Best Recording Soundcard...?

[crybabyemokids]

I need to know cause I'm looking to buy one.

I currently have a Creative 24 Bit soundcard, but the problem is, there is a distinct buzzing noise every time I'm on the microphone.

After I run noise removal on Audition, it leaves the audio with a distinct 'echo' sort of effect which annoys the **** out of me. [Unless theres a way of getting rid of this effect in Audition]

I need to know which soundcard would give the best recording, with least amount of noise.

I have a fairly decent budget so go ahead give me ideas.

Thanks.

[dbwilldo]

Are you sure it's your soundcard causing the buzzing? I ask because I'm using a Creative card (don't remember which) from my mixer and don't have that problem.

I would check the connection from your mic to the card. Maybe even pick up a cheapy stick mic at Radio Shack (or borrow from a friend) to see if you still get the same results. If you don't mind getting your hands dirty, might not be a bad idea either to open the case and re-seat the sound card (unplug from the motherboard and put it back).

Another option would be a USB microphone. I've had (and heard) great results from those, and it would bypass the sound card altogether.

[ElNacho]

buzzing is often caused by mic cables running next to power cables. shuffle them around a bit

[lucky_groom]

Try turning off or muting your other inputs (like your "line in") if you aren't running things through them. If my "line in" is open but not pulling a signal it makes a buzzing during recording.

[anotherquizshow]

Definitely make sure no cables are crossed, especially with the power cable.

I had a buzzing problem in my recordings when I plugged in directly with my computer's soundcard. Apparently my Dell laptop had a cheap soundcard.

If no other tinkering will work, I recommend getting another soundcard.

I bought the Sound Blaster Live! 24-Bit USB External Soundcard for less than $50, and it cleaned up my sound....definitely made a huge difference.

Michael

[metatron]

I use a Digidesign Pro Tools HD3 Accel which is the best money can buy.

[X Pat Radio]

I used a Behringer FCA202 firewire interface, connected to my Mackie VLZ mixer. No buzzing at all. When I ran the mixer into the sound card, lots of buzzing. You have to remember that the 1/8" line in on a sound card isn't very good.

[MarkJensen]

I'd try 2 different solutions to the "buzzing" issue...

The consumer sound cards use 1/8" mini, unbalanced inputs and outputs. ...fine in most cases, but as we try to do more and more, it becomes apparent why professional audio equipment is always balanced.

-- I would consider any of the great Pro audio interfaces out there like the Presonus FirePod/Box, the MOTU Ultralite and dozens of others that all use pro XLR and TRS balanced. Along with this, you'll need the proper cabling since none of your 1/8" mini connectors or cable will work on those platforms.

Also, as others have mentioned, I doubt that the buzz is coming from your sound card itself unless you have EMI/RFI that is leaking INTERNALLY into your sound card or you have an internal ground-loop. That's not likely, but it does happen. What's more likely is that your unbalanced cable and input isn't providing enough protection from DC/EMI/RFI sources.

Don't get me wrong, the consumer-grade SB cards are fine for their intended purpose, but when you start putting them into pro environments (quality recording, mixers, outboard processing, etc,) their limitations become apparent.

If you continue to grow and add on to your studio, then I would start with a pro-balanced interface. Starting at the sound card, that would mean making the transition from unbal-1/8" mini connectors to balanced XLR and TRS cabling and equipment.

** my opinions only; hope it helps.


Have fun!