need a studio-quality PC sound card

[Max-T]

I am starting to get more heavily into home recording, and am starting to shift more resources into PC-based recording and away from analog tapes. I currently have a Sound Blaster Audigy Platinum sound card in my PC, which has the nice external I/O bay for all the connections, but I think I'm going to want to upgrade to a new sound card and I/O bay before attempting any serious recordings.

I've seen the Audigy 2 ZS Platinum at Best Buy and CompUSA -- it seems like a good deal in that it offers 24-bit recording at a decent prices, but I'm wondering if I'm not missing out on more specialized cards designed for home studio use. The local music stores don't have much for the Windows machines, mostly they have Mac stuff, but i can't afford to buy a Mac G4 now. I'm stuck with Intel/Microsoft for now.

I'd appreciate any recommendations in the $250-$400 range for a sound card and I/O bay designed for high-quality home studio recordings. I don't need tons of fancy features, mainly looking for better sonic quality than I can get with my current Audigy Platinum. Thanks to all who read, and thanks in advance for any suggestions!

[JESTER700]

The Echo range - MIA, LAYLA, etc.

The M-Audio Audiophile and others.

Stay away from Creative lies...

[Max-T]

Thanks for the input. I had a feeling that I should stay away from Creative products for serious audio work. I've always had great luck with their cards since the very first SoundBlaster for gaming and such, but I wasn't too impressed with the initial results I was getting recording direct into the Audigy.

I have heard good things about M-Audio cards before. Do you happen to know if they have a decent offering in the $250-$400 range that I am looking to spend? Thanks again!

[bduersch]

I use the M-Audio Delta 1010LT (doesn't have a break-out box, but I believe the 1010 is the same card with a break-out box). I love it... the sound quality is great, and the drivers are very easy to use (and they are very reliable--my studio system rarely crashes--and if it does, it's usually Sonar's fault). I've used it for recording my band live never had any issues performance (drop-out) issues. It's a tremendous value... 10 ins, 10 outs, a couple mic preamps, digital in/out, and MIDI in/out all on a single PCI card. I've been saving up to buy a second one so I can record twice as many tracks simultaneously!

--Brent

[microdmitry]

I've heard a lot of good things about these guys: http://www.marian.de/english/main.htm.

Probably a bit out of your price range, but these fellas make quality stuff. I wish my playing skills would justify buying one of their cards.

Audigy is NOT a studio quality card.

[dot-dot-dot]

I have a Terratec DMX6 Fire - it's very nice indeed. Does some silly sample rates and bit depths, nice IO module, decent mic pre (for a soundcard) built in, neat control panel... It's worth a look.

[Artist]

I'd go with M-Audio.

Just depends on your requirements. For 2 in 2 out, Audiophile 2496. Otherwise one of the Delta cards.

[Mr Orange]

2 in 2 out, also check out Terratec Phase 22. It's cheap!

http://produceren.terratec.net/product.php?pid=1

[Max-T]

Thanks to everyone for the input. I just decided to get a MOTU interface card to go along with a Roland Fanton X-6 that I put on layaway. Hopefully this will be a system good enough to at least produce decent demo CDs. I appreciate everyone's help!

[Al M]

Originally Posted by Artist

I'd go with M-Audio.

Just depends on your requirements. For 2 in 2 out, Audiophile 2496. Otherwise one of the Delta cards.

Yea MAudio are theDogs B*llox