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Soundcards For Production
Since we get all these repeated threads, this will be the one for discussion of soundcards for production. I'll edit all of the recomendations here (w/ links, prices, & etc).
Be sure to include the best details as possible.
JaY
Okay, well I'll start the ball rolling with a quick note to anybody who is starting production and would like to know what to look for.
The more popular brand choices in soundcards include stuff like M-Audio, especially the audiphile and the detla 44 and 66 are also good. Other popular cards are the terratec, echo, the RME cards, and the E-mu cards are supposed to be quite good also.
While in the past, the Creative cards have been bashed for their abiltiy to be used in music creation, the newer ones seem a little more promising. Still, I would prefer to go with one of the more reputable brands such as those mentioned before.
Things to look for in a card include midi connections incase you plan on using a hardware synth, as well as the number of in and out audio ports that you will need. Stereo outs are a must, but you might want more ins in you plan on hooking up hardware to it. The card must also have ASIO drivers in order to handle softsynths properly. ASIO drivers are renowned for their low latency which is the delay between when you trigger a note and when the note is played. I think the general rule of thumb was below 10ms was acceptible but these days it is more common to have less than that. The converters in the card are important in recording of audio so better converters is a plus. The card should read and playback at least 24/96. A card that does not support true 24bit should not be purchased.
www.midiman.com
www.emu.com
http://produceren.terratec.net/index.php?pgid=3
http://www.rme-audio.com/english/hammer/index.htm
Hope this help is for someone starting. I sorry for my bad english.
I personally use an Echo MIA soundcard. This is no longer made but has been replaced with the MIA-MIDI. Yep this has midi and mine doesn't. Thats the only difference.
This card is used by many magazine reviewers as a benchmark device because of its good SN ratio.
Heres the spec.
| quote: |
| Mia - Audio Performance Analog Inputs (x2 balanced TRS): Frequency Response: 10Hz � 22kHz, �0.5dB Dynamic Range: 106dB A-weighted THD+n: <0.001%, 20Hz�22kHz Nominal Input Level: +4 dBu Maximum Input Level: +18dBu Input Impedence: 10K Analog Outputs (x2 balanced TRS): Frequency Response: 10Hz � 22kHz, �0.5dB Dynamic Range: 106dB A-weighted THD+n: <0.002%, 20Hz�22kHz Nominal Output Level: +4 dBu Maximum Output Level: +18dBu Mia - Hardware Host Interface: PCI bus card PCI bus master interface Two balanced �� analog inputs with precision 24-bit 64x oversampling analog-to-digital converters Two balanced �� analog outputs with high performance 24-bit 128x oversampling digital-to-analog converters S/PDIF digital I/O with up to 24-bit resolution On-board 24-bit Motorola DSP 24-bit data resolution maintained throughout entire signal path Multiple sample rates from 8kHz to 96kHz |
I use an Echo Mia. It is just a basic recording soundcard, 2 1/4 inputs, 2 1/4 outputs. It sounds good and it is only 200 bucks.
Does Sound Blaster Live is bad card to work Cubase and Reason ?
could anybody tell me if this soundcard is any good? http://videoen.terratec.net/modules...01bef86e83257c7
| quote: |
| Originally posted by Subtle could anybody tell me if this soundcard is any good? http://videoen.terratec.net/modules...01bef86e83257c7 |
| quote: |
| Originally posted by Cryogenic Well. Depends on what your after. That one's mainly a surround soundcard. 7.1 tho |
might be a good idea for people with different soundcards to give a little more detailed review of it, how good you think it works and so on
I'll start off with the RME Hammerfall DIGI 9652
this card is a bit more expensive than cards like audiophile and such but if you wan't to connect more than one synth or other input this is a very nice card to go for.
One drawback with the card (if you really can call it a drawback) is that the standardcard only comes with optical inputs and outputs so you need an analogue expansion for it to work with your speakers and synths.
Overall I think it's a very nice soundcard but it's total overkill if youre just going software or even one synth.
I bought mine second hand for about 220$ and the expansion costs about 150$ second hand.
if you can find them new I think the price lies around 550$
| quote: |
| Originally posted by Subtle yeah.. that is what I feared... i have no needs for 7.1 surround, and that is the only soundcard at my local dealer and my wishlist`s DMX 6 Fire soundcard isnt available anymore.. and yeah.. I am looking for a soundcard for production, that has external box, and optical line in and out...! |
Choosing sound card on what spec. I should focus ?
Side note:
What most people don't know. In the end if your going to be connecting your equipment to an amp, you probably won't need more than one input & output (outputs) since the amp will have plenty for use.
Also most people don't know that pro soundcards use RCA jacks (seperate jacks for right & left), speakers like Creative & etc cannot be used w/ out an adaptor.
JaY
| quote: |
| Originally posted by JayD Side note: What most people don't know. In the end if your going to be connecting your equipment to an amp, you probably won't need more than one input & output (outputs) since the amp will have plenty for use. Also most people don't know that pro soundcards use RCA jacks (seperate jacks for right & left), speakers like Creative & etc cannot be used w/ out an adaptor. JaY |
Big reading for those who are interested:
This is the back of M-Audio's Audiophile 2496.
This is the back of M-Audio's Delta 1010LT.
