Author Topic: Quick PC/ Souncard Question (Read 16212 times)

willo · « **on:** March 27, 2006, 12:42:47 AM »

Hi, basically, I'm not happy with how my current PC records, at all. But then, that's probably because I run my computer with just the standard DELL soundcard :D

However, in my old PC (currently at home whilst I'm at uni), I have one of these:

http://www.computermusic.co.uk/reviews/sbl/sblmain.asp

I know those are getting a bit long in the tooth, but it would improve the sound quality, wouldn't it?

But my problem is that the front drive bit, with some of the inputs - it goes in a blank CD drive space - won't fit into my current PC. I don't have any free spaces!

So to anyone who might know, will the soundcard function 100% correctly without that front panel section (you can hopefully see on that link that it has a chipboard connected to it)?

Also, would it be worth the hassle? And how hard is it to install this kind of soundcard to a DELL or similar type PC?

Thanks guys! :)

Ol · « **Reply #1 on:** March 27, 2006, 01:47:33 PM »

Quote from: willo

But my problem is that the front drive bit, with some of the inputs - it goes in a blank CD drive space - won't fit into my current PC. I don't have any free spaces!

So to anyone who might know, will the soundcard function 100% correctly without that front panel section (you can hopefully see on that link that it has a chipboard connected to it)?

Also, would it be worth the hassle? And how hard is it to install this kind of soundcard to a DELL or similar type PC?

Thanks guys! :)

First, it obviously won't perform 100% perfectly as it is missing the enhanced section, but if you mean will the PCI card perform correctly without the enhanced bit, then yes, I can't see why not. It will function as a basic sound card.

It isn't difficult to install a PCI card to any computer, provided you have the available slots. (PCI slots; the white ones)

HTH
rgds
Ol.

creepy · « **Reply #2 on:** March 27, 2006, 02:32:37 PM »

...but it probably won't be much of an improvement, either. There's a LOT of cheap computer recording gear around now: For about $100.00 (that's CDN so convert away) you can get a Guitar Port
http://www.line6.com/guitarport/
or check out some of the M-Audio USB interfaces, any of which will give you much better sound than your old soundblaster.
:D

tewboss · « **Reply #3 on:** March 27, 2006, 02:45:09 PM »

perhaps get one of the later creative cards as they come with external boxes. I've got the Audigy2 ZS (Platinum I think).

donovan.x · « **Reply #4 on:** March 27, 2006, 09:07:00 PM »

Get a Tascam us122. Fan-bloody-tastic bit of kit!!!!

willo · « **Reply #5 on:** March 27, 2006, 11:20:22 PM »

Interesting, interesting - and thanks all for your replies. To be honest, for a while I've been thinking about saving up for a Digidesign M-Box, you know the external units with the Pro Tools LE?

What I was wondering is if anyone who uses the M Box, or similar external unit like the aformentioned Tascam USB unit, is the quality of the recording through the unit limited by the soundcard/apparatus on your own PC?

donovan.x · « **Reply #6 on:** March 28, 2006, 07:45:25 AM »

The Tascam becomes your soundcard.

lepersmeesa · « **Reply #7 on:** March 28, 2006, 10:43:46 AM »

I use the Mbox Willo and i love mine. It has allowed me to get used to Pro Tools and also records at very high quality.

You can check out some of my clips, they arent going to be the best recordings you can get from them, but it will give you an idea what you can get out of them.

Try finding one on ebay ( Mbox 1 ) you might find a steal.

_tom_ · « **Reply #8 on:** March 28, 2006, 12:47:49 PM »

Quote from: donovanx

The Tascam becomes your soundcard.

Sounds interesting.. I want a good external soundcard for my laptop as the stock ones cr@p. I thought with Tascam though you might just be paying for the name and not getting a good piece of kit..

jt · « **Reply #9 on:** March 28, 2006, 03:28:23 PM »

Quote from: lepersmeesa

I use the Mbox Willo and i love mine. It has allowed me to get used to Pro Tools and also records at very high quality.

You can check out some of my clips, they arent going to be the best recordings you can get from them, but it will give you an idea what you can get out of them.

Try finding one on ebay ( Mbox 1 ) you might find a steal.

:D Hi mate is that a real drum kit on your tracks ? or is it programable kits off of the Pro tools ? Loved the sound. How easy is it to use the Pro tools

:D 8)

lepersmeesa · « **Reply #10 on:** March 28, 2006, 04:14:01 PM »

All my drums are from a program called Drum Kit From Hell ( drummer from Meshuggah ). They are supposedly thought upon as the most advanced drum program you can get ( Drum Kit from Hell Superior which has way more options and drum kits ).

If your computer can handle it i would go for drum kit from hell superior ( you need a huge hard drive and powerful pc ). DFH2 is good, but it eats up even more resources in Pro Tools ( a problem which is being fixed as we speak ).

To hear what Drum Kit from Hell superior is capable of lsiten to Catch 33 ( which was done with this program ) and also www.myspace.com/tesseract and www.myspace.com/thesafetyfire ( my band ).

The great thing about it, is that you can hook it up to a electric kit through midi and trigger the dfh sounds. So if you do get a chance to get a real drummers feel then you can use it still.

Anymore questions just ask.

PS. Yeah it is very easy to use. There are the simlified GM Kits which are mapped the same way as Midi kits are, which is the most hassle free. Then there are the more complex kits with more cymbals, mic bleeds etc.

As for inputting data, you have a pencil and you just draw in where you want you beats to be. That or use GP4 files and import the drums from someone elses hard work ( if you want premade beats, or beats from songs ).

willo · « **Reply #11 on:** March 28, 2006, 04:16:08 PM »

Hey Lepers, and Donovan (with the Tascam), do these units (the M box and Tascam) then become your soundcards? Is audio from your computer (i.e. MP3 files etc) played through them out to your amp/speakers?

lepersmeesa · « **Reply #12 on:** March 28, 2006, 04:20:10 PM »

you can make the mbox if you want to, but you dont have to. I dont as its just easier that way ( using it on a laptop ) so you can just move it round without the need of the mbox to listen to audio.

donovan.x · « **Reply #13 on:** March 28, 2006, 08:01:21 PM »

I dont know if you have to with the Tascam but I did.
The tascam unit is a babe,solid and high quality, I did a lot of research before hand and I was going to buy a whole lot of recording gear but the guy at the shop said that if my P.C could handle it , I would be better off doing things through that. If you have a good drum sampler (DFH Superior...god of drum samples) then the Tascam combined with...I use Cubase SX3...will do everything else. I am not putting the Mbox down but looking at the price you would be better off going on EBay and getting a Tascam for £60-£70. This is just my opinion but I don't fall for cheap nasty s**t easily, I dont have a huge income so I like to make sure what I buy is right and the Tascam one me over.
NOTE!!! Spec for DFH Superior is ..At least 1gb of Ram and 40 free GB on your HD!!!

Johnny Mac · « **Reply #14 on:** March 28, 2006, 08:35:10 PM »

I've got an E-MU 1820 which has a soundcard that replaces your existing one and then you connect it to a breakout box via firewire which has loads of input/outputs, two XLR inputs with their own gain controls and phantom power. It's pretty good, but I'm still getting my head around it all (still!) That all uses Cu-Base but can use other applications.
I was going to get Groove Agent 2 for drums, does anyone else use it and is it good?