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Sound Cards and Computer Interface Hardware for Guitars

As my interest grows on the subject of using computers for recording purposes or for creating effects or anything your imagination dreams of, it seems like time to Discuss and briefly brake down into terms you understand the options available such as the PCI, Firewire, USB 2.0, Cardbus, USB 1.1 setups.

If you are using PC software, get a desktop system. If running Mac software, the Mac desktops do it best. Ifit has to be a laptop, get a Mac. If it has to be a PC laptop, do firewire, USB 2.0, or a cardbus. Or consider using onboard sound with various adapters and connecting a small preamp to the line inputs.

USB 1.1
Perhaps the most well-known USB 1.1 interface is the Mbox2Mini, which runs Pro Tools LE. If you want to run that, make sure your laptop meets or exceeds Digidesign qualifications, which you can find at the Digidesign site. There is the M-Audio MobilePre USB Portable Audio Interface and Fast track Pro USB interfaces and the original Tascam US 122 which uses USB2.0.

USB2.0
The newer form of USB, based on the 2.0 spec, is theoretically capable of slightly exceeding the speeds and throughput of firewire, so USB2.0 devices can make good solutions for laptops or desktops that sport a USB 2.0 interface. There is a huge world of difference between USB 1.1 and 2.0. Never confuse the two; it’s night and day difference in terms of performance.. Also never assume an interface is USB 2.0 unless it specifically says it is. If it just says USB, then assume it is 1.1. Believe me, if it was 2.0, they would tell you. There are more USB 2.0 interfaces out, though it is changing. Some notable USB2.0 interfaces are the Tascam US122L and Tascam US144. There is also a version of the MOTU 828mk2 that is USB 2.0 instead of Firewire. Newer to the scene are the Emu 0404 and 0202, and the Alesis IO2.

CardBus
Solutions are for laptops. One way is to get an RME Cardbus solution. The Cardbus connects via a typical Firewire IEEE1394 cable to a breakout box such as the RME Multiface. Because the Multiface handles most of the processing, the CPUs task is eased and good performance is possible. Read more at RMEs website. Emu has released the 1616 laptop audio interface. There are other cardbus solutions. Ask yourself one question before going with a Cardbus solution, why get this rather than firewire?

PCI and PCIe
PCI (and PCIe for those with late model desktop Macs) interfaces are for desktop systems, not for laptops. Lynx, RME and MOTU on the pro end. Emu’s desktop series, M-audio’s Delta series, and the Echo series are all respectable. On the inexpensive side the emu 1212M and M-audio 2496 are known performers. Also check out the PCI version of the Emu 1616M. Note to use a PCI card you have to have an open PCI slot on your computer. While I know that seems obvious, nowadays some computers are sold without PCI slots. Believe it, so check!

Firewire
Good for laptops or desktops. Motu has released the Traveler, a portable, but full featured audio interface. You can actually power the thing from the firewire port itself, or by battery power which I discuss in the article Beware of Proprietary Connections When Buying Guitar Gear and Equipment, which is good for recording on the road. Heh, you could record Rainy Days on a rainy day!

Need something more portable? Check out the PreSonus FP10 FireWire Recording Interface. The Firebox can also be powered off the FW bus. More for professionals are the MOTU Ultralite and the Focusrite Saffire. Examine the inexpensive Firewire Audiophile 2496 and Firewire Solo. Among the newer firewire audio interfaces that hold promise are the Yamaha GO46, the Onyx Satellite, Alesis IO14 and I026. The Alesis just mentioned have an incredible amount of i/o for the price. A really cool product just arriving now is the Tascam FireOne. As you see there is no shortage of choices.

Wanna have a big interface to go with your laptop or desktop computer? You can run the control surface/interface combos such as the project mix, Digi 002, Tascam FW1884 or the Mixers with built in and add on firewire interfaces like the Onyx mixers, the Alesis Multimix firewire mixers and the Phonic Helix FW mixers as well.

The most popular picks that balance plenty of features with affordable pricing is the MOTU 828mkII FireWire Audio Interface for my Mac Pro and the Intel-based Macs. For the PC, if one were buying today, the 19th of February, 2008 I would get a RME Fireface 400 FireWire Audio Interface

That being said, what does this mean in terms of buying a sound-card or audio interface?
Needless to say, make sure there is clear evidence that the product Has:

1. a driver for your OS. Never presume it does.

2. a driver that insists it works with your application, like Logic, Cubase SX or Sonar.

3. a valid website where you can download drivers

4. an updated driver within the last 6-8 months and supports the latest service packs and OS updates.

5. Looks like driver development is something they take seriously for your computer platform. A company with continuous development. A company may make great cards for PC and says we have a Mac driver too!

6. Looks like they have a good working relationship with software makers, and in product bundles.

It’s all too common for new products to have driver issues. Avoid the latest stuff that came out last week. Let someone else be the guinea pig. Don’t hesitate to return products that do this especially if you downloaded the latest update and it still has bugs. Remember to always download the latest driver when you get your interface. Do it first, or don’t complain.

Read the article “MOTU has Emerged as a Leader in Music/Guitar Software Development” and “Behringer BCF2000 USB/MIDI Controller is a Guitar Players Dream”. As other viable sources for information on sound cards and PCI controllers for all of you guitar players.

Behringer Guitar USB Interface Demo

Behringer GUITAR LINK UCG102 Guitar-to-USB Interface $33.95

Behringer Guitar Link UCG102 USB Interface $33.99

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Behringer NU1000DSP iNuke Power Amplifier $299.99 Behringers revolutionary high-density Class-D technology combined with ultra-efficient switch-mode power supplies ensures that this feather-light powerhouse will drive your rig effortlessly for many years to come.Superb transient responseThe fine folks at Behringer have spent years fine-tuning the high-density Class-D technology that gives the iNUKE 1000DSP its oomph. By carefully selecting transi…

M-Audio Audiophile 2496 MIDI Digital Recording Interface $129.99 The Audiophile 2496 embodies a quantum leap in computer audio fidelity and performance unequaled by other audio cards in its price range. This critically acclaimed PCI card features premium digital audio converters, elegant board design, and ultra-stable drivers just like the rest of the Delta line, but with a simpler I/O configuration. As a member of the Delta family, the Audiophile 2496 supports…

USB Guitar Interface Link Cable for PC/Mac Computer Recording and a 1/4-Inch / 3.5mm Adapter $19.95 USB Guitar Link Cable is a professional tool that enables you to turn your PC or Mac computer into fantastic working platform on which you can use the classic effects, in the studio as well as on stage. It allows you to record, play along to a playback, or play directly over the modeling amps and effects. With a NOTEBOOK, Electric Guitar /BASS and USB Guitar Link Cable, it is possible to work in…

1/4in-to-USB Guitar Link Cable for PC/Mac $7.95 Plug your guitar into the 1/4in jack on this adapter cable, and plug the USB end of the cable into your PC or Mac: instant recording studio! Features Hi/Lo selector, CLIP indicator LED, headphone volume dial, USB power indicator LED, and 1.2m (4.2ft) cable. Variable-speed file playback function for MP3, WAV, and AIFF audio files, perfect for easy learning and practicing….

ART DJPRE II Phono Preamplifier Dual RCA Type Inputs and Outputs Switchable Low Cut Filter $48.00 The DJ PRE II is a high quality Phono preamp designed for your home and studio. It acts as an interface between your turntable and your audio recording system. The analog input capacitance can be switched between 100pf and 200pf to optimize your phono cartridge response. A switchable low cut filter removes turntable rumble while leaving the audio pristine. The front gain trim control and signal/cl…

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