Answeredtotal beginner need clarifications about sound card

Author
Post
Essentials Only Full Version
codrutoctavian
Max Output Level: -90 dBFS
  • Total Posts : 2
  • Joined: 2014/01/22 16:25:01
  • Status: offline
2014/01/22 16:56:11 (permalink)

total beginner need clarifications about sound card

I want to record sessions with my old Samson C01U which is an USB microphone. As the software included with it was an old version of Sonar, I had upgraded to Sonar X3 64-bit editions which is now running on Windows 8.1 64-bit. I am currently using the integrated motherboard sound card which is some Realtek card.

Which sound card do I need? I wanted to buy a SoundBlaster Z but I have read on the forums that it is okay only for gaming and not for making music/recordings. It seems I need an ASIO capable soundcard. Or not? I have an USB microphone after all. I am really lost! :(
 
In the future I may record also my guitar and I would also like to play the guitar sound through the computer. Is this possible?
 
I am using only two old quality speakers through an amplifier (stereo). I am not a 5.1/7.1 surround mode guy.
 
I have seen people recommending Focusrite 2i2, but can I also listen to music with it?
 
Which sound card do I need? I am really confused. It needs to be either PCIe or (as I see) USB. I can allocate 2-300 EURs for this.
 
Sorry if my questions are totally dumb.
 
Thanks
#1
See best answerList Solutions Only

18 Replies Related Threads
    brundlefly
    Max Output Level: 0 dBFS
    • Total Posts : 14250
    • Joined: 2007/09/14 14:57:59
    • Location: Manitou Spgs, Colorado
    • Status: offline
    Re: total beginner need clarifications about sound card 2014/01/22 17:04:31 (permalink) ☄ Helpfulby codrutoctavian 2014/01/22 17:56:56
    A USB mic is basically a microphone with an integrated USB audio interface. It doesn't need and can't use another card/driver. My guess is that its driver is not great and probably only supports WDM driver mode. I would strongly recommend you get a conventional mic and a decent ASIO interface with built-in mic preamp(s). There are lots of good used interfaces out there if you're on a tight budget. I've never bought a new one, myself.
     
     

    SONAR Platinum x64, 2x MOTU 2408/PCIe-424  (24-bit, 48kHz)
    Win10, I7-6700K @ 4.0GHz, 24GB DDR4, 2TB HDD, 32GB SSD Cache, GeForce GTX 750Ti, 2x 24" 16:10 IPS Monitors
    #2
    57Gregy
    Max Output Level: 0 dBFS
    • Total Posts : 14404
    • Joined: 2004/05/31 17:04:17
    • Location: Raleigh, North Carolina
    • Status: offline
    Re: total beginner need clarifications about sound card 2014/01/22 17:09:38 (permalink) ☄ Helpfulby codrutoctavian 2014/01/22 17:56:53
    I love my Focusrite Saffire.
    Yes, you can listen to music with it if you tell Windows to use it as the default device.

    Greg 
    I am selling my MIM Fender Stratocaster HSS, red and black. PM for more details.

    Music Creator 2003, MC Pro 24, SONAR Home Studio 6 XL, SONAR  X3e, CbB, Focusrite Saffire, not enough space.
    Everything is better with pie. 

    http://www.soundclick.com/bands/default.cfm?bandID=609446
    http://www.reverbnation.com/#!/gregfields 
    #3
    Guitarpima
    Max Output Level: -34 dBFS
    • Total Posts : 4125
    • Joined: 2005/11/19 23:53:59
    • Location: Terra 3
    • Status: offline
    Re: total beginner need clarifications about sound card 2014/01/22 17:28:49 (permalink) ☄ Helpfulby codrutoctavian 2014/01/22 17:56:50
    The Roland Capture series is nice. You'll get more suggestions and most are good but you have to think about what you want to do now and in the future. Then weigh your options.

    Notation, the original DAW. Everything else is just rote. We are who we are and no more than another. Humans, you people are crazy.
     
