Helpful Replyplease recommend ASIO soundcard under 200 bucks

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Larry Jones
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Re: please recommend ASIO soundcard under 200 bucks 2015/03/11 00:21:39 (permalink)
This thing looks good. I have no idea if it works, but it looks exactly like my ancient M-Audio Audiophile 2496, which works great.

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#31
AT
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Re: please recommend ASIO soundcard under 200 bucks 2015/03/11 01:14:02 (permalink)
The Creative cards ain't bad hardware.  The drivers suck and there is loads of bloatware.  Otherwise, I managed to mix fine on mine 12 years ago or so.  and as pointed out above, latency isn't a problem as long as you are mixing.   
 
One thing, of course, is that even if another unit is slightly better, if you have the skills and an engineer's ears you should be able to make use of that slight improvement.  Just like a better instrument, or room or anything else.
 
I don't know if it is still a problem but my old Audigy worked at 48 kHz.  It did recalculations for any other spec - on the fly.  And that was badly done.  something to be aware of.
 
I still think the best deal around is the Tascam u-7000 for $400.  It provides 2 premium preamps, great conversion (it has been called a poor man's Lynx's Hilo but I wouldn't go that far), USB and digital in/out.  You could integrate it into your Delta recordings if it has digital ins and can use USB for your mixing.
 
good luck,
 
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#32
Sanderxpander
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Re: please recommend ASIO soundcard under 200 bucks 2015/03/11 03:44:57 (permalink)
If I understand your needs correctly, you want the best possible mixing quality with as little frills as possible, for 200 bucks or less. You're using a desktop computer with PCI slots.

In that case I would look for a second hand PCI based pro card. Literally replace your Soundblaster. You have to be certain you have a PCI slot, not just PCI express ones. But for instance I've seen RME HDSPe 9632 on eBay for around that price and that is, way, way better than the entry level Focusrite boxes. I use an E-MU 1212M myself (actually with the expansion box, so really an 1820M) that I'm still happy with, those should be quite cheap by now and they're pretty good. ESI Juli@ is another one, though I'm not sure about Windows 7 drivers (because I simply haven't checked).

But if you could get a second hand 9632 for around your pricepoint, that would last you a LONG time. It's really high quality and you can get separate I/O expansions if you do need more in the future. RME drivers are rock solid too.
#33
roddey_phipps
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Re: please recommend ASIO soundcard under 200 bucks 2015/03/11 07:37:00 (permalink)
currentlly I have the Sound Blaster Audigy FX. I looked on the Creative Site, and it was not listed as one of their soundcards that use ASIO drivers. I've looked online anyway, and could not find them. Possible I didnt look hard enough....
#34
mettelus
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Re: please recommend ASIO soundcard under 200 bucks 2015/03/11 10:30:47 (permalink)
http://support.creative.com/Products/ProductDetails.aspx?catID=1&CatName=Sound+Blaster&prodID=21690&prodName=Sound+Blaster+Audigy+Fx
 
Was the only Creative link I could find to their drivers, but you may already have these. A first step to checking your system is to completely uninstall ASIO4ALL and try the different driver modes within SONAR (Edit->Preferences->Audio->Playback and Recording). You may also need to make sure that the mode set in Windows sound properties (on the Advanced tab) is set to the same rate/bit depth as the project you are mixing.
 
One thing I have noticed with my Realtek/Saffire combo (I use both), is that Windows will "mess with" whatever SONAR is using unless explicitly told not to. I have speakers connected to both (one caveat to this), so on the Windows->Sound->Playback I have the Realtek "Set Default." This way Windows itself doesn't use/conflict with my Saffire when turned on/off. You may not need to do this, but you can also assign the Realtek as default in Windows so that the Audigy is not used by it. You can also switch this back and forth at will between mixing sessions as well (without a second set of speakers connected, you won't get any Windows sounds by doing this).

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#35
BobF
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Re: please recommend ASIO soundcard under 200 bucks 2015/03/11 12:14:08 (permalink)
If you're plan is to upgrade later, spend $300 now for a Tascam 16x08.  Works great with Win8.1x64 and S-Plat.
 
Having more OUTs will give you the ability to try different speakers while mixing without having to recable.
 
 

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#36
g_randybrown
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Re: please recommend ASIO soundcard under 200 bucks 2015/03/11 15:00:08 (permalink)
Not to hijack but I have a quick (maybe dumb) question.
I have my Sonar PC and internet/office PC at the same desk.
I sometimes use my active monitors (Event 2020 BAS) w/sub for sound from my internet PC and will swap out the usb cables.
Is there a solution for me to do this without physically switching out usb cables?
Thanks very much,
Randy

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#37
BobF
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Re: please recommend ASIO soundcard under 200 bucks 2015/03/11 15:02:39 (permalink)
USB cables?  Are you moving an interface between two machines, or are the monitors getting audio via USB?
 

