Good recording sound card?

[Alex]

Not too expensive, but Im looking for a soundcard to record music direct from guitar, keyboard, mic etc..probably not too many instruments at once needed... any suggestions?

[Rob]

Dont know if this is what you looking for. Somebody recommended this to me as I want to do the same eventually. Sorry no clue on price. *edit* Next time he's at work I'll find some more cos he records himself.


Haven't checked it out yet as I still gotta build system first Let us know how ya get on though mate if ya can.

[turkster]

The Terratec DMX 6Fire 24/96 is good if you want front bay I/O.

MAudio products are very good but are bit more expensive for what they do .

[Rob]

Sorry mate, got link wrong. He offered me

I could ask what he wanted for it. Both on shifts though so could be while before I see him. (He big manager so don't have his number)

Said it was white which is why I wasn't biting his hand off - Damn you black cases

[oyster]

Not too expensive, but Im looking for a soundcard to record music direct from guitar, keyboard, mic etc..probably not too many instruments at once needed... any suggestions?

There's lots of choice, at lots of prices. If 2 channels (i.e. single instrument in stereo) is all you need, then a basic SBLive or equivalent emu10k1-based card) will actually do a good job (and is actually preferred by many musos to the emu10k2 in the Audigy 2). It's line inputs are better quality than any microphone under £100, so I'd suggest you get a decent (i.e. top quality dynamic or cheap capacitor) mic before you spend silly money on a soundcard. Alternatively the Envy 24HT processor is remarkable value and used in most sound cards that advertise 24 bit smapling for under (and a fair bit over) £100.

You'll also need a decent mic amp (cheap second-hand Mackie mixers have great mic amps for the money), and something to record the guitar through - if you have a decent amp AND deaf neighbours, then just mic it up and let rip, else you'll need something like a Line 6 Pod.

If all the above is already sorted, then check out M-Audio and Echo for affordable, pro-quality 24bit 192kHz soundcards. Digital Village (the link above) are pretty good for music gear - at least I'm not aware of anywhere better!