     Win 7 x64  X2  Intel DX58SO, Intel i7 920 2.66ghz 12gb DDR3  ASUS ATI EAH5750  650w PSU 4x WD HDs 320gb  DVD, DVD RW Eleven Rack, KRK Rokit 8s and 10s sub
    #4
    robert_e_bone
    Moderator
    • Total Posts : 8968
    • Joined: 2007/12/26 22:09:28
    • Location: Palatine, IL
    • Status: offline
    Re: total beginner need clarifications about sound card 2014/01/22 17:30:01 (permalink) ☄ Helpfulby codrutoctavian 2014/01/22 17:56:47
    You can pick up a basic, but good, audio interface starting at around $150 or so, usd.  Something at that level would give you ASIO drivers, and a couple of mic/instrument inputs, likely with phantom power, and some reasonable converters and pre-amps.
     
    The more inputs/outputs/pre-amps you get, the more an interface will run.
     
    Make sure you find one that has Windows 7 and/or Windows 8 drivers, and if you can find one with Windows 8.1 drivers, even better.
     
    I would also recommend a USB connection - most rely on USB 2, rather than USB 3.
     
    A dedicated audio interface will use its circuitry to take the 'load' off of your CPU, for analog/digital conversions and such, which will help reduce the likelihood of getting dropouts and crackles and pops and that sort of thing.
     
    I hope the above helps, 
     
    Bob Bone

    Wisdom is a giant accumulation of "DOH!"
     
    Sonar: Platinum (x64), X3 (x64) 
    Audio Interfaces: AudioBox 1818VSL, Steinberg UR-22
    Computers: 1) i7-2600 k, 32 GB RAM, Windows 8.1 Pro x64 & 2) AMD A-10 7850 32 GB RAM Windows 10 Pro x64
    Soft Synths: NI Komplete 8 Ultimate, Arturia V Collection, many others
    MIDI Controllers: M-Audio Axiom Pro 61, Keystation 88es
    Settings: 24-Bit, Sample Rate 48k, ASIO Buffer Size 128, Total Round Trip Latency 9.7 ms  
    #5
    Splat
    Max Output Level: 0 dBFS
    • Total Posts : 8672
    • Joined: 2010/12/29 15:28:29
    • Location: Mars.
    • Status: offline
    Re: total beginner need clarifications about sound card 2014/01/22 17:30:37 (permalink) ☄ Helpfulby codrutoctavian 2014/01/22 17:56:43
    Focusrite!

    Sell by date at 9000 posts. Do not feed.
    @48/24 & 128 buffers latency is 367 with offset of 38.

    Sonar Platinum(64 bit),Win 8.1(64 bit),Saffire Pro 40(Firewire),Mix Control = 3.4,Firewire=VIA,Dell Studio XPS 8100(Intel Core i7 CPU 2.93 Ghz/16 Gb),4 x Seagate ST31500341AS (mirrored),GeForce GTX 460,Yamaha DGX-505 keyboard,Roland A-300PRO,Roland SPD-30 V2,FD-8,Triggera Krigg,Shure SM7B,Yamaha HS5.Maschine Studio+Komplete 9 Ultimate+Kontrol Z1.Addictive Keys,Izotope Nectar elements,Overloud Bundle,Geist.Acronis True Image 2014.
    #6
    codrutoctavian
    Max Output Level: -90 dBFS
    • Total Posts : 2
    • Joined: 2014/01/22 16:25:01
    • Status: offline
    Re: total beginner need clarifications about sound card 2014/01/22 17:38:38 (permalink)
    Wow! Thanks for the advice. What about ESI Juli@ XTe?It's a PCIe card. Are sound cards nowadays only USB?
    If the ESI is not okay I'll go with Focusrite as it seems a lot of people are recommending it.
     
    Thanks
    #7
    StarTekh
    Max Output Level: -55 dBFS
    • Total Posts : 2007
    • Joined: 2004/03/09 12:02:20
    • Location: Montreal
    • Status: offline
    Re: total beginner need clarifications about sound card 2014/01/22 17:44:35 (permalink) ☄ Helpfulby codrutoctavian 2014/01/22 17:56:39
    I would look at Firewire as it offers the lowest latency..
     
