Sound Blaster Audigy has got to go.....?

[sdp530]

I started out mixing Hip Hop music a couple of years ago, using nothing but Logitech 2.1 speakers and a Sound Blaster Audigy soundcard. Amazingly, I have gotten some pretty good results considering my equipment. I am now in the process of taking it to the next level. I currently have a set of Tascam VL-X5 active monitors being shipped to me and have started thinking it would probably be a good idea to give the Audigy sound card the boot. I do not record the vocals on this setup, they are all recorded in a friends home studio and imported into my setup. I use Nuendo 3 and rewire Reason to mix the vocals in. So I really do not need a card with lots of inputs. I am on about a $400 dollar budget so maybe you can point me in the right direction.

Also, how much of a difference can I expect in sound quality with a new card? I was looking at Hammerfall cards on ebay...? Keep in mind I am just mixing and not recording....thanks.

-C

Check out www.myspace.com/shutdownproductions and see what I was able to do with my Logitech/Audigy setup, haha.

[sabianq]

look for an outboard audio interface device that uses firewire or usb2 like the PreSonus FIREPOD or the Echo Audiofire.
If you really like Creative, check out the EM-U by Creative.

I personally use the Aardvark LX6 and love it.

welcome to audioforums.

[jmail]

If you've got an Audigy from the v1 or v2 families, then you'll notice a huge difference in "quality" between it and just about anything that does a true 24-bit. Another consideration, since you're mostly mixing, is the number of outputs an interface can give you. The more inputs & outputs you have, the more you can do with the interface. Will you be wanting to do any external effects, or do you just use VST plugs? Do you want to do any external synths, or mostly soft-synths?

[sdp530]

I do have the Audigy 2, and the only thing it is connected to is my monitors. I don't use any outboard gear, mostly wave plugins. I am wondering if my soundcard really has an impact if all I am doing is mixing on this machine? Thanks for the input.
-C

[MrHope]

A simple an inexpensive card is the m-audio audiophile 2496. it's only about 90 dollars. it is 24 bit and can go up to 96 kHz. so if you are mixing any tracks at a higher sampling rate, you will be able to monitor them. the recording and sound quality of the card is very clear and good. there is no audible noise. it has a digital input/output, analog input/output, and MIDI input/output. It uses ASIO drivers so you can play VST instruments with it without too much delay.

I have heard various people say they had glitches and conflicts with E-mu cards.

[nezra]

Hello all, I've got a question for the knowledgeable. I just bought a Creative USB sound blaster (http://www.soundblaster.com/products/product.asp?category=1&subcategory=204&product=9103)
for my computer and I want to hook it up to my surround sound receiver I pretty sure my only input option is Red and Yellow on the receiver. What kind of cord do I need for which out put?

[nezra]

Opps my card is actually the live!
http://www.soundblaster.com/products/product.asp?category=1&subcategory=206&product=10702

[GZsound]

I do have the Audigy 2, and the only thing it is connected to is my monitors. I don't use any outboard gear, mostly wave plugins. I am wondering if my soundcard really has an impact if all I am doing is mixing on this machine? Thanks for the input.
-C

If all you are doing is mixing on your computer, your current card should be fine for connecting to monitors. What will be more important in the quality of your music will be the monitors and the room.

For better quality, you could buy a simple 2 out USB interface that would give you 24 bit conversion and better quality, but again, the real difference is going to be in your monitors and your mixing environment.

[poorsod]

The Audiophile 2496 seems perfect for you - doesn't look like you need much by way of I/O, and it's targeted squarely at the startup/amateur musician. You can record fine so long as you're willing to do each instrument separately - no multitracking. It's also got MIDI I/O - good for a controller keyboard and up to one hardware synth.

[radio-audio]

USB is eating CPU, Firewire is a little need for good hardware and RAM ,IMHO ,use internal cad is the best.,my experiences in using MOTU traveler and Audigy USB is okey but M-audio 2496 is the best in stablility ,pop and click free for 100$ in old windows machine.If butget is $400 , try RME , robust gear with distinctive clear sound due to jitter suppression.

[poorsod]

the best choice (I find) is an internal DSP card with an external breakout box. The box often has a preamp and AD/DA converters. So you get the inherently low-noise design of a breakout connected digitally, a preamp (along with extra I/O) and a DSP card for hardware-accelerated FX.