I haven't heard the Delta before, but by the comparing the specs it looks the same sound as the Audiophile with more features. It's a $180 dollar difference between the Audiophile ($129.99) & the Delta ($299.99) & there aren't any major differences between the two except that the Delta has one more input and three more outputs (for three more pairs of speakers). Which if your going to be using an amp to connect your monitors / hardware to your soundcard, you won't need and they will be useless in the future. The reason for the Delta's XLR connectors is quote "saving the expense of outboard preamps".
With a preamp you can have much much more outputs depending on which amp you get. Also you have more access and precision to get the sound you want out of your monitors.
Also more access The Delta 1010LT also has features such as 7.1 & a few smaller details. Not at all much difference from the Audiophile 2496 when comparing the specs.
Audiophile 2496 specs:
2 x 2 analog I/O
24-bit/96kHz fidelity
S/PDIF digital I/O with 2-channel PCM
SCMS copy protection control
digital I/O supports surround-encoded AC-3 and DTS pass-through
1 x 1 MIDI I/O
zero-latency monitoring
software controlled 36-bit internal DSP digital mixing/routing
gold-plated RCA jacks
Apple G5 compatible
includes Maximum Audio Tools software bundle
frequency response: 22Hz-22kHz, -0.4, -0.4dB
dynamic range: 104dB (A-weighted) (D/A)
100.4dB (A-weighted) (A/D)
THD: < 0.002%
size/weight: 5-1/4� x 5� x 7/8�; 0.2 lbs.
36-bit Embedded DSP
All Delta cards contain a 36-bit embedded DSP enabling a software-driven patchbay/router for all analog and digital I/O�all with extremely fast throughput for low-latency software monitoring. A single unified control panel provides settings for clock and sample rates, buffer sizes, individual signal levels for every input and output, adjustable +4dBu/-10dBV pad conrols and digital I/O control on up to four installed Delta cards. All controls are also easily accessible through most professional audio software applications for seamless integration and operation.
Delta's 1010LT specs:
8 x 8 analog I/O
2 mic preamps or line inputs
S/PDIF digital I/O (coaxial) with 2-channel PCM
SCMS copy protection control
digital I/O supports surround-encoded AC-3 and DTS pass-through
1 x 1 MIDI I/O
directly drive up to 7.1 surround (bass management software included)
software controlled 36-bit internal DSP digital mixing/routing
+4dbu/-10dBV operation individually switched in software
word clock I/O for sample accurate device synchronization
Apple G5 compatible
includes Maximum Audio Tools software bundle
frequency response: 22Hz-22kHz, -0.2,-0.4dB @48kHz
22Hz-40kHz, -0.2,-0.7db @96kHz
dynamic range (A-weighted measured): 101.5dB (D/A)
99.6dB (A/D)
THD: < 0.002% (A/D and D/A)
size/weight: 5-1/8� x 7/8� x 5-3/8�; 0.25 lbs.
36-bit Embedded DSP
All Delta cards contain a 36-bit embedded DSP enabling a software-driven patchbay/router for all analog and digital I/O�all with extremely fast throughput for low-latency software monitoring. A single unified control panel provides settings for clock and sample rates, buffer sizes, individual signal levels for every input and output, adjustable +4dBu/-10dBV pad conrols and digital I/O control on up to four installed Delta cards. All controls are also easily accessible through most professional audio software applications for seamless integration and operation.
Compare the two and you'll see what I mean.
If can afford and will need the extra features later on (7.1 etc) from the Delta, then get it. If your on a budget and want to use the $180 on something else, get the Audiophile.
JaY
If you are going to be using PC speakers (stero card) with a pro soundcard (RCA), this is a bit more detail w/ picture on what conversion kit you'll need.
From M-Audio:
PC speakers commonly use a 1/8� stereo plug while the Audiophile 2496 is using more professional RCA connections for it�s outputs. You will need to use an adapter to be able to connect your PC speakers to the Audiophile 2496. The adapter has to have a pair of male RCA connectors on one end and a female stereo 1/8� (3.5 mm) jack on the other end. This type of adapter cable is hard to find in stores, but can be ordered online, for example here:
http://www.rogerssystems.com/store/...?Product_ID=346
If you don�t want to order the adapter online but would rather get it at a local electronics store, you most likely won�t find one with this particular combination of connectors. In this case, you will have to use two more commonly used adapters to make this work:
Adapter 1: 1/8� male stereo plug to 2x male RCA.
This adapter should be available at any electronics store like Radio Shack or MarVac or can be ordered online, for example at
http://www.rogerssystems.com/store/...?Product_ID=317
Adapter 2: 1/8� female stereo jack to 1/8� female stereo jack (coupler).
This adapter should be available at any electronics store like Radio Shack or MarVac or can be ordered online, for example at
http://www.rogerssystems.com/store/...?Product_ID=292
Connect adapter 1 to the Audiophile�s RCA outputs.
Connect adapter 2 to adapter 1.
Connect your PC speakers to adapter 2.
---------------------------------------------------------
If you have creative speakers or something like it which uses a sub to connect all speakers, and if your going to buy from Radio shack instead of online, you honestly won't need to buy a coupler unless your speakers are going to be much farther away than the soundcard. The connections you get from the likes of Radioshack and connect directly into your subwoofer.
You save about nine dollars (thier about $4.16 or so from Radioshack each).
JaY
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