    http://us.focusrite.com/firewirethunderbolt-audio-interfaces
     
    are just a few
    #8
    AT
    Max Output Level: 0 dBFS
    • Total Posts : 10654
    • Joined: 2004/01/09 10:42:46
    • Location: TeXaS
    • Status: offline
    Re: total beginner need clarifications about sound card 2014/01/22 17:46:37 (permalink) ☼ Best Answerby codrutoctavian 2014/01/22 17:56:36
    Just go to one of the online stores and take a look - Focusrite, Cake/Roland seem to be the local favorites.  If you want to do anything serious w/ music (other than listening) you will need a music interface, because of the problems you already have w/ the buit-in card and usb mic.  A soundblaster is better but designed for gamers and the software loads a lot of bloat w/ Creative stuff.  You'll be much better off going w/ something designed for recording and playing back mulitrack audio.  You will find real music interfaces starting at about $100, which ain't much more than a creative card.
     
    Yes, you can listen to music w/ an interface, tho it might get glitchy listening to online videos and such (where the sample rates and bit depth change a lot).  But for CD and mp3 playback it should be better than your onboard card.
     
    @

    https://soundcloud.com/a-pleasure-dome
    http://www.bnoir-film.com/  
     
    there came forth little children out of the city, and mocked him, and said unto him, Go up, thou bald head; go up, thou bald head.
    24 And he turned back, and looked on them, and cursed them in the name of the Lord. And there came forth two she bears out of the wood, and tare forty and two children of them.
    #9
    mettelus
    Max Output Level: -22 dBFS
    • Total Posts : 5321
    • Joined: 2005/08/05 03:19:25
    • Location: Maryland, USA
    • Status: offline
    Re: total beginner need clarifications about sound card 2014/01/23 01:29:19 (permalink)
    +1 for Focusrite
     
    I got my Focusrite Saffire based on feedback of this forum and am glad that I did. If you want to pursue music seriously (even as a hobby), the audio interface is a vital piece of equipment, so spending a little more there will save a lot of pain and suffering later on. The Saffire has a feature I stumbled upon by dumb luck in that it has "ASIO aggregation" which allows it to accept ASIO input from multiple sources simultaneously. I cannot speak to other models about this, and cannot even find specific reference to this feature being enabled on my model; but for my work flow it is a gem since I often open different programs in ASIO mode at the same time (I have done it with 4 different programs at once just to see if I could). This feature is certainly not a requirement for most users, but I have crashed my machine on previous interfaces doing the same "dumb stunt" by accident.
     
    I also leave my on-board audio running 24/7 and it is dedicated to Windows. Many will not recommend this, but I have not had issues in doing so.

    ASUS ROG Maximus X Hero (Wi-Fi AC), i7-8700k, 16GB RAM, GTX-1070Ti, Win 10 Pro, Saffire PRO 24 DSP, A-300 PRO, plus numerous gadgets and gizmos that make or manipulate sound in some way.
    #10
    Vab
    Max Output Level: -87 dBFS
    • Total Posts : 192
    • Joined: 2013/12/24 18:15:50
    • Status: offline
    Re: total beginner need clarifications about sound card 2014/01/23 02:12:02 (permalink)
    I already have an X fi titanium HD which turned out to have great Asio drivers with as low as 1 MS asio settings, but only have a Samson go mic for recording, but when I tested it it was sufficient.

    For how much that soundcard cost though, you can get a decent audio interface instead with better mic input options.

    I7 980 | Asus Rampage III Extreme | 12 Gb ram | SLI GTX 680 | Creative X-fi Titanium HD | 2x4 Tb HDD | 128+512 Gb SSDs | Sonar X3 Producer | Yamaha DGX 630 | Samson Go Mic
    #11
    robert_e_bone
    Moderator
    • Total Posts : 8968
    • Joined: 2007/12/26 22:09:28
    • Location: Palatine, IL
    • Status: offline
    Re: total beginner need clarifications about sound card 2014/01/23 09:09:55 (permalink)
    +1 on looking at Fire Wire interfaces, which I had skipped in my earlier post.  I was only thinking of budget issues, as some folks have to pick up Fire Wire expansion cards for their computers, which adds a little to the cost.  (even some folks who have on-board Fire Wire ports have had chip set compatibility issues, requiring the additional expansion card).
     
    Bob Bone
     

    Wisdom is a giant accumulation of "DOH!"
     
