Recording your mix at 24bit will give you a much better recording with more of the 'vinyl nuance'. Personally, I wouldn't bother going with 96khz, 48khz is fine. At least, I have a hard time telling the difference in the studio.

Wait - do you mean "transfer a mix straight to your computer" off CD or something? I'm assuming you mean you want to mix records and record the mix...

Yeah that's right, record mixes onto my comp straight from the mixer. I figured i'd need to sound card with rca inputs so I get stereo sound, there's only one audio input on my soundcard, i can get an adaptor that changes rca into one channel, but i'd loose a lot of sound quality, right?

[sh4un]

get an m-audio card, they have the best drivers :D

Audiophile 2496



approx: $169.95can

i own this one

Delta 66



approx: $309.95


theres alot more options just check out their website

www.m-audio.com

www.m-audio.ca

[angst]

If your SB card has a minijack input, it should record in stereo. The cable you'll need to go from your mixer to the card will look like this.



As for m-audio cards, they have decent drivers at their PRICEPOINT, but are definitely not the best.

[mux]

^^ word, he's right. The 1/8" "headphone" style connector on the 'line input' jack on your soundcard is stereo, you just need a cable to breakout to dual RCA. Radio Shack sells 'em, get a nice thick one. Don't use the 'mic input' jack, it'll be louder but not as good quality, and way more likely to distort.

M-Audio PCI cards are awesome and stable. M-Audio Firewire or USB cards are utter shit. Buy them at your own risk, you've been warned.

I recently gave away my M-Audio USB Quattro, 'cause I couldn't bring myself to sell that piece of shit to some poor sucker.

[dj_soo]

I've had no problems with my M-Audio Firewire card - but then again, I only use it for recording mixes and not any music production...

[firestar]

Wow, I even get pictures! (Thanks Angst) - and you're right, that's exactly what I have, so then, is it worth shelling out for a different sound card then?

[CharlieTuna]

I've got the M-Audio 2496, works great for me.