Help noob with setup

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Member Since: Feb 16, 2006

So lately ive been trying to get into computer recording. I build computers for a hobby and figured since I spend so much time and money on the damn things and im a musician, I should use it for more then CS:S and surfing the net. Anyways here is my computer specs that are important for recording

2.8 Dual Core (watercooled)
2 WD raptor 10,000 RPM 74 gig harddrives raided
1028 x 2 OCZ DDR2
and a X-FI soundblaster...

From what ive seen this should be good enought to run most of the programs.

Now here is my recording gear so far...

Tech 21 Sans Amp
Mackie 1202 VLZ Pro
A Shure instrument mic


Now for the question. Which setup would you guys use and why? What are the benefits of a soundcard setup compaired to a breakout box?
Is the X-Fi good enough to use? I jsut got it a month ago for gaming (which its amazing for) but Id hate to have to stop using it. Can I use both a Z-FI and say a Delta 1010lt without problems? Or 2 different sound cards at the same time for that matter?

Does a breakout firewire setup like Firebox benefit for a higher end pc as much as a PCI soundcard system would?

With all this in mind and say around 300 more dollars to spend what would you recommend for an interface, if one is needed at all. Otherwise I might spend the money on a compressor or cond. mic.

Anways thanks for the help on my first set of questions.

-G.F.

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Administrator
Since: Apr 03, 2002


Feb 16, 2006 11:24 am

I certainly wouldn't use the X-Fi for audio recording, though I am sure some would argue with me...

if using ASIO drivers, only one card can be used at a time unless they are the same card, with WDM drivers however you can use multiple cards...

Welcome to HRC.

Prince CZAR-ming
Member
Since: Apr 08, 2004


Feb 16, 2006 12:43 pm

If you were stuck to using the one PC, then I'd recommend a dual-boot setup. Load one setup with the gaming setup, and the other with a clean - running audio setup.

This way you can set the gaming setup to use the SB card, then the audio setup to use the audio recording card.

Speaking of, if you are only going to be recording 1 or 2 signals at a time, then you wouldn't need to shell out $$$ for a 8 or 10 input card. A maudio audiophile 24/96, or an ESI juli@ would be two good choices.

ALso, if you're running PC, I'd stear towards PCI interface instead of firewire or USB for most of your recording. Many people use external interfaces (me being one of them) but I'd rather take the fast buss, and steady reliability that PCI has to offer, over the firewire or USB solutions.

Seems you could get a 2x2 card, plus a low-range LDC, and maybe still have a few pennies left over =).

welcome to the money pit =).

welcome to HRC as well.

Member
Since: Feb 16, 2006


Feb 16, 2006 01:55 pm

Thanks for the advice guys. I figured the PCI was better if you had the PC to back it but I just wanted to make sure. One more thing, I was told that the PCI cards without a breakout box causes more noise, not sure if this was just shop guy running me some BS to sell me the more expensive thing or not.

Also, im not stuck using one pc, but I do prefer to use the better one. The other pc is 2.6 Hyper threaded with a gig of memory and a smaller Raptor harddrive. I could always just use that one, but I figured the more power the better once you start recording. I might have to do that dual boot option.

I picked up one of those 20 inch widescreen LCD dells a few months back so the monitor is already taken care of.

Again, thanks.

Hold 'Em Czar
Member
Since: Dec 30, 2004


Feb 16, 2006 02:05 pm

yeah, some of the internal pci cards are more prone to noize, due to a lack of shielding, all the fans and other electronics that are in very close proximity to the converters....i personally have never witnessed it before, but i have read about the phenom.

Prince CZAR-ming
Member
Since: Apr 08, 2004


Feb 16, 2006 03:09 pm

A quick look-see (by me) as to convertor's location and noise floor:

On my old PC AMD 2500+, biostar MB w/ 1010lt (convertors built into PCI card), I was getting -55 to -70 db noise floor.

My new PC AMD 3500+, biostar MB w/ ESP1010 (breakout box) gets NF > -80db. I had to go to the highest scale in ntrack to see it's noise. Quite a difference. I'm sure there's other variables at play, but it's at least one figure.

(Gluten Free, LDC is for Large Diaphragm Condensor, as in condensor mic. Not LCD, as in Liquid Crystal Display. Cool beans on the 20" though, wish I had one)

Member
Since: Feb 16, 2006


Feb 16, 2006 04:04 pm

Opps, sorry about that.
I was thinkin since most home studios ive been to have those large screens or dual monitors thats what you were talking about.


I was planning on picking up a condensor mic this weekend. Something in the 100 - 200 dollars range. Just something to do rough acoustic and vocals tracks with. Nothing really fancy but something better then my SM 57, any ideas?

I was looking at either the

MLX 990
AKG Perception 200 LDC

Czar of Midi
Administrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002


Feb 16, 2006 10:29 pm

Hey Gluten Free, welcome to HRC.

Yes you can use the Sb card for gaming and have another card installed dedicated to recording, such as the 1010LT. That is not a problem. My old PC still runs with a SB right alongside a Delta 44 and I have never had any problems. The Delta is used strrictly for recording while the SB is relegated to simple MP3 listening and such.

Administrator
Since: Apr 03, 2002


Feb 17, 2006 08:41 am

I have only used PCI cards personally, and have never witnessed the noise issue discribed earlier, tho I have heard it talked about...

The bigger the better is a good rule of thumb, but it really depends on your style of music and what you plan to record...if you only ever have 8 tracks to your recordings and don't use many effects or softsynths, well, ya don't need a supercomputer...

Cone Poker
Member
Since: Apr 07, 2002


Feb 17, 2006 11:34 am

I've got the mxl 990 and I have to say for the money it is not a bad mic. Haven't used that AKG one though

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