I was looking for an opinion on it before i go out and buy one. i'll be using it to record mixes to my laptop. i'd really like to know what kinda sound quality its gonna have and is it user friendly?

The Sound Blaster series is alright, especially if you just plan to burn your tracks to CD, but you will definately need a higher grade card (like the M-Audio series) if you want to record in professional audio quality (twice that of a CD)

I'm not near that pc right now so I can't check for sure, but I think the SB live 5.1 allows you to record 24/96 ...not sure bout 32 bit


so the more expensive SB's surely can do that

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All rhythm evolves around a kick...

the sb live might let you record in 24/96, but there are other factors to look at , such as the db with no input signals.. good cards should stay below -75db

No card by Creative records in 24/96.

If you want 24 bit, you need to look for professional grade sound cards, nothing consumer grade like Creative's SB Live or Audigy, etc.

Actually, the Audigy series claims that ... but nonetheless you should go with an actual pro card if you are really looking for quality. Check out some stuff M-Audio has to offer.

Chrono, you're talking about Signal-to-Noise ratio (that's the proper term) and it should be at least 96dB if you're looking for actual studio quality sound (that's the signal to noise ratio of a CD recording).

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djskywarp.com
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I master my mix on a SB live 5.1

I have much more difficulty dealing with the noise from my mixer and cables than the noise from my soundcard.

I really don't have any problems with this card.

You can always do some noise reduction afterwards. Or put it thru a noise gate (in the mix you don't hear the noise anyways).

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All rhythm evolves around a kick...

Audigy only has 24/96 when you watch DVDs using the SPDIF cables. Then, and only then.

thanks skywarp, forgot the name of thaT anyways, I read somewhere 75db is the minimum for professional recording. Also, each card works best by positioning it nicely in the cpu (as you probably know). Farthest away from your CPU and video card. also, high end video cards can produce interferrence. The best thing Is to get a nice big case, preferably aluminum (to keep heat down) and space your stuff far apart. Also, external breakout boxes are usefull for minimizing interference. just some tips peoples

Last edited by DJ Chrono on Mar-15-2002 at 05:39

I'll tell you something. My Delta 44 was in my second last PCI slot, and i was getting a ratio of -72 dB. I then moved it over one slot, to the last one, and my ration went down to -85 dB. These cards are very sensitive to many things.