Sound card for music production

[Leon]

So, when I have saved enough money, I want to invest in some production hard/software. I would buy my own computer and connect my stereo speakers to it. I already have Reason, but maybe I'll buy some other software, I'll have to see. But my main question is: Is there a really good soundcard that you recommend?

My experience with CREATIVE soundblasters is really good. I checked their website and the "Sound Blaster® X-Fi™ Elite Pro" (yay) seems pretty good, although pricey. I'll have to consider if I will pay the price or not. Is there a cheaper/better alternative? Let me know, thanks.

[Professor]

anything but a soundblaster. get some kind of firewire device. m audio makes some good ones, and that will leave you set up for when you are ready for m-powered protools. i have both an audiophile and a firewire 410....not at the same time...but i've used them both. mostly i'm using the 410 now. it's solid and most software platforms recognise it...ableton, reason, reaktor...etc...and protools now.

[Future Proof]

I'd get an M-Audio Delta series... good ASIO drivers, good 24-bit sound quality, not too expensive. I ended up getting the Delta 1010 with a breakout box but I'd only get something that elaborate if you're going to be doing alot of live recording.

[King of Snake]

just make sure it plays vinyls

[Leon]

Originally Posted by King of Snake

just make sure it plays vinyls

That's SOOO last century!

[TheRev]

EMU is making some nice cards these days though it may be out of your price range.

If you come across some money somehow plop down on an RME card. Bout to get a Multiface myself.

Three words: Zero CPU Load

That's right....all channels running.

Zero CPU Load

[Leon]

Originally Posted by TheRev

Three words: Zero CPU Load

That's right....all channels running.

Zero CPU Load

That's pretty useful, I'll keep that in mind.


It's a long time before I actually start buying things (I need money first) but I got the idea of buying my own computer in my head so I wanted to ask what would be the best things to get.
Personally, I think buying my own computer with soft/hardware is the best way for a beginner/hobbyist to become a bit more serious in this. Unless you guys (with more experience) proof wrong?

[Camiel]

I'm working with an M-audio Audiophile USB card. Works perfectly with Ableton, my SH101 and MS2000.

[TheRev]

Originally Posted by Leon

That's pretty useful, I'll keep that in mind.


It's a long time before I actually start buying things (I need money first) but I got the idea of buying my own computer in my head so I wanted to ask what would be the best things to get.
Personally, I think buying my own computer with soft/hardware is the best way for a beginner/hobbyist to become a bit more serious in this. Unless you guys (with more experience) proof wrong?

Yeh the RME cards are gonna cost you $$$ so maybe not something until you get a bit more serious. M-Audio is probably a good bet to get you started. Once you get your feet wet and start making a bit more $$$ you can drop on something like an RME.

But definitely stay as far away from anything made by Creative Lags.

[King of Snake]

Originally Posted by Leon

That's pretty useful, I'll keep that in mind.


It's a long time before I actually start buying things (I need money first) but I got the idea of buying my own computer in my head so I wanted to ask what would be the best things to get.
Personally, I think buying my own computer with soft/hardware is the best way for a beginner/hobbyist to become a bit more serious in this. Unless you guys (with more experience) proof wrong?

you don't have you own computer?!

That will be the most important thing then (ah i remember the day when i first got my own computer. Pentium 266 Mhz, something like that )