recording cracking noises etc

I am having a hard time with noises, etc . it sounds like when i record i hear the time clock. and some digital noise (cracking) after a note when using session drummer or playing. could it be my sound card not being up to par or am i mising something?
i've tried different driver modes even. -if i use asio it doesn't work no sound etc.
if it seems to be the sound card any recommendations?
Sonar X1a
gateway LX6810
 windows 7 64 bit
Intel core 2 quad cpu q8200 @2.33 ghz
8 gb ram
Realtek high defintion audio
600 gb harddrive
extra 250 gb hard drive for back ups

You spent all that money on Sonar X1 and a computer, and nothing for the most important component which is the audio interface. That's like buying a Lamborghini with a 4 cylinder engine. 

We keep blaming the newbs about spending so much on the software and nothing on soundcard etc., but instead we should be blaming  the manufacturers for not making it clear that you can't expect to use the software to its full without a proper soundcard. On the opposite, the approach of advertising is more on the plug'n'play -side.

I do admit that when a person is investing a few hundred on something, it would be wise to look for some info in advance. But how does a noob know where to look for the truthfull info?

Kalle, it's not solely the makers though.. it's shops that sell it or staff that don't know. I worked with a bunch of spec sheet readers.. only 1 knew the products properly.

if you were buying say sonar.. and they said "oh yer you need a cakewalk brand interface" you'd think hold up... do i.. or they trying to get more commission on a sale.

they did do a pack with sonar + interface in before. 2 of them, errm 1 firewire and 1 usb.

if someone is selling you something, you do wonder if there is slight bias, simply because they get more markup on one product than another..

when I was in the trade a certain DAW company (not cakewalk) offered me stupid discounted price on their software , because some customers knew I wasn't in sales or on commission and probably give a less biased answer

it's anything really.. even the midi interface I bought recently.. 3x3 .. it'd been nice if there was a midi cable chucked in with it.. or had a warning on the back stating that you needed to buy cables (obv. I have some , but still to a noob they'd get home and assume there was one in the box)

I do think things have got simplified over the years.. a lot of makers prefer to use firewire or USB as opposed to internal cards for a number of reasons, timing related..

or even the fact we don't have to use stupid amounts of wall sockets for keyboards a lot of the time thanks to usb.

Kalle Rantaaho


We keep blaming the newbs

Thought we were advising?

The soundcard in my laptop also seems a hard time, but not allways. I played a bit with som settings and fot now it seems ok, but I'm sure that when I'm gonna use more tracks and more FX, the soundcard will let me hear some extra unwanted sounds too.

So what do you people suggest what USB soundcard I would get. My master keyboard has a USB connection and midi in and out, I'm not sure my laptop has fire wire (don't think so) And how to set things up then. Connect the master keybourd with the soundcard throu USB or MIDI, or just leave it connected with the laptop.

For the soundcard, I only need a MIC in for additional audio recording, and the less my wife sees from my hobby, the less it is bothering her.....

Rudo