Soundcard/Interface buying advice

thanks for the info, I will look into RME stuff, I do have only a PC and I think you can run pro tools on it nowadays, I've had cubase vst 5 for the past 2 years but haven't really used it, maybe I should get used audio multitracking on that before i invest in new software, the only thing i need is a way of getting my audio off my mpc into my pc at high quality and preferably tracks at a time. aso be able to record vocals off a proper mic with phantom power (like the NT1) hence I am looking for a decent soundcard/interface at a low price, do I need an analogue mixing desk to help the process?? I am pretty confused about what direction to take I def want to go software based but its hard to know what to buy??

FYI, I get it now (I'm from England thats probably why) good looking Binger0,or whatever you dudes say

okay, so you do need one mic preamp then. what is your budget again? I'll try to suggest some setups...I don't see why you couldn't use cubase, no need for new software unless you really are limited with the old...I haven't used cubase though

oh and tell us exactly how you want to work, or how you work already...

oh yeah, and pt free with non-pt hardware on a pc.... asking for trouble

www.rme-audio.com

I have one. For the money ,they have the best converters.
best sound I have ever heard. Clock is rock solid. you wont go wrong with an RME multiface.

Yo, that latency deal has a lot to deal with the OS you using, RAM, Customizations in Windows, SoundCard ASIO or maybe its a USB, Buffer Settings, ..............

Man it's so much shitz to it I can't even break it down high on these Heinkeins right now.

Just make sure you do research on what the manfucatures gurantee or advise as there Latency clock speed.

For Example Ardvark claim they shitz the only sound card on the market that has 0 Latency. That's ah big azz claim too woadie.

Negreo said they shitz don't have no latency.

I did my homework on that Ardvark joint through some of the computer geeks at TECH TV (datz da shitz on Direct TV)

and the tested the motherfunker to the fullest and said it's on the level they claiming in the ads.

I would like to hear from somebody on this site though wheter not dey shitz all dat.

Also, the Ardvark SoundCard the only motherfunkers with a Silencer on the Sound Card that prevents it from picking up CPU fans and other bullshiznit that be making noise in yo Tower.

It sounds pretty straight if you concern with Latency / Low Noise recordings.

(I know this bullshitz azz SoundBlaster Live gotz to go in the next month!)

But as far as that Pro Tools deal, make sure if you cop dat joint that you got a PENTIUM 4 at least.

Pro Tools is real picky about Computer Hardware compatablity.

It don't funks wit Celerons / AMD's , it prefers Pentium Chips.

Just ah nother FYI, Ya Digz.

(Bigner thankz for hippin deez catz on what the FYI iz)


One

Just thought I'd add my .02

The first thing I'd do is figure out what software you want to use, this will help you decide what hardware to go with.

FYI (not tryin' to be a smart ass, just runnin' with the whole FYI thing), PT free will work fine with non Digi hardware but it won't work with Windows XP. Also, PT Le is performing best right now with AMD processors.

someone said that pro tools won't run on amd chips but only on intel chips where cooocooo says it runs best on amd, but not on xp, I have an amd athlon xp1800 256ram and windows xp, does that mean I can't f with pro tools?

in reply to jontakiff,
basically I'm at an early stage in my production life. mpc, turntables, vinyl. thats it, I can record off to minidisc but what I want to be able to do is record my tracks that I've sequenced on my mpc onto a multitrack recorder/software then eq, apply effects, compress and master. mix down with vocals. it would be good to take advantage of my 8 outs.

Pro Tools "Free"(8 tracks) won't run on Windows XP, Pro tools "Le"(32 tracks, this is the verison that comes with the 002, 001, MBox and AM3 card) works on Windows XP.

Pro Tools will work on both AMD and Intel based computers. With your current setup you should be able to run PT just fine, you won't get crazy performance out of it but it should work. I say it "should" work cuz there are other reasons that it won't like motherboard conflicts. Also, I would upgrade the ram to at least 512 megs.

If you want to take advantage of the 8 outs you will need either the 001, 002 or 002 rack if you go the Pro Tools route. Good luck.