SOUND CARDS FOR GUITAR TRACKS PRO 3

Okay! I have a question that I can't find an answer to, though you would think it would be easy. My comp has the basic Realtek AC'97 Audio. Several people have told me that this is why I am only getting mono from the left speaker on my recordings. I am going through the line in and using a mixing board to ensure that it is receiving stereo signal from my guitar.

THE QUESTION: Which sound cards are you guys using and should I get one too?

If you have a sound card installed I would appreciate your letting me know which ones and how well they work. Apparently this Realtek thing is not a sound card at all. I'm not a comp whiz so be blunt and specific. Can you help a brother out?

THANKS!!!!!

ORIGINAL: Davey Jo
I am going through the line in and using a mixing board to ensure that it is receiving stereo signal from my guitar.

Why? Do you have a stereo guitar? The mixer serves more as a line-leveling preamp as well as a single pooint for you to control several inputs (guitar, keys, etc...) into a single L/R stereo input of your PC. MOST guitars do not send a stereo signal.

The M-Audio card Zungle mentioned is a great one and very affordable.

dude..
you have a bunch of different options... but keep in mind on thing.. avoid anything that says Creative
Creative soundcards are good, but not for your purpose!

buy a soundcard with a built pre-amp, because the more sh!t you connect more the noise! in my case

cheers

ORIGINAL: montezuma

Yes, stay away from the Creative cards on the left side of the stage.

I use a Presonus Firebox. It rocks

You have Firewire on your PC? I don't. Is there such a thing as a USB-to-Firewire convertor? I'm pretty limited on what I can connect to my PC without Firewire.

I just bought an m-audio fastrack for 99 bucks at Guitar center. Works just fine. That isnt' really the piece of equipment that's going to make or break the song. It's the pre-amps and board you're running through. I don't have a board yet, so I'm running my guitar and mic directly into the m-audio (external soundcard) and recording. I can put lots of effects on the guitar/vocals, etc., but in order to get a great sound, you need a mixing board. Buy a really cheap one for starters off Ebay. It will help you boost the bass properly without blasting out the levels on your multi-tracking.

I'm just getting started myself, and mostly use Fruity Loops to record the songs. I get my bass, drums, and piano there, along with some sound effects. Then, I add the lead guitar, rhythm guitar and vocals through the M-audio.

I have a long way to go and a lot of money to spend.

My first song sucks. But, hey, whatever. At least I made a complete song (well, except I have to add background vocals, but the song is 90% finished, which means it WILL end).

Good luck.

Oh, make sure you get phantom power on your external soundcard. And remember: Sometimes the external soundcards are called USB interfaces.