Are External Cards So Bad?
Home > Home Recording Forum > Gear Gab > Are External Cards So Bad?
Posted on Apr 12, 2003 07:34 pm
wrmach
I'm Roscoooo P. Coltrane
Member Since: Apr 12, 2003
This is my first post. I'm still fairly new at the tech game. But I was wondering..I see some negative feedback on the web concerning external sound cards. I read in one place where they seriously tax the motherboard. Is this true? I read alot of good things on this site about Audiophile 2496 PCI's.(Didn't see anything on Externals.)I was looking around and found that M Audio produces an External version. Or is this something to be avoided? Thanks
[ Back to Top ]
flame...bringing sexy backMember
Since: Jul 01, 2002
Apr 13, 2003 11:23 am no idea...soundcards arnt my strong point (if you saw my audio set up you'd understand!)
however, dont people using laptops often use them because of the impracticalities of installing decent cards to what is effectively a sealed unit?
WaltChief Cook and Bottle WasherMember
Since: May 10, 2002
Apr 13, 2003 01:30 pm I have heard concerns about "exterior sound cards". The biggest constraint with most have been the limitation to four channels in and out on USB1 devices. Obviously USB1 has a relitively limited band width for real time transference of data in and out of the PC. Now that we have USB2 and the "firewire" interface is becoming more popular amoung recording artists, I think that this will be diminished. The problem that I am seeing at present with "external" devices is the external interface "wars" that are going on amoung hardware developers. Both USB and Firewire are being redeveloped and expanded to provide even greater bandwidth. This makes periferial equiptment developement a moving target.
Flame has the laptop thing down hard. The Pcm-card interface option is expensive and has not been persued much by sound interface manufacturers, leaving USB and firewire the two viable interfaces available. For external drives on a labtop there is a less know option of using a USB2 PCM-card and a powered external box where a CDR burner or hard drive can be mounted. From limited experimentation, I am finding that these powered external devices have enough bandwidth with the USB2 to be effective for recording purposes.
Still, all said and done. If you are not planning to use a laptop, the internal soundcard is probably the most tested, reliable, approach for the desktop PC.
wrmach I'm Roscoooo P. ColtraneMember
Since: Apr 12, 2003
Apr 13, 2003 07:51 pm Thank you both for your response. I really would prefer to get an internal card. My problem is that I have a warranty from the company I bought my new computer from. I'm limited to the products that company carries...Creative Lab cards mostly. Maybe I was dumb for getting a warranty, but I wanted a little insurance incase a problem arose...since I'm kind of new. I could have a card put in, but I'm a little scared that it might mess up my warranty. I had an Audigy put in my other computer. It's ok..but I need something more substantial for this new one. I've been doing some research and have found problems with external cards. I'll probally have to have someone put a card in for me. I'm a bit nervous about attempting it myself. I've never installed anything. Well, thanks for your help.
juesContributor
Since: Dec 30, 2002
Apr 13, 2003 08:27 pm To be honest, installing a PCI card is a piece of cake - even for the PC novice.
There is actually very little that can go wrong, and nothing that will make you scratch your head.
However, I can understand you initial anxiety.
jues.
wrmach I'm Roscoooo P. ColtraneMember
Since: Apr 12, 2003
Apr 14, 2003 01:43 pm Hi jues. Yea, I try to take the safe path when I'm not sure of something. That's why I got a warranty. But I had a feeling when I got it, I'd regret it. Do you..or anyone know..any web sites that give step-by-step..card installation instuctions? Thanks
Apr 14, 2003 01:47 pm -Open up your case
-Look for a white/off-white plastic slot that you card will fit in.
-Slide the card firmly into place in one of those slots.
-Turn on your computer.
Then feed the computer the drivers from the manufacturer supplied CDRom (or run the install from that CDRom) and then reboot again.
You are then good to go.
If something goes wrong, try the card in a different slot and repeat the process.
Then plug all the wires into the back of your PC, such as the speakers, and you're rockin!
juesContributor
Since: Dec 30, 2002
Apr 14, 2003 08:31 pm Hmm altough dB gave the basics, I will give you the "fool" proof version, so to speak.
1. Open up your case
2. At the back end (where you plug the monitor into) you will see "expansion" card slots - these are white slots called PCI slots.
3. Before doing anything else, earth yourself by touching the radiator
4. Remove the metal blanking plate with a screw driver and your hands (unless it is a screw in one, in which case, unscrew it :)
5. Slot the card into the PCI slot, push down on it evenly and it will just slide in smoothly - make sure it is in nice and firm
6. Do up the screw that holds the card in place.
7. Do all the screws back up on the computer case
8. Turn on the PC and have a beer, you earned it :)
jues.
wrmach I'm Roscoooo P. ColtraneMember
Since: Apr 12, 2003
Apr 15, 2003 12:46 pm Thanks dB and jues. I'm going to print your installation lessons, and get to work'n on it.
