Second sound card just for Sonar?

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Dapper
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2011/07/28 12:13:58 (permalink)

Second sound card just for Sonar?

I was going to replace the Sound Blaster card in my computer with an Audiophile 2496. When I opened the computer I saw things connected to the SB soundcard that the Audiophile doesn't have connections for. Plus, it has an output to the computer speakers that are different than the outputs on the Audiophile. So, I'm just wondering if I can just leave the SB card in the computer, and install the Audiophile, too, and just tell Sonar to use the Audiophile while leaving everything to the SB. That'll work  - right?
 
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    Beagle
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    Re:Second sound card just for Sonar? 2011/07/28 15:56:02 (permalink)
    yes, you can and it should do fine.   you can leave the SB card connected to the computer speakers and it will continue to be used for things like WMP and youtube while you can use the 2496 exclusively for recording.

    you might need to do some customization in sonar for setting it up - the SB card might stay in control ifyou're using WDM drivers and maybe even if you're using ASIO drivers.  in sonar, change to ASIO driver mode then make sure your PLAYBACK and RECORDING DEVICES are both set to the 2496 only and not the SB card.

    if you WANT to disconnect the SB card you can do that as well.  I'm sure the only thing internal connected to it would be the cable connected to the CD/DVD drive for direct output from the drive to the soundcard.  usually it's not necessary with the newer soundcards anyway. 

    but it's up to you whichever way you want to do it.

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    Guitarhacker
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    Re:Second sound card just for Sonar? 2011/07/29 07:56:20 (permalink)
    Yeah... it is workable. I have done it with every computer I have used for recording.

    Even laptops will run 2 cards. It used to be advised to have only one sound card but I think those days are past. Most computers will run fine with 2, and the cool thing is you can have your DAW open and running and export a tune and use the computer factory card to listen to it on the "other" card.

    Unless you have already bought the PCI card to install inside, you might consider a USB based external card. I've had both internals and externals. I prefer the externals since the "box" can usually be placed on the desk top as opposed to back behind the computer on the floor. That makes plugging mics and other things into it, a bit easier and way more convenient.
    post edited by Guitarhacker - 2011/07/29 07:58:44

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    Dapper
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    Re:Second sound card just for Sonar? 2011/07/30 11:44:15 (permalink)
    Successful! Thanks, guys. : )
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