Good and cheap

[MarkusBoi]

So I'm thinking of getting a sound card for a PCI x1 port, was wondering, is there any very good and relatively cheap ones out there? I know there is the Sound Blaster Audigy which is what I am currently looking at but is there anything else? Would hopefully be looking for one with 7.1 output please? Any input with links if possible would be appreciated.

 

Thanks,

Markus

[Plastic Nev]

Hi, the range of cards is quite large, so it would help if we know what you want to use the card for, if all you want is just better quality of sound, then fine for the cheaper Creative's sound blaster range, if however you are like me a musician and need things like MIDI input then things get more complex.

 

Nev.

[MarkusBoi]

I would over time hopefully be looking to record vocals and create a bit of electronic music but I'm unsure if I would need a specific sound card for this? May i ask what MIDI input is?

 

Markus

Edited October 20, 2012 by MarkusBoi

[Plastic Nev]

Hi Markus, MIDI stands for Musical Instrument Digital Interface, the sort of equipment that would use this for input to a computer would be a musical keyboard or electronic organ, and specially adapted guitars, with sometimes other instruments. There is actually a fully digital saxophone would you believe, it needs a computer and MIDI input to work.

 

If however you see no need for that sort of input, which you would need to be heavily into sequencing or notational software as well, then plain ordinary sound card will do, the Creative Sound Blaster Audigy you have been looking at is fine for now.

 

If you do eventually get into serious music creation by electronic means, with Windows 7 that sound card plus USB input from a keyboard may be OK for starters, but come back and ask for whatever help you need when it gets to that point.

 

Nev.

[MarkusBoi]

Okie doke, thank you very much Nev :) Appreciated greatly!

 

Markus

[Plastic Nev]

OK Markus, all the best with it.

If as you say you fancy the idea of creating your own electronic music, there is tons of software to help with that, some basic and free, others very complex but paid for. Let us know if interested.

 

Nev.

[MarkusBoi]

Would it be possible for you to give me some of the programme's name please?

Thanks,

Markus

[Plastic Nev]

Hi Marcus, you will find all sorts of music software here on this site, including open source freeware, shareware, and fully paid for stuff.

 

http://www.hitsquad.com/smm/

 

Also there is Band In A Box by PG Music, that software is awesome but paid for, have a look here

 

http://www.pgmusic.com/bbwin.htm

 

Nev.

[MarkusBoi]

Thanks so much for all the help Nev.

All appreciated,

 

Markus

[Plastic Nev]

Hi Markus, just seen the update on your Graphics card thread, and as you now know the original sound card is not going to fit, I found this instead though, but it looks a bit high, hope it will still fit, have a look here=

 

http://www.scan.co.uk/products/creative-labs-sb-x-fi-xtreme-audio-pci-express-x1-new-version?utm_source=google+shopping&utm_medium=google+shopping

 

Also, and although this is an American dealer, and therefore prices in dollars, at least proof that Asus do something reasonable too.

 

Edit to add, the Asus card needs extra power, though with a new PSU, should be no problem.

 

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16829132006&name=Sound-Cards

 

 

 

[MarkusBoi]

Yeah my main problem now is, Asus Xonar DSX or the Creative Labs Soundblaster X-Fi Xtreme Audio? Is there that much of a difference? If so which is better?

 

Markus

[Plastic Nev]

On the plus side the Asus looks a better card, plus it does have 7.1 surround available, the sound blaster doesn't.

The only down side is that the Asus does need an extra four pin power plug, though as I said in the edit, with a new and bigger PSU, it shouldn't be a problem.

I have since found the full details of both cards from their respective manufacturers, have a look at the spec for both and see what you think,

 

http://us.store.creative.com/Creative-Sound-Blaster-XFi-Xtreme-Audio/M/B000IZC0GO.htm

 

http://uk.asus.com/Multimedia/Audio_Cards/Xonar_DX/

 

Nev.

[MarkusBoi]

From what I can see I would say the Asus however as I said on my graphics card threat, I have no clue when it comes to power supplies, I have no idea what modular and non-modular are and also have no idea what some plugs and ports and cables are.

 

Markus

[Plastic Nev]

Hi Markus, to save confusion I will let Ken help you with the PSU side of things, but I will say that most newer and bigger units will more than likely have the required plug for the Asus card. Just be sure to let Ken know about the card and need for that plug.

 

Nev.