recording with pc....

S

stabwound

Well-known member
I'm thinking of building mini-recording studio for audio for voice-over purposes, using the PC computer as a recording device.

I've recorded some audo with the integrated audio in my PC motherboard, and found it noisy.

Stuck an older Soundblaster LIVE! card into my pc, and the results improved dramatically. Very acceptable, but I could still see some noise (very little) on the graph.

I remember recording with the Nvidia motherboard with integrated SoundStorm chipset, and was amazed at the almost absence of noise.


Anyways, here's my question:

Is everyone using a computer to record audio?

What's the best bang for the buck soundcard that you can get?

Is there suc h a thing as a CF recorder for under 400 bucks?

Tried to search for this topic but couldn't get anywhere.
 
hi,

Im not sure about the compact flash question cuz I havent looked around since i started using the nagra ares-bb+, BUT

Yes, in post, everyone is recording to pc.

On location, compact flash is becoming common in most video double-system techniques. Some people might still use DAT though, I guess. On the high end are the machines that are recording multitrack to hard drives and flash drives in one unit (we're talking like the biggest features using these systems).

For me, and judging by your post, also for you, I would really recommend getting a good, solid, external (preferably firewire) sound interface, such as the M-Audio Firewire410.

Ill tell you why:
First off, external units give you hardware controls over volume settings and usually provide a bit of a hardware meter (somtimes crappy, but its there).

Second, they dont run a "look at me Im an amateur" mini-jack input/output system. Most units will offer balanced inputs in the form of XLR connectors for mic levels, and 1/4inch jacks for guitars and line level (obviously switchable). They also givev Phantom power - I dont know of PCi cards that do.

Third, dont kill the bank balance: The Firwire 410 is somewhere around $270 I think - its really worth it.

Fourth, they will give you higher quality and reliability on your outputs - the FW410 gives 8 outputs! So you can run surround if you like, or set up tv style reference monitors in addition to your mains.

Fifth - dammit, they just look cool.


go to bhphotovideo.com and check out external audio hardware, or search. Theres great stuff out there at low prices.
 
I just picked up am M-Audio USB pre -- and lovin' it so far for recording VO into my laptop (Toshiba) -- straight into SoundForge or Acid etc.

It's got balanced XLR, 1/4", 1/8", rca's and phantom power -- decent reviews on the 'net.

I picked it up at guitar center for $150 -- for $50 more you might want to think about the firewire version -- "solo" -- probably only has 1 input.

It only records up to 48k resolution though -- good enough for me.
 
Sanchez...

I am using the Mobile Pre from M-Audio also.

Are you getting a clean signal? I am running into noise from this thing whenever I turn my gain more than 1/4 on the knob.

Other than that...it's very convenient...and cheap :)
 
Stabwound, check out the whole M-Audio range, I gotta say, Im pretty impressed with them. Remember not to get too hung up on number of ins and outs too - at the end of the day, 1 good signal is better than 8 crap ones.

Just for the record, my firewire410 is clean as, uh, clean stuff.
 
Timapter:

Yeah... M-audio seems to be the solution to my sound needs.

Thanks for answering my post... I would have missed it if you didn't brought it to my attention. As a sound newbie, I'm not aware of what's out there.

I was gonna ask about quieting the noisy fan on my pc when Sanchez mentioned using a laptop... ofcourse!

You guys have been terrific... thanks!
 
Even laptops sometimes spin up and screw you, but they're better - another solution is use a long cable, and make the next room your "recording booth". Some guys even use a cupboard for VO. and it actually works.
 
timapter said:
Even laptops sometimes spin up and screw you, but they're better - another solution is use a long cable, and make the next room your "recording booth". Some guys even use a cupboard for VO. and it actually works.
Click to expand...

You mean the computer is in the cupboard, not the VO artist.

Not trying to be funny, but I was thinking of the pantry as a VO area. Hang moving blankets on the wall and away we go.

I'll throw a long cable into the shopping list.
 
No, i actully meant the artist - the coats and things deaden the sound and you close mic them. Pantry idea sounds good - blankets will be very important. and a good long cable is an investment
 
Hey Tryptophan --

re: noise on the MobilePre -- I have yet to give it a full work out -- but I don't seem to be getting much noise with both a dynamic and with phantom powered mic -- (EV re50 and Senni me80)

anyone see the new Sweetwater catalog ?? -- there's a few more comparable models from various manufacturers. I've read some bad reviews on the Tascam though on Musicians'Friend (Guitar Center) and wasn't tempted to go that route (same specs as the M-Audio but includes midi).

Diggin' the cupboard VO idea !
 
When I was first putting together my PC I had bought and decided to give a M-audio card a try. It was the cleanest audio I've heard and was really really dissapointed that Avid will not work with it. That's the only drawback. If it were up to me I'd still have it. I had to take it back and get an Audigy2 SB. I swear to this day that the M-audio is a far better card than any SB card. Hope Avid will resolve this one day. Asid from PC, does anyone know if Final Cut on Mac will work with the M-audio card? Also, I heard the little M-Box is pretty good.
 
Not sure about compatibility with Final Cut, but in my opinion you shouldnt record into Avid or FCP anyway - get some audio software to take advantage of higher sampling rates and bit depths, and then clean up and edit the recording too!
 
Oh, and by the way: On the M-Audio side guys, I really recommend the Firewire410. 2 in/8 out, plus midi. Its great.
 
It seems odd to me that M-Audio hardware would not work with Avid currently. M-Audio is owned by Avid/Digidesign.
 
Good point. But then again, I've always maintained that both Avid and Digidesign are stupid.... Uh, is that slander? I hope not, i just dont dont like their software.
 
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