What's a good audio interface for $300-$400
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Posted on Dec 14, 2003 11:13 pm
iguanaigu
Member Since: Dec 14, 2003
I'm just getting into computer sequencing. I have Cubase SX a few VSTi's but I am in need of a good MIDI audio interface (sound card)for my Kurzweil SP88X. I have terrible latency problems with my current stock sound card. I'd like something that has
optical digital IN/OUT,
MIDI IN/OUT (no latency),
headphone out,
microphone in
and would preferably hook in through PCI slot (however USB or Firewire connection is ok too if they are as good).
This set is mostly for fun.. I'm not a serious recorder. What I want to do is have a good MIDI interface to play my VST instruments with my keyboard and an optical digital out to hook up to my stereo system. One mic in would also be nice for a vocal or playing my sax. I'd like to keep it less than $300-$400.
Thanks for any suggestions.
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LokiCone PokerMember
Since: Apr 07, 2002
Dec 14, 2003 11:59 pm The M-Audio audiophile is a great card for that, it features stereo or dual mono analog inputs and outputs, S/PDIF Ins and Outs so all together you'd have 4 ins and outs. It also has a MIDI in and MIDI out on it. Sounds like this would work perfectly for you. Check out the Gear Bag, as there is a ton of gear there that we usually reccomend, and please go through the links there if you want to buy one to help support the site. If ya have any more questions please feel free to ask.
Noize2uCzar of MidiAdministrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002
Dec 15, 2003 05:37 pm Agreed, the Audiophile 2496 would be a good card. The only probelm you will find is a card that has all the requirments you are looking for in one card. They just dont make them like that. The 2496 will give you S/PDIF in and out, which would need a converter to optical, as well as midi i/o and 2 channels of analog i/o. With that you would need to add a small mixer to accomadate mic and headphones.
Now you could go to the Delta 1010LT which would give you 8 analog i/o channels with two of the input channels having mic pre amp connections, midi i/o and again S/PDIF that would need a converter to optical but there would be no need for the mixer, just and adapter from the analog outs to a headphone plug.
Any of the optical i/o units you will find do not generally do not have midi i/o or analog on them.
So it is a bit of a tough call there.
Ill keep looking around and see if anything turns up.
Dec 16, 2003 04:17 pm Thanks so much for the quick reply. I sort of thought it might be difficult to find it all in one card. I'm not familiar with the S/PDIF to optical converters. If you know of any you'd recommend, that'd be great. I think I may go for the Delta 1010LT - seems like a good price for what it offers. I suppose it would be prettier if it had a breakout box, but looks are the least of my concerns.
Thanks again.
Noize2uCzar of MidiAdministrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002
Dec 16, 2003 06:35 pm Yes, looks arent everything when it comes to audio interfaces. I will try and have a look tonight or tommorrow and let you know what models might work for you as far as S/PDIF to optical converters.