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#38
g_randybrown
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Re: please recommend ASIO soundcard under 200 bucks 2015/03/11 15:10:17 (permalink)
Thanks Bob,
The output from the interface (Presonus Audiobox vsl22) is XLR to the monitors...what I'm doing is switching out the usb input from each computer.
Thanks again,
Randy

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#39
BobF
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Re: please recommend ASIO soundcard under 200 bucks 2015/03/11 15:24:52 (permalink)
OK, so you're switching the input to the interface between PCs ...
 
I'm confused.  Looking at pics of the 22VSL, the main outs are 1/4" (I assume balanced).  The XLR connections are for mic inputs.
 
I use a Samson C-Control to select different inputs to different speakers, either together or individually.  There are other makes/models for this concept.  I don't use everything it is capable of, but it works great for what I'm using it for.
 
To use something like this you would need audio outputs from both PCs.  If your office PC has a built-in audio interface, you would cable that output to the C-Control/similar.  Leave the 22VSL connected to the DAW and cable its outputs to the C-Control/similar.  Then plug the monitors into the C-Control/similar.  Once connected, leave everything plugged in and select via buttons.
 

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#40
g_randybrown
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Re: please recommend ASIO soundcard under 200 bucks 2015/03/11 15:33:06 (permalink)
Yes, I could see how my post would be confusing...the output from the interface is not XLR as I stated it's balanced TRS...sorry about that.
Let me try again...I have the drivers installed on both PCs and a USB (output) connected to both.
Whenever I want to switch I pull out the usb connected to the interface and then plug in the usb cable from the other PC.
Does that make sense?

G. Randy Brown 
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#41
BobF
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Re: please recommend ASIO soundcard under 200 bucks 2015/03/11 15:35:37 (permalink)
Makes sense, my description above is based on the assumption that everything is the way it is :)
 
Does my description makes sense?

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#42
g_randybrown
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Re: please recommend ASIO soundcard under 200 bucks 2015/03/11 15:58:32 (permalink)
BobF
Makes sense, my description above is based on the assumption that everything is the way it is :)
 
Does my description makes sense?


Your description does make sense but regarding this:
To use something like this you would need audio outputs from both PCs.  If your office PC has a built-in audio interface, you would cable that output to the C-Control/similar....
 
The "audio outputs" from both PCs are just a connected USB cable...I guess what I'm asking is if there is some kind of usb hub (or something) that I could plug both usb cables into and have one usb cable from that connected to the interface and then switch which source(PC) I want to use (kind of like a KVM switch does for display monitors). 

G. Randy Brown 
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#43
BobF
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Re: please recommend ASIO soundcard under 200 bucks 2015/03/11 16:11:44 (permalink)
Not that I'm aware of on the USB switch/hub.  Your office PC has zero audio capability?  That's unusual.
 
Sorry for the unnecessary detour

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#44
g_randybrown
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Re: please recommend ASIO soundcard under 200 bucks 2015/03/11 16:19:31 (permalink)
Your office PC has zero audio capability? 
No the office PC has a 3.5 mm integrated audio out but I don't think I would want to plug that into the interface would I?
BTW, my apologies to anyone that considers this hijacking this thread...let me know if I should start a new one please.

G. Randy Brown 
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#45
BobF
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Re: please recommend ASIO soundcard under 200 bucks 2015/03/11 16:34:36 (permalink)
g_randybrown
Your office PC has zero audio capability? 
No the office PC has a 3.5 mm integrated audio out but I don't think I would want to plug that into the interface would I?
BTW, my apologies to anyone that considers this hijacking this thread...let me know if I should start a new one please.




You would plug the 3.5mm into the control/switch unit, not the interface ... That's exactly how I have my PC sounds (other than DAW) cabled to the C-Control.
 
16x08 out 1/2 go to C-Control input A  (DAW output)
16x08 out 3/4 go to C-Control input B  (internal mixer output)
built-in 3.5mm go to C-Control input C
last inputs unused for now
 
C-Control out A goes to my monitors
C-Control out B goes to another set of speakers
C-Control out C goes to a sub
 
This is an incredibly handy setup

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#46
g_randybrown
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Re: please recommend ASIO soundcard under 200 bucks 2015/03/11 16:48:13 (permalink)
Oh I see, yes that makes sense...thanks Bob!

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#47
Sanderxpander
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Re: please recommend ASIO soundcard under 200 bucks 2015/03/11 18:32:00 (permalink)
I think iConnect Midi 4+ may do what you want. I personally wouldn't use the 3.5mm headphone jack if audio fidelity is a concern.
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Wouter Schijns
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Re: please recommend ASIO soundcard under 200 bucks 2015/03/11 18:44:11 (permalink)
.
post edited by Wouter Schijns - 2015/03/11 18:55:01
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BobF
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Re: please recommend ASIO soundcard under 200 bucks 2015/03/11 19:58:44 (permalink)
Sanderxpander
I think iConnect Midi 4+ may do what you want. I personally wouldn't use the 3.5mm headphone jack if audio fidelity is a concern.



