multiple sound cards

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Member Since: Dec 14, 2002

My roomate is trying to configure his computer to use three sound cards: a SB Audigy and 2 SB Live Platinums. He is using XP and Cakewalk Pro Audio 9. So far, he has it seeing the Audigy and one of the Platinums, but Cakewalk crashes if he installs the third sound card.

First of all, is it possible for hime to use all three? And if so, can you give me some help? We were thinking that we might have to use 3 different brands of sound cards to do this - is that right?

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Contributor
Since: Sep 09, 2002


Dec 14, 2002 09:14 pm

i've never tried to install two of the same cards at one time. maybe it's just a IRQ conflict. can i ask why he'd want to install three SB's on one machine?

Member
Since: Dec 14, 2002


Dec 14, 2002 10:42 pm

For multiple inputs, Three cards = six inputs.

Administrator
Since: Apr 03, 2002


Dec 15, 2002 06:36 am

for starters, it would cost less and perform better to get one M-Audio Delta 66. However, you should be able to use all 3. Many higher-end cards like M-Audio are made so you can have multiple cards, The SoundBlasters, being a lower-end card not realy made for recording may have a harder time doing this. I would contact SB support and ask them if you can.

Member
Since: Dec 14, 2002


Dec 15, 2002 05:20 pm

We're going to try swapping out the one Platinum for anothe brand card, and see if that works.

A quick look online, the M-Audio Delta 66 starts at $270. He already had the Audigy ($125). The two Platinums cost $50. So it is cheaper to use multiple cards than getting one good one. That is, if we can get it to work! :D)

I wish he talked to me before he got the Audigy, I would have steered him clear of SB all together.

Administrator
Since: Apr 03, 2002


Dec 15, 2002 05:32 pm

Platinums for $50? WOW, must have been a good online deal or something, in the stores aren't they a couple hundred dollars?

The route you are going to take sounds like a good plan to me. The two Platinums might be getting confused...M-Audios and Echo Audios are both made so you can have multiple cards that play well together, some of the lowers ends don't but it sounds like you know that.

Do your friend a favor and slap him around a little for not talking to you first :-)

Good luck, let us know how it turns out, I will be curious to know if that is the problem.

An outburst for perfection
Member
Since: Dec 11, 2002


Dec 15, 2002 06:00 pm

Yeah, $50, cheap.
I paid £150 for mine which I think is around $200

Member
Since: Dec 14, 2002


Dec 15, 2002 08:41 pm

Yeah, I got some Sound Blaster Live Platinums from liquidationetc.safeshopper.com/13/15640.htm?738 for $23 a pop + shipping. This is the nicer one, with the gold connectors.

From everything I've read, the Audigy and the Platinum are about equal in performance for audio recording.

Of course, there are better cards for home recording, they just cost more.

Contributor
Since: Sep 09, 2002


Dec 15, 2002 10:08 pm

delta44's are going on eBay for under $200 these days.

cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI...;item=929469310

that's a heck lot less than i paid for mine in August of 2000.

Administrator
Since: Apr 03, 2002


Dec 16, 2002 05:57 am

The fact gold connectors are better is a myth, there is no factual evidence to that. It's just a story that marketing people use to try to sell their gold plated products...for about 4 times the price.

An outburst for perfection
Member
Since: Dec 11, 2002


Dec 16, 2002 07:14 pm

My platinum has a Drive bay for the front of the PC, that Website is selling it separate.

Member
Since: Dec 14, 2002


Dec 16, 2002 09:17 pm

That's interesting that the gold plated connectors aren't any better. I've seen so many companies use that as a "feature" for all kinds of audio connectors.

Yeah, if you want a SB Live Platinum ofr $23, you're not going to get the Live Drive.

Administrator
Since: Apr 03, 2002


Dec 16, 2002 09:33 pm

True, but go an look at the most expensive consoles and other gear...very seldom do you see one with pretty gold connectors.

I'll admit it's a good line, and it works like crazy, but it's not true.

Czar of Midi
Administrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002


Dec 18, 2002 08:56 pm

The gold connector thing is hit or miss. I use them on my home stereo for the simple fact that I am running some massive cable, I do in the studio also but the connection to my amp for the stereo is not as firm as in the studio. So the gold connector's make a better connection because they are softer and take a better hold then plain chromed steel. Otherwise I don't use any gold in the studio as the bennifit's are not enough to justify the cost. Beside's, the connection's getting to the gold connector's are only plain wire and nickel and soft solder joint's, so where is the gain having only the end being gold and not the whole signal path?

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