Looking at my sound-system at DVinfo.net

Vincent Oliver · March 20th, 2011, 10:18 AM

It has been a few years since I looked at my sound-system on my PC. At present I am using a SoundBlaster Creative Audigy 2 ZS soundcard with a breakout box that has Min & Line inputs etc.

I have just upgraded my speakers from a 5.1 computer speaker set, also from Creative, to a M-Audio set of monitor speakers I am now looking to upgrade the SoundBlaster card.

I still want to hear the audio, obviously, but would like a better way to record sound, mainly for VO work that will be used on DVDs.

I am thinking along the lines of a USB box with Mike input controls, XLR,phono jack 1/4 etc. I presume I will still need an internal soundcard to drive the speakers, or can I finnaly get rid of the SoundBlaster card?

Can anyone recommend a decent USB box and any tips for things I should look out for.

Many thanks in anticipation.

Kevin Walsh · March 20th, 2011, 11:07 AM

Vincent you are headed the right direction by ditching the soundblaster card in favor of an external USB device. The external device will hook up to your monitors so I don't think you will need the internal card. In addition you should be able to use the USB interface on your next computer.

Vincent Oliver · March 20th, 2011, 11:20 AM

Thanks Kevin,

I am looking at the M-Audio Fast Trax Pro, I am reading some mixed views from Amazon customers - not sure of the user base that gives these rants & raves. It does seem like I can finally say good bye to my SoundBlaster card,

Any other USB devices that I should be considering?

Steve House · March 20th, 2011, 06:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vincent Oliver

Thanks Kevin,

I am looking at the M-Audio Fast Trax Pro, I am reading some mixed views from Amazon customers - not sure of the user base that gives these rants & raves. It does seem like I can finally say good bye to my SoundBlaster card,

Any other USB devices that I should be considering?

Sound Devices has a very attractive looking stereo USB interface called the "USBPre 2" that is 100% pro if your budget goes that far. It'll drive a pair of powered monitors but is only stereo so won't help with 5.1 if that's where you've gone with your new monitors. USBPre 2 Microphone Interface for Computer Audio | Sound Devices, LLC

Vincent Oliver · March 20th, 2011, 07:32 PM

Thank you Steve, this device does look the business I will take a look at one. The other device I had in mind was a Focusrite Saphire 6, but this is only USB 1.1 - not sure if that will be a problem.

I am not into 5.1 sounds - have enough to contend with, with 2 speakers :-)

March 20th, 2011, 10:18 AM	#1
Vincent Oliver Trustee Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Chislehurst, London Posts: 1,724	Looking at my sound-system It has been a few years since I looked at my sound-system on my PC. At present I am using a SoundBlaster Creative Audigy 2 ZS soundcard with a breakout box that has Min & Line inputs etc. I have just upgraded my speakers from a 5.1 computer speaker set, also from Creative, to a M-Audio set of monitor speakers I am now looking to upgrade the SoundBlaster card. I still want to hear the audio, obviously, but would like a better way to record sound, mainly for VO work that will be used on DVDs. I am thinking along the lines of a USB box with Mike input controls, XLR,phono jack 1/4 etc. I presume I will still need an internal soundcard to drive the speakers, or can I finnaly get rid of the SoundBlaster card? Can anyone recommend a decent USB box and any tips for things I should look out for. Many thanks in anticipation. __________________ Eyes are a deaf man’s ears. Ears are a blind man’s eyes

March 20th, 2011, 11:07 AM	#2
Kevin Walsh Major Player Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Phoenixville, PA Posts: 225	Re: Looking at my sound-system Vincent you are headed the right direction by ditching the soundblaster card in favor of an external USB device. The external device will hook up to your monitors so I don't think you will need the internal card. In addition you should be able to use the USB interface on your next computer.

March 20th, 2011, 11:20 AM	#3
Vincent Oliver Trustee Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Chislehurst, London Posts: 1,724	Re: Looking at my sound-system Thanks Kevin, I am looking at the M-Audio Fast Trax Pro, I am reading some mixed views from Amazon customers - not sure of the user base that gives these rants & raves. It does seem like I can finally say good bye to my SoundBlaster card, Any other USB devices that I should be considering? __________________ Eyes are a deaf man’s ears. Ears are a blind man’s eyes

March 20th, 2011, 07:32 PM	#5
Vincent Oliver Trustee Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Chislehurst, London Posts: 1,724	Re: Looking at my sound-system Thank you Steve, this device does look the business I will take a look at one. The other device I had in mind was a Focusrite Saphire 6, but this is only USB 1.1 - not sure if that will be a problem. I am not into 5.1 sounds - have enough to contend with, with 2 speakers :-) __________________ Eyes are a deaf man’s ears. Ears are a blind man’s eyes