Good point on the headphone jack.  Thankfully, mine provides both phones and line jacks.

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#50
Cactus Music
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Re: please recommend ASIO soundcard under 200 bucks 2015/03/11 21:24:53 (permalink)
Now this thread is derailed,, OP your playback issue sounds like a clock rate change which is common when you change interfaces. But are you using the Lexicon now? 
Or did you find the ASIO drivers for the SB?  Here is what I found- 
http://support.creative.com/Products/ProductDetails.aspx?catID=1&CatName=Sound+Blaster&prodID=21690&prodName=Sound+Blaster+Audigy+Fx
 
But it is not clear what the driver is as it does not mention if it is ASIO in the documents.  
 
File Name : SBAF_CD_L13_1_00_06.exe
This download contains the software update for the Sound Blaster® Audigy Fx's installation CD. For more details, please read the rest of this web release note.

This download supports and is applicable for the following hardware:
  • Sound Blaster Audigy Fx (SB1570)
Added Enhancement / Features:
  • Multiple fixes that improves the driver's overall stability and performance.
Requirements:
  • Microsoft® Windows® 8.1 32-bit or 64-bit, Windows 8 32-bit or 64-bit, Windows 7 32-bit or 64-bit, Windows Vista® 32-bit or 64-bit
  • Sound Blaster Audigy Fx


 
 

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#51
Cactus Music
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Re: please recommend ASIO soundcard under 200 bucks 2015/03/11 21:36:01 (permalink)
If you do have the Alpha working you may need to remove all traces of asio4all. There are may reported things that asio4all is not easy to kill 100% and it remains lurking somwhere causing issues. And to make matters worse, Creative drivers can also lurk. 
When I bought my M audio Fast track I had to remove the SB card and re install windows to set things right. 
 
The trick to Creative is to ONLY install the basic driver and in no way install ANY of the other software that comes with it. It's this bloatware that I believe is the cause of the grief. 
I am having no problem with this office computer and all the ins and outs work fine and I didn't install anything but the driver. If you get the Creative splash screen your in trouble! I forgot how bad it can be because it's been a long time since I used this card. You gotta admit the DVD tray breakout box is mighty handy. Not sure what the Firewire port does. At the time I thought I was buying the best money could buy...I'm sort of happy to get it to work again if only for listening to MP3's. Nice to know I can use it as a basic DAW too. Plug your guitar right in to the front. There's even a remote! 


 
 
post edited by Cactus Music - 2015/03/11 21:46:53

Johnny V  
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#52
dubdisciple
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Re: please recommend ASIO soundcard under 200 bucks 2015/03/11 21:36:57 (permalink)
michael diemer
Another good budget choice would be the Steinberg UR-22. I use it, and being a hobbyist it is all I need and I have no problems with it. It's a USB.


One of the most troublefree interfaces i have owned. I got it as a portable solution and it has been rock steady 
#53
roddey_phipps
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Re: please recommend ASIO soundcard under 200 bucks 2015/03/12 07:32:30 (permalink)
Cactus Music
Now this thread is derailed,, OP your playback issue sounds like a clock rate change which is common when you change interfaces. But are you using the Lexicon now? 
Or did you find the ASIO drivers for the SB?  Here is what I found- 
http://support.creative.com/Products/ProductDetails.aspx?catID=1&CatName=Sound+Blaster&prodID=21690&prodName=Sound+Blaster+Audigy+Fx
 
But it is not clear what the driver is as it does not mention if it is ASIO in the documents.  
 
File Name : SBAF_CD_L13_1_00_06.exe
This download contains the software update for the Sound Blaster® Audigy Fx's installation CD. For more details, please read the rest of this web release note.
 
This download supports and is applicable for the following hardware:
  • Sound Blaster Audigy Fx (SB1570)
Added Enhancement / Features:
  • Multiple fixes that improves the driver's overall stability and performance.
Requirements:
  • Microsoft® Windows® 8.1 32-bit or 64-bit, Windows 8 32-bit or 64-bit, Windows 7 32-bit or 64-bit, Windows Vista® 32-bit or 64-bit
  • Sound Blaster Audigy Fx


thanks for all your help. I do not have a Lexicon. I searched and searched and I do not think my current Audigy FX soundcard is ASIO compliant. It isnt a hi end thing at all... I got it at Best buy for about 20 bucks, a long time ago, so I'm not surprised.
 
I ordered the Audigy RX, for 50 bucks, with ASIO drivers. It seemed to be to good of a solution, to not try, before spending a lot of money on something I might not need.
 
I guess before installing it, I must un-install the drivers and all the software, for the existing Audigy card? And also uninstall ASIO4All. You mentioned that was difficult. Any steps you recommend?
 
 
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