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Sound Card Question for Recording

S

Superconductor

Nov 10, 2006
165
0
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
#1
I'm planning on doing some home recordings in the near future, going Bass -> Sansamp -> Computer, but I really need a new sound card. My system is fairly recent, 1GB RAM, Dual Core CPU, tons of HD space. I just need a good sound card.

I was looking at the Creative Sound Blasters, but was told that isn't a good choice?

Thanks
 
#2
You might find out that you're just fine with what's inside the computer.

If you're not trying to multitrack or have your computer be a complete studio - all you need is a decent signal and some sore of DAW to receive/record/mix your bass. Before spending money on a sound card, try your rig out as it is...set you levels well (don't have your peaks right at clipping in your DAW program - give yourself some headroom), and if you're trying to overdub on your previous recordings - use an ASIO sound driver for your current card (try ASIO4all - google it) to decrease latency for headphone monitoring with your card.

Just a thought,
Jay
 
#4
As Jay said, try your current card first. Who knows, it might be just fine.

If you need something better, M-Audio makes a whole slew of multiple input PCI interfaces that work great. You can find various M-Audio Delta series cards for well under $200.
 
#5
Sound cards and built in sound on computers in general are basic and in many cases won't take a very hot signal. If you look around you can find USB interfaces pretty cheap like under $100. Check MF they seem to always have B-stock on M-Audio FastTracks real cheap. Plus they have full size input jacks and no messing around with mini-jack adaptors.
 
#8
Superconductor said:
Also, is there any way I can use the SansAmp with one of these interfaces? I love the tone of the Sansamp and really want to capture that in recordings. I thought the interfaces came with virtual amp software and tone wise, the Sansamp is a million times better.
Click to expand...

You should have a mix input somewhere on the integrated audio. If you are just doing 1 track work and do not need really high quality, you could just use this for now. Otherwise, go to musiciansfriend.com and browse the audio interfaces there for one that fits your needs. Stay away from SoundBlaster stuff, it will not be much better than your integrated audio for recording. You will also need DAW software (cubase, audacity, etc.) to record. Finally, you can use the SansAmp with any interface, as long as you have the right input or an adepter.
 

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