    Sonar: Platinum (x64), X3 (x64) 
    Audio Interfaces: AudioBox 1818VSL, Steinberg UR-22
    Computers: 1) i7-2600 k, 32 GB RAM, Windows 8.1 Pro x64 & 2) AMD A-10 7850 32 GB RAM Windows 10 Pro x64
    Soft Synths: NI Komplete 8 Ultimate, Arturia V Collection, many others
    MIDI Controllers: M-Audio Axiom Pro 61, Keystation 88es
    Settings: 24-Bit, Sample Rate 48k, ASIO Buffer Size 128, Total Round Trip Latency 9.7 ms  
    #12
    Bristol_Jonesey
    Max Output Level: 0 dBFS
    • Total Posts : 16775
    • Joined: 2007/10/08 15:41:17
    • Location: Bristol, UK
    • Status: offline
    Re: total beginner need clarifications about sound card 2014/01/23 12:53:20 (permalink)
    Another vote for the Focusrite Saffire range!

    CbB, Platinum, 64 bit throughout
    Custom built i7 3930, 32Gb RAM, 2 x 1Tb Internal HDD, 1 x 1TB system SSD (Win 7), 1 x 500Gb system SSD (Win 10), 2 x 1Tb External HDD's, Dual boot Win 7 & Win 10 64 Bit, Saffire Pro 26, ISA One, Adam P11A,
    #13
    michaelhanson
    Max Output Level: -40 dBFS
    • Total Posts : 3529
    • Joined: 2008/10/31 15:19:56
    • Location: Mesquite, Texas
    • Status: offline
    Re: total beginner need clarifications about sound card 2014/01/23 13:05:30 (permalink)
    Focusrite Scarlett series is very good as well. I have 2 different models currently. One is primarily for my desk top the other is for mobile. One really nice feature on any unit is the ability to run monitors, multiple monitors and head phones separately.

    Mike

    https://soundcloud.com/michaeljhanson
    https://www.facebook.com/michaeljhanson.music
    iTunes:
    https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/scandalous-grace/id1180730765
     
    Platinum Lifetime, Focusrite 8i6 & 2i4, Gibson LP, ES335, Fender Strat, 4003 Rickenbacker
    BMI
    #14
    Fog
    Max Output Level: 0 dBFS
    • Total Posts : 12302
    • Joined: 2008/02/27 21:53:35
    • Location: UK
    • Status: offline
    Re: total beginner need clarifications about sound card 2014/01/23 13:10:43 (permalink)
    with regard to the samson, sure you probably read this http://forum.cakewalk.com/Guide-SONAR-usb-mic-Samson-C01u-or-C03u-mic-m1618556.aspx
     
    is it's 5th anniversary in a few weeks hehe.
     
    but if you do a lot of work with mics a lot, then it's easier to get one that goes direct into a soundcard.. I do have a saffire 6 myself and a 1010LT on the other machine.. but... 2 negatives.. 1) m-audio aren't so great with drivers 2)although the saffire-6 has 2 mic inputs.. as instrument input, I have to use both ports to use my stereo XG unit.
     
    so try to think where you will be in 4-6 years, as it's better to buy something you will grow into..
     
    200-300 euro would be more than enough to get you a decent asio based card. there are only maybe 3 brands personally I'd look at currently.. RME , focusrite , roland and maybe presonus.. I wouldn't bother with a soundblaster etc.
     
    where in europe are you based, as you may want to find a shop where you can see something in action..
     
    pci-e is for desktops, not laptops.. so usb works externally on both machines. firewire is another option but problematic perhaps if you don't have the right chipset (Ti).. assuming you even have a firewire port :)
     
    with regards to an amp and speakers ? they are fine for mucking about with .. but if they are home speakers, they will fluff the sound aren't truly flat.. which is what you are trying to get with studio monitors (speakers).
     
     
     
    #15
    AT
    Max Output Level: 0 dBFS
    • Total Posts : 10654
    • Joined: 2004/01/09 10:42:46
    • Location: TeXaS
    • Status: offline
    Re: total beginner need clarifications about sound card 2014/01/23 13:34:20 (permalink)
    I love firewire but most computers don't come w/ it native, and many that do aren't the recommended TI chipset.  IF you decide FW, you'll have to put a card into your desktop or laptop.  Fortunately those can be TI, and that way your interface won't hog the USB bandwidth.  Still, USB will be native long after FW is too hard to put into a computer.
     
