For discussion about setting up your studio and advice on the gear and equipment within it.
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By Joidibeats Sun Sep 05, 2010 5:56 pm
Hello,

I just recently bought a PC laptop (Lenovo L412), which im planning to use as my main music computer, replacing my desktop. Before you go berserk and stomp me for not buying a mac, I make beats with FL Studio, and atleast for now, theres no MAC-support. Also buying a macbook for booting Windows isnt something that I see very cheap and practical for my wallet.Back to the subject...

I need a good, solid USB-soundcard, where I can hook my speakers and headphones. It would need to have a volume control for both. Can you suggest me some good ones?

Thanks
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By mr_debauch Sun Sep 05, 2010 6:12 pm
the regular m-audio fast track (not the pro one) is a cheap piece of shit but it works. It has one single input with xlr (no fantom power or anything like that... and one instrument input 1/4" but you gotta push the switch to choose which input you want to use.) You cant use both inputs at the same time.

It has left and right RCA outputs, and it has a stereo headphone output. that is the only half decent thing on the unit... the quality is still awful but it's a step up from the sound card smashed into your laptop.

Just a tip of advice... dont plug your laptop power cable into the same power plug that your speakers/amplifiers/mixer are plugged into because even with the fast track sound card it will most likely give off feedback/frequencies from the computer unlike higher end cards or most firewire cards.
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By dabmeister Sun Sep 05, 2010 8:57 pm
StonesThrow wrote:
picalo32 wrote:Check this out, had one for a year or so, did not have any problems with it


http://www.behringer.com/EN/images/prod ... t2_web.png

nonononononononononononoononono


:lol: Everything gear wise aint created equal. Don't compremise the integrity of your sound based on saving a dollar or two.

For those that don't know any better...Some will eventually find out what I'm talking about, while others will go by the waistside with their beliefs intacted sounding like whatever (a kind way of saying sh!t).

Don't waste your money now with something you'll regret later.
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By mr_debauch Sun Sep 05, 2010 9:03 pm
I think edirol makes a card like that too... I doubt it is any better though.


but you know, who cares. If all you need it for is a headphone output and to play back some stuff on your speakers it isn't worth spending several hundred. Now if he was recording stuff that would be a different story. Either way, these pieces of trash will be most likely better then the integrated card.
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By dabmeister Sun Sep 05, 2010 9:44 pm
To the OP. Go ahead and take out a loan and snatch up that RME babyface joint. Folks will think you're running your sound through a PT HD system or something (close, but a little off the hash mark).

I make mention of this because it's considered as one being on the upper end of the audio interface spectrum. It's well worth it in the long run.
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By mr_debauch Sun Sep 05, 2010 9:56 pm
dabmeister wrote:To the OP. Go ahead and take out a loan and snatch up that RME babyface joint. Folks will think you're running your sound through a PT HD system or something (close, but a little off the hash mark).

I make mention of this because it's considered as one being on the upper end of the audio interface spectrum. It's well worth it in the long run.



I should suggest that card for my girlfriend to get.... oh wait, she doesn't record either and only watches youtube videos.
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By dabmeister Mon Sep 06, 2010 12:08 am
picalo32 wrote:i never said it was top of the line sun, but for some one on a budget or something it does the job!


That's cool, but don't get comfortable and think it will compare to the others. Always have some expectations higher than what you have now.

If it's because of the lack of knowing what's out here & what to get, then educate yourself more so that you'll be in the know for what's good & what's considered garbage.

What gets away around here with flying colors, the same can't be said if you were to talk to some katz over at lets say recording.org or studio-central.com.

Just establish your own beliefs and know what to strive for...
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By picalo32 Mon Sep 06, 2010 2:02 am
You should always leave some room for growth in your production and our beat making! Some people will research & do more research till they find what suits them, and some just want to grab something to get started! It's like, i here this all the time... if you don't use pro tools your not serious about making music! :? Everybody is on different level's as far as music production, it's nothing wrong with that. That is the beauty of having choices :)

My bad sun, that pro tools statement i get sick of hearing it. Peace