Recommend a 'Bare Bones' NON-USB SoundCard?

[mccabekyle]

I just purchased an M-Audio DELTA 1010LT. The thing is pretty sweet and all, but I think it may be too much for what I need it for. I NEVER need to track more than one mic/line at a time, so I don't really think I need all of these inputs, nor do I believe that I need all of the outputs, as well as two XLRs.

What I would rather have is a simple interface that I could mount on my desktop. Single 1/4" and XLR inputs would be plenty for me. MIDI intefacing would be nice, but MIDI cards are a dime a dozen.

I have seen several units like this, but most of them are USB. In fact, I had purchased an M-Audio FASTTRACK, but I couldn't stand the fact that I couldn't monitor my track during record (I do a lot of direct recordings for guitar; yeah, go ahead and laugh).

So here are my criteria for a sound card:

- 1/4" input
- XLR input
- possible MIDI interface
- PCI card

Also, I'm not working with any type of good monitors, just some regular Altec Lansing speakers, which work just fine for now, so it would be nice to still be able to use the REALTEK card that's already installed in my PC so I can use it for output sounds.

Any ideas, folks?

[Rotti]

M-audio 24/96. Good simple pci card with 2 inputs and it will also output to your speakers. You can ditch the realtek card or keep it. Up to you. As for inputs, just get a simple preamp to sit on your desktop.
http://www.presonus.com/images/tubepre.jpg
The preamp will be connected to your sound card and you can use the preamp as your 1/4 inch and XLR input. The pre will also give you phantom power if you choose to play with a mic that needs it.

http://www.presonus.com/tubepre.html

[mccabekyle]

Awesome. I appreciate the input. Makes a lot of sense!

[guitvai1]

I second that - the MAudio 2496 is a great card, the sound quality and versatility are perfect for my home budget studio setup.

[markg5150]

I've been thinking the question.

Anything cheaper than the M-Audio 2496 with a line-in. I want to reduce latency of my Boss GT-8 going into Cakewalk Guitar Pro 3. I too am currently using the Realtek sound card that came in my PC

Thanks for any suggestions

Mark

[Demogorgos]

Before I got the MLAN system, I was using a Terratec fire 24/96 card. It's nice, although I only use it for Guitar rig these days.

Regards,

JP

[mccabekyle]

http://www.presonus.com/images/tubepre.jpg

So, I returned my 1010lt at GC today, and asked to look at the above preamp. He said that it wouldn't work with my SM58's and SM57's, and that I needed a condenser mic? Does he know something I don't?

EDIT: Also, does anyone know what type of connectors I would need to feed the signals from this preamp to the M-Audio 24/96?

TIA!

[mccabekyle]

Phuggit. I'm gonna get a sheety little 2 or 4 channel mixer that I can plug my guitar or mic into and run it straight into my realtek. Won't sound that great, but it won't sound that bad, either.

[Rotti]

The problem with latency is that you need an asio driver. If the Realtek does not have one you will probably get a lot of delay.

[Rotti]

The guy who said it would not work with your Sure mic's is wrong. There would be no problem at all. That is what the preamp is made for. It has phantom power but you can turn it on and off.

From the manual:

3.1 OPERATION

3.2 Dynamic Microphones (like your Sure 57 and 58's)
Lower output levels characterize dynamic microphones, so more gain
is needed to achieve sufficient operating levels. Occasionally it is
necessary to add the -20dB pad to the microphone to avoid distortion
(e.g. when recording percussion). Do not use phantom power when
using dynamic microphones.

3.3 Phantom Powered Microphones
Phantom powered microphones such as condenser and some ribbon
microphones require external power to preamplify the microphone.
These microphones typically have much higher output than dynamic
microphones. Therefore the -20dB pad is almost always necessary
when close mic-ing to avoid clipping (overdriving) the preamplifier.

3.4 Instrument Input
The instrument input is designed to handle 1/4” plugs from
instruments such as guitars and basses. This instrument input is an
ultra high impedance amplifier designed to allow the full audio
potential of an acoustic or electric instrument pickup. Plugging a
preamplified signal (line level) into the TubePRE is not recommended.

As for connectors you would just need to setup a 1/4 to rca cable. I'd go 1/4 mono to a y splitter then two rca's. This way you can record to either channel of you soundcard or both.

Anyway a little mixer would work fine too, but the tube pre would probably just sound a little better.

[mccabekyle]

Guess I should have updated... I finally just went with an EMU 0404. It's simple, which is exactly what I wanted:

- L/R 1/4" inputs
- L/R 1/4" outputs
- MIDI

Bare bones, just like I wanted! The fact that it was only $99 is also a big plus. Too bad the guys at GC were total morons, or I would have given them my business. They kept trying to convince me that I NEEDED to buy over $500 worth of gear just to get the two 1/4" outputs I needed. Bastards.

[Rotti]

Yeah thats too bad they were like that. Looks like you got what you needed anyway. What kind of software are you using with it?

[mccabekyle]

Currently, I'm using Sonar 4.0 PE. I have been told that there are better programs out there, but I've been pretty faithful to Cakewalk since I began using Cakewalk Pro Audio 7 many moons ago. I think it's mostly a matter of being familiar with the interface.