    If you do decide FW, TC is a great value.  I use a TC Konnekt 48; the TC Konnekt Twin is a great for most home recording @ $400-500, and the TCK 6 is a nice stereo unit built into a remote control and about $200.  The preamp(s) are good, about as good as you are going to get in an interface, and the converters are great.  The drivers have been fixed - not the lowest latency (that I can get anyway), but still respectable.  But you can easily get a professional sound quality w/ it.  I've used them along w/ appogge and other higher cost units and they hold their own.
     
    @

    https://soundcloud.com/a-pleasure-dome
    http://www.bnoir-film.com/  
     
    there came forth little children out of the city, and mocked him, and said unto him, Go up, thou bald head; go up, thou bald head.
    24 And he turned back, and looked on them, and cursed them in the name of the Lord. And there came forth two she bears out of the wood, and tare forty and two children of them.
    #16
    Glyn Barnes
    Max Output Level: -0.3 dBFS
    • Total Posts : 7564
    • Joined: 2009/06/10 05:12:31
    • Location: A Stone's Throw from the Line
    • Status: offline
    Re: total beginner need clarifications about sound card 2014/01/23 14:02:56 (permalink)
    codrutoctavian
    Wow! Thanks for the advice. What about ESI Juli@ XTe?It's a PCIe card. Are sound cards nowadays only USB?
    If the ESI is not okay I'll go with Focusrite as it seems a lot of people are recommending it.
     
    Thanks


    I used to have a Juli@ card. It served me well but my Roland Quad Capture is much better. Better input and output options and more stable.

    Intel i7 3770K @4.4GHz, 32GB RAM, 240GB SSD System disk, 2 x 2TB and 1 x 1TB (with SSD Cache) HDD. Windows 10,  Sonar Platinum. Roland Quad Capture. 
    Music - Switchwater on Soundclick
    Music - Goldry Bluszco on Soundcloud
    #17
    mettelus
    Max Output Level: -22 dBFS
    • Total Posts : 5321
    • Joined: 2005/08/05 03:19:25
    • Location: Maryland, USA
    • Status: offline
    Re: total beginner need clarifications about sound card 2014/01/23 15:25:05 (permalink)
    AT
    IF you decide FW, you'll have to put a card into your desktop or laptop. 


    I just wanted to clarify that the "will" is not necessarily true. When I posted my thread on a new interface, this came up several times, so I researched one, but bought the Focusrite Saffire without the TI-specific card to check first. I am on a VIA chipset, and the Saffire has been flawless for me (I never got the TI card). My machine had an unused FW port, but VIA.
     
    For the OP, be sure to research a lot, and do not hesitate to post questions here as you narrow in on what you want. If you can post your computer specs is also helps others understand your system better when offering suggestions to you. If your machine does not have a FW port, then yes, a card would be required.
     

    ASUS ROG Maximus X Hero (Wi-Fi AC), i7-8700k, 16GB RAM, GTX-1070Ti, Win 10 Pro, Saffire PRO 24 DSP, A-300 PRO, plus numerous gadgets and gizmos that make or manipulate sound in some way.
    #18
    Mesh
    Max Output Level: 0 dBFS
    • Total Posts : 27360
    • Joined: 2009/11/27 14:08:08
    • Location: Online right here!
    • Status: offline
    Re: total beginner need clarifications about sound card 2014/01/23 15:32:14 (permalink)
    I just got my Focusrite Scarlett 2i4 yesterday for $159, and very happy with it. It's USB powered and installing the drivers was a breeze (it took me longer to register the product than the installation).  

    Platinum Gaming DAW: AsRock Z77 Overclock Formula
    I7 3770k @ 4.5GHz : 16GB RAM G.Skill Ripjaws X
    250GB OS SSD : 3TB HDD : 1TB Sample HDD
    Win 10 Pro x 64 : NH-D14 CPU Cooler 
    HIS IceQ  2GB HD 7870
    Focusrite Scarlett 2i4
    The_Forum_Monkeys
    #19
    Jump to:
    © 2025 APG vNext Commercial Version 5.1