Suggest a Soundcard

[Blordow]

Hello. I have recently made the mistake of purchasing a X-fi xtreme gamer sound card for my new pc. The mic input doesn't even work and is just a overall pain in the ass and waste of money.

Now I am looking for all you composers out there for your opinions on a good soundcard!

The specs I am looking for are it must have a Mic input that WORKS and a line in input for plugging in electric guitar, etc.

Also I might aswell get a nice new mic as well, so if anyone has any suggestions for a GOOD soundcard and mic at a reasonable price, please let me know! Don't make the mistake I made :(

[Seriana]

Good microphones use USB.
You can't plug in your guitar using a 1/4" jack.

So you didn't waste your money, the X-FI cards are the best you can get.

If you do want MIDI input, get the X-FI Platinum, it comes with a I/O drive for MIDI input and some other things, brilliant sound quality too.

[Blordow]

I can't get the mic to work on the X-fi card though :\

[Seriana]

Change whatever program you're using to record from whatever it says "INPUT" to "SB X-FI" and try.

[Blordow]

I have no programs that can do that :(

[Seriana]

At 11/5/07 03:17 AM, Blordow wrote: I have no programs that can do that :(

That's why you can't record anything. Learn the method before whining that it dosen't work and blowing your money on another $100+ sound card I could use for something better.

[Blordow]

Well can you atleast suggest a program to use then? lol

[jnry3]

Try finding a Creative Audigy or Creative Extigy. Go to Creative's website for more info.

That would be sweet. *Drools*

[Khuskan]

At 11/5/07 12:38 AM, DragonsGrief wrote: Good microphones use USB.
You can't plug in your guitar using a 1/4" jack.

So you didn't waste your money, the X-FI cards are the best you can get.

If you do want MIDI input, get the X-FI Platinum, it comes with a I/O drive for MIDI input and some other things, brilliant sound quality too.

EXCUSE ME SIR WTF ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT

USB microphones are normally shitacular excuses for desktop mics for idiots who are do stupid to figure out what jack to use.

The X-fi series is rediciously overpriced for the money. Seriously, the quality difference between them and an audigy series card is marginal at best, and do not justify the cost at all. The only people I would recommend to get them would be AV nuts who have HD projectors and huge home cinema solutions where they have epic speakers to get maximum quality out of.

As for midi keyboards, you don't need a sound card to use one, USB are more than good enough, however, you will need a quality sound card to use ASIO - a very necessary system required to reduce latency (key press to sound coming out) to an absolute minimum. All creative audigy series cards have excellent ASIO support. There is also software ASIO available, known as ASIO 4 ALL, however, it's emulation system puts a huge strain on your memory and processors.

MIDI cables are starting to go out of fashion for computer use. USB lines can carry a whole load more data in comparison as well as powering the keyboard that they're connecting.

As for your issue, you wouldn't by any chance be using vista would you?

If you're still sane and using XP, go to Accessories>Entertainment>Volume control, click options>advanced, check the 'recording' radio button, make sure 'Line/Mic 1' is checked in the list, then hit OK and make sure that the 'select' checkbox below channel 'line/mic 1' is checked and at full volume.

[Jala-Fox]

SigmaTel

[Blordow]

At 11/5/07 09:12 AM, Khuskan wrote: If you're still sane and using XP, go to Accessories>Entertainment>Volume control, click options>advanced, check the 'recording' radio button, make sure 'Line/Mic 1' is checked in the list, then hit OK and make sure that the 'select' checkbox below channel 'line/mic 1' is checked and at full volume.

I'm pretty sure I've already tried that and it didn't work. I'll try it when I get home anyway,

[InsaneSmilie]

Go the new M-Audio soundcard, it's one of the best sound cards for recording avalible.

[Cealix]

I bought an X-Fi card....when it was first released! So I still have a BAD one!!! You know? The ones that don't work with certain motherboards?!?! YEAH! I GOT ONE! So i'm stuck with a SB PCI512 =/.

But yeah, get an X-Fi with good speakers.

[Rig]

At 11/5/07 06:46 AM, ParagonX9 wrote: Emu0404 is a decent soundcard at a valuable price =]

Yeah, I have one. They come in two versions - PCB and USB.
I have the USB version, and it works just fine with my laptop.

[Blordow]

I still can't get the Digital I/O to work on my current soundcard :(

[G9]

What are your opinions on Apple's standard soundcards (MacBook Pro)?

[Blordow]

That soundcard InsaneSmilie suggested looks good. There's a lot of good reviews on it too.

http://www.zzounds.com/productreview--MD OAP192

What do you guys think?

Or any other suggestions?

[mhb]

i use the intel integrated audio soundcard that came built into this computer. works perfectly fine and i didn't havta pay extra. you want high quality vocals then you get a high quality mic. preferrably one that runs on phantom power. they are used in professional studios for a reason.

or alternatively you can use a cheap ass mic and learn to eq, compress, mix, and master properly and nobody will know the difference.

[DJ-Ravecore]

I suggest you "M-Audiophile Delta 2496" soundcard or another one from RME.

I have the Delta 2496 and its quality is perfect, even it just costs 88 euros (124 dollars).

[Blordow]

Yeah, that one is the one before the Audiophile 192 I think. I really want the Audiophile 192 though, it has great reviews and sounds like a really good soundcard for recording purposes. Only thing is I can't find anywhere online where I can buy it. I'm looking for online stores located in New Zealand (where I live) but no one has it. I don't know if I should trust buying it from overseas.

[Dj-Blitz]

SigmaTel

[hellsmaw18]

if you want the best of the best, get a Yamaha. you get a bunch of thier audio composition programs too. tits freakin sweet!!

he said tits!! :O