You guy's are a big help! Again..Thank's.
juesContributor
Since: Dec 30, 2002
Apr 15, 2003 02:07 pm jues can not be held responsible if your PC explodes, that would all be dB's fault.
natch...
Apr 15, 2003 02:22 pm Management does not assume responsibility for the acts described on this web site. The consequences to the users PC are the sole responsibility of the user.
wrmach I'm Roscoooo P. ColtraneMember
Since: Apr 12, 2003
Apr 16, 2003 01:50 pm Hey, that's cool. Believe me..it wouldn't be the first thing I ever blew up! ha-ha-he-he!!!
wrmach I'm Roscoooo P. ColtraneMember
Since: Apr 12, 2003
Apr 16, 2003 06:42 pm I hate to keep bugging you guys;but is there a serious quality difference between balanced & unbalanced cables? If so,wouldn't it be better to get a sound card that accepts balanced? Thank's!!
Apr 16, 2003 06:47 pm Hey, we are here for the buggin...and there can be a noticable difference, especially if you have a bad ground in your houses electrical system...if you have a good electrical system you may not notice much...or not as much as the prices of your gear go up...
WaltChief Cook and Bottle WasherMember
Since: May 10, 2002
Apr 16, 2003 09:54 pm For that particular link, from mixer (or equivalant) to the sound card, I would go with the option to use TRS. There is a lot of opertunity for ground loops, stray signal etc.
wrmach I'm Roscoooo P. ColtraneMember
Since: Apr 12, 2003
Apr 16, 2003 10:43 pm Thank's Guy's. Your cool to answer all these question's. Some other sites act like your bothering them after one question.(no mud slinging intended) Anyway, I was thinking of going with audiophile 2496. But that has RCA type i/o. So, I thought of going with the Delta 44 or 66. Any thoughts on those?
juesContributor
Since: Dec 30, 2002
Apr 17, 2003 02:27 am All of the delta range are amazing cards. Go with the Delta 44 unless you specifically need (or will need in the future) an extra Digital I/O.
jues.
wrmach I'm Roscoooo P. ColtraneMember
Since: Apr 12, 2003
Apr 17, 2003 12:17 pm Hi jues. I was wondering..any particular reason why you picked Delta 44 over the 66? Is it just because of the lower price tag? Thanks
Apr 17, 2003 01:42 pm wrmach, I can't speak for jues, but myself, i took the 44 over the 66 because I don't need digital. The 44 and 66 are identical except the the PCI card in the 66 has S/PDIF jacks. I have S/PDIF on my second sound card, an SB Live with the 5 1/4" bay up front, so I don't need to spend extra on something I never even use.
wrmach I'm Roscoooo P. ColtraneMember
Since: Apr 12, 2003
Apr 18, 2003 01:48 am Hi Jamie Garrett. I agree..why pay for something you don't need. But please bare with me for what could be a very dumb question..Could you run a rack effect into the S/PDIF digital Input.. or am I totally off base? Thank's
Apr 18, 2003 06:37 am that depends if your effects processors have digital in/out. i think we're offbase :O)
Noize2uCzar of MidiAdministrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002
Apr 18, 2003 09:52 pm Yes, if your processor has digital outs you can run the signal in and out of the Delta to it.
wrmach I'm Roscoooo P. ColtraneMember
Since: Apr 12, 2003
Apr 22, 2003 11:49 am Thanks Jamie and Noize2u. Sorry I didn't answer right off, I was away a few days. Anyway,I don't have any rack effects now but was thinking in the near future that if I wanted to go that way,I would need the digital I/O. Jamie, your right..if you don't need it..why get it? But I was thinking it might be wise to keep my options open. You all have been great! Thanks for the advice!
Apr 22, 2003 12:13 pm I have the Delta 1010 and I use the SP/DIF I/O all the time. It's a great input for my CD player and my DAT machine. I don't have a POD or J-Station, but if I did, I would use the digital in for that too. I don't know how much more the 66 is than the 44 but I would get a digital input if possible. I would hate to be witout that option. I use the SP/DIF for recording form a CD rather than converting the files to wav files. It gives me some really good results.
Blessings, Terry
wrmach I'm Roscoooo P. ColtraneMember
Since: Apr 12, 2003
Apr 23, 2003 02:58 am Hi still4given. Yes, I was thinking of going with the 66 because of the S/PDIF. I wouldn't want to limit myself. The Delta 66 isn't really that much more;$60 or $70 more..depending on where you shop. I guess it all depends on what your looking to do. Some may need it..some may never. But as I said, I don't want to limit myself. Thanks for the advice---the more everyone writes..the more I learn! By the way still4given..I dig your name!
