I think the best solution for someone getting into production without blowing the bank is an Audigy Platinum 2... take your pick of either internal or external, they'll run you about $300-400. The benefit of this card, besides actual 24bit recording is that it has gold plated RCA jacks on a separate drive with Optical and Coaxial in/out, plus midi in/out ports for any equipment you may be getting also. I would, however, recommend some sort of midi controller.

If you want something a little cheaper, stick with the Sound Blaster name... the Live is still one of the best ecconomical solutions.

echo mia midi, without doubt best quality you'll ever get for the price.

http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/jun...0b3593527402e3f

quote:

Originally posted by Dizc I think the best solution for someone getting into production without blowing the bank is an Audigy Platinum 2... take your pick of either internal or external, they'll run you about $300-400. The benefit of this card, besides actual 24bit recording is that it has gold plated RCA jacks on a separate drive with Optical and Coaxial in/out, plus midi in/out ports for any equipment you may be getting also. I would, however, recommend some sort of midi controller. If you want something a little cheaper, stick with the Sound Blaster name... the Live is still one of the best ecconomical solutions.

I'd stay away from creative and go with an M-Audio Revolution instead.

es

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I would go with either the M-Audio Audiophile 2496 ($200) or the M-Audio Delta 44 ($300).

I personally use the Delta44, and it's an amazing card. Great audio, low latency, and a convinient breakout box.

yeah, stay away from the Creative stuff. They look great, but when it comes to actually producing there are much better cards in the same price category.
The best beginner soundcard is IMO the M-Audio Audiophile. I have it and it works great!

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But if you plan on using more than one hardware device, a card with one midi port won't be enough. Maybe think about a better quality card with no midi and then get a designated midi interface. It all comes down to how much $ you got.

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I just upgraded from the integrated card tht came with the computer to the M-Audio Delta 66. The Delta 44 is the same thing only the 66 has S/PDIF for DAT and MiniDisc hookups. It's very easy to install yourself. I just recorded my first mix cd with it and the sound quality is great. As for learing about the specs, just search the internet for pro audio or sound engineering sites or search the forums.

i'm also looking out for a new soundcard.. but i need a midi input.. should i buy an additional midi interface or a more expensive soundcard?

thanx for the advice guys still not sure which on to go with

The guy in the computer shop recomended the Terratec DMX 6 fire (£170)
http://productsen.terratec.net/modu...order=0&thold=0



And i will be getting a Midiman Oxygen 8
http://www.m-audio.com/products/midiman/oxygen8.php

read Lots of good comments about that one

I'de go with an AudioPhile 2496 - I own one (it was named as the best sound card of 2002 by COmputer Music Magazine) it works and sounds great.. great for producing..

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quote:

Originally posted by thecYrus i'm also looking out for a new soundcard.. but i need a midi input.. should i buy an additional midi interface or a more expensive soundcard?

I use an M-Audio midisport 2x2 along with my delta44, and it works perfectly fine. There are also different configurations, if you need more midi ins/outs.

Its really up to you if you want to get a soundcard with built in midi, or a seperate box, either way works.