Hello there!

I am actually making music using SONAR X2 Producer Edition and I mainly compose Epic Orchestral Scores (like we hear in movies). Since I am on a Dell laptop with a stock Realtek HD audio soundcard, I wanted to upgrade in order to get a better sound quality, less latency and plenty of other cool features.

I heard about SoundBlaster cards as well as M-Audio cards (I can be anything, I'm just suggesting!). I want something easy to use but still with lots of features. At least one 1/4 audio jack slot is also a minimum in my opinion.

Any recommendations? Feel free to share your opinions! Thank you very much everyone!!
P.S: NOT TOO EXPENSIVE PLZ :P

Welcome to the forum.
You can't go wrong with Focusrite.

57Gregy
Welcome to the forum.
You can't go wrong with Focusrite.

Since I'm rather tight on budget, would this be a great idea?
 
global.focusrite[dot]com/usb-audio-interfaces/scarlett-2i2/specifications
 
If yes, is 2in/2out enough for a novice user?
 
Thank you very much

alpha8768

57Gregy
Welcome to the forum.
You can't go wrong with Focusrite.

 
If yes, is 2in/2out enough for a novice user?
 

It's not about whether you're a novice or veteran, it's about what you need. How many audio instruments do you record simultaneously? Or do you want to have several instruments plugged in for convenience, ready to be used quickly? I'd guess two I/O is enough for most who record alone and don't need live drums miked.

Well I think that 2in/2out is gonna be all right since I mostly need to record guitar and bass. I don't know much about the other specs though, so I'm not sure if this USB interface is as good as it looks like. It would be awesome if someone knowledgeable could take a look at it :)
 
global.focusrite[dot]com/usb-audio-interfaces/scarlett-2i2/specifications

I've read good things about the Scarlett line of interfaces on these forums.
My Saffire is only 2 inputs. Me being a hobbyists and recording alone, it has everything I need.
Your description of how you work and what you want to do makes me think the Scarlett will have everything you need.
If you're not regularly recording a live band, 2 inputs is enough for most folks.

Allright! I'm going to find a Focusrite dealer in my Province or I'll get it from Ebay/Amazon/Musiciansfriend. Thank you very much everyone, especially you Greg!
 
Topic resolved.

Well, I urge you to do a little research anyway. I like Focusrite, as do others here, but there are tons of good interfaces out there (not Sound Blasters) that may fit your budget better.
Find any post by Beagle and click his link for sound card/audio interface suggestions.

There's Roland interfaces also, others.
http://www.sweetwater.com/shop/computer-audio/audio_interfaces/
 
Just one place amongst many. And it is called an audio/interface. I record in stereo everything so two inputs are always needed for me with my synthesizer.
 
USB:
http://www.sweetwater.com/c695--USB_Audio_Interfaces
 
Both expensive and cheaper for various reasons such as number of inputs, outputs and all the other stuff that goes along with needs and uses. Of course I use mine for playing music through the computer also instead of a cheap soundcard. Had one of those, they don't work as well (at least in my opinion.)
And yes I have some crappy videos up with a Sound blaster type and the expensive new one I bought.
And first and last of all you have to love the sound you get out of it, and of course there are the other options you may get later like, channel strips and other preamps for microphones and such to help with the sound. Otherwise you may have to edit more in the DAW with EQ's given and Compression given in the DAW if it has that to begin with, and soft synths from the DAW if you use those. I do not so far so I am just changing things around all the time anyway to learn to record better.
http://www.youtube.com/user/grumpalf
in which case I should do some songs over, but then I am not in it for the money, just a hobby.
I really like my RME though, but it costs more also. Of course there are other manufacturers and looking through there are reviews also from people who bought the unit also.
 
 

Lol I have to admit it was somewhat "fast" to make a decision, but I've been browsing the internet for 3 days and yet I did not find any better audio interfaces that overcome the Scarlett 2i2's price and feature.
 
I'll take a look at Beagle's profile. Looks Interesting. Thanks again guys!