Recording with computer, suggestions?

Hello everybody,

I am looking to upgrade the recording capabilities of my computer. I've been using Kristal Audio Engine for about a year just because it is free, but now I'd like something that yields a better final product. Basically I'd like to be able to plug in a 1/4" jack into my computer (from guitar, keyboard, etc). I've seen a handful of PCI interfaces and such (from M-Audio, etc.), but am unsure about other people's experiences. Does anyone have any suggestions for a reasonably priced ($300<) and effective computer interface for computer recording?

Any input would be appreciated.....thanks!

Greg

I used Kristal too. I got turned on to Reaper from the guys here. It's a free recording and editing software. Much more powerful than Kristal.

As for input for the guitar into the computer I use Line 6 PodXT Live. It's a bit over your posted price range but Line 6 offers other options that are USB plug in and at a lower price. I think The TonePort might suite. Checkout TonePort and see if it's what you seek.

I've had a Toneport UX2 for about a month now, it's pretty good value for money. The only downside is the real-time monitoring, to avoid latency I use a separate small hi-fi plugged into the toneport's audio output with my recording software ( in my case Tracktion ) outputting to another set of monitors. It has a good set of amp simulations, effects and such, but you can also run it 'clean' and use other post processing if you wish.

The other problem I had was the latest drivers from Line6 were flaky on my PC, I stayed with the drivers out of the box and it's fine. If you don't need phantom power for a microphone, the UX1 is a bit cheaper and does the same job.

I use an emu1212m. You can find this at musiciansfriend for around $199.00 I think.It has been a great soundcard, I set the latency to 5ms and it works great with my native instruments guitar combos software. Can't even tell your not using onboard effects. It has two 1/4" inputs as well as two 1/4' outs.As well as midi in and out. Great card for the price. However be aware that it requires 2 PCI slots, not 1 like alot of other soundcards.

Cheers
jt419oh

I second Bar Chord Nick on Reaper as recording/mixing/editing software. I would also consider a music production specific soundcard as opposed to a generic Creative Labs model. I got a great deal a while back on a Tascam US428 on E-Bay - it acts as a soundcard, mixer and control interface with your editing software - very handy as you can use the knobs, dials and faders as opposed to relying on the mouse (it's connected via USB).
As far as soundcards go, I can recommend anything by M-Audio or Tascam, I've also heard good things about Presonous but have no direct experience. Whatever you do, try as best you can to get a soundcard that offers zero latency (dsp cards are particularly powerful) - you also want at the very least one XLR in, at least one 1/4 inch in and one out, a spdif connection and a midi in and midi out. Hope that helps.

Lol superhuman. I'm not about to get in one of those debates about the "generic creative labs soundcard" things.I've been in plenty of those with people on the cakewalk forum.It's a damn good card hands down. IMO

jt419oh

I had a Creative Labs Audigy 2 and a Platinum on a different machine, they worked fine untill I started recording longer takes (eg a 5 minute rhythm take) and using more 3rd party plug-ins. The Audigy 2 also suffered when I used sample based VSTi's such as DFHS. EastWest Symphonic Orchestra and Giga Studio would not run at all untill I upgraded to a specialist card and Halion showed the usual latency issues plus cracks and pops.
At the end of the day it depends on what kind of a load you intend to put the card under. CL cards work fine for editing small files and sequencing them in entry level sequencers, and that is not a slight on Creative Labs or users of their cards. Cubase SX3 for example has some very power hungry plug-ins that require a card that can handle zero latency. No point splashing out big money if you arent planning on using these types of plugs or sequencers but if you do then you will just end up upgrading. Creative labs cards are more suited (and very well suited) to playing mp3's, dvd's and surround sound applications associated with pc games. Just my advice based on looking at a high spec system (from expensive experience!).

Oh o.k. I thought you were knocking on my emu1212m a subdivison of creative labs.

Cheers
jt419oh

I still used Cool Edit Pro 2 until recently when I upgraded to Adobe Audition, combined with FL Studio 6 I can pretty much get any sound I want.

Well I recently bought a Zoom G2.1u

It acts as a guitar FX processor and an audio interface, and it also comes with Cubase LE.

Works fine for me, for a cheap price.

:cool:

BTW, with the Zoom, there is no latency at all !!!

I've been pondering the Amplitube Stealth as it is a direct Guitar to USB connection. If you have a decent soundcard, this may be an option.

http://www.stealthplug.com/Main.php?prod-SP.php

Originally Posted by: gtnicholHello everybody,

I am looking to upgrade the recording capabilities of my computer. I've been using Kristal Audio Engine for about a year just because it is free, but now I'd like something that yields a better final product. Basically I'd like to be able to plug in a 1/4" jack into my computer (from guitar, keyboard, etc). I've seen a handful of PCI interfaces and such (from M-Audio, etc.), but am unsure about other people's experiences. Does anyone have any suggestions for a reasonably priced ($300<) and effective computer interface for computer recording?

Any input would be appreciated.....thanks!

Greg

i just bought a digitech rp150 it has a usb interface and a lot of effect options, it records to the pc very well without any latency, but requires a seperate monitoring setup...(it emulates a soundcard,so it has to have powered speakers to be connected to it)