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General discussion

Need Recommendation For SoundCard

Feb 5, 2004 11:38AM PST

Need Recommendation For SoundCard
===============================

I want to install a second SoundCard on my computer
to convert Line-In feed from the Casssette Deck
to WAV format file, using Total Recorder
(version 4.4) software.


I will appreciate if someone can recommend a
suitable model, which can do the job. I want to
use a model, which can be installed at PCI slot.
The maximum suggested retail price can be upto
$200


MY REQUIREMENTS
=================

The card should have only 2 - Channels and
the softwares / hardware should have an Analog to
Digital Convertor. I will be feeding the Analog
signals (that is music - 2 Channels = Stereo) from the
Line-In jack at the back of the computer. The Total
Recorder, using the SoundCard's Audio to Digital
Convertor (ADC), will transform the signals
to WAV file (44,100 HZ, 16 bit = CD quality). The
Total Recorder's software is used for adjusting the
Recording Volume, so that the resulting WAV file
is not over the 0 db level plus for User's interface.


My computer, like most other computers has a SoundCard
which is embedded to the motherboard and can not be
physically removed. In addition, the base software for
activating the embedded soundcard also has additional sound
related applications, so if the software is not installed, there
won't be any sound, even when the drivers for new card are
installed


That means the new card must have enteries in the Operating
System registery, to de-select the embedded soundcard and
select the new card for Recording with Total Recorder software.

My operating system is Win 98 / SE and I have fairly
good quality computer with lot of RAM and HD space.


SoundCard Which Didn't Work
========================


I bought a M-Audio Brand, Delta DIO 2496 model /
PCI slot, but it is a useless product.

It can only Playback the sound and can not
do Recording, because this model plus all other
Delta models, do not have Analog to Digital
Convertor. In addition, even for playback,
it is a JUNK product. When used with any of
the Media Players (WinAmp, Real Player, CD Player
etc.), the Volume Control Slider get's de-activated.
One has to use the volume control knob on the
Speakers to adjust the sound level.


Thanks in anticipation


Frank Gatta

maildrop888@yahoo.com

Discussion is locked

- Collapse -
What OS are you going to use?
Feb 5, 2004 11:43AM PST

Windows has a problem with multiple sound cards. "I want to install a second SoundCard on my computer" in itself rarely works.

I predict failure.

Bob

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Bob he wrote
Feb 5, 2004 3:33PM PST

"My operating system is Win 98 / SE and I have fairly
good quality computer with lot of RAM and HD space."

I'd say it's odds on he will use the existing one.

- Collapse -
Which is why this will fail.
Feb 5, 2004 8:02PM PST

Which begs the question if they will opt for a non-Microsoft OS to do this.

Bob

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Let's try the usual Windows based solution.
Feb 5, 2004 12:05PM PST

While I think I know what you want to attempt, no sound card I know of will know how to disable the onboard sound for you. The work I would do would be:

1. Look in the BIOS for a setting to disable the onboard sound system. Hint: You didn't tell the make/model of the motherboard or computer.

2. I tend to just use the Sound Blaster and without much issue. I also fit some 10 dollar sound cards except the Aureal based cards for business use. You should just opt for Sound Blaster or a nice Turtle Beach.

Multiple sound cards are not a good idea in this OS. I haven't seen any repeatable success.

Bob

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Re:Let's try the usual Windows based solution.
Feb 6, 2004 5:29AM PST

I tried the M-Audio brand / Delta DIO 2496 model,
at PC slot. On successful installation, that is 'No
Yellow or Red Mark at Device Manager


1 If I disable the embedded soundcard (ESS Audio) at
BIOS, there won't be any sound


2 If I disable the embedded soundcard at Device Manager (2 enteries), again No Sound


3 If I implement, both of above items, naturally
there is no sound.


The problem is that most of these add-on soundcards,
do not have Amalog to Digital Convertor, so
can not record

My O/S is Win 98 / SE


Frankie

- Collapse -
I haven't read about that card.
Feb 6, 2004 6:13AM PST

A very strange card that doesn't record. I noted what card did, but what I didn't write was that you have to move the speakers and mic to the new card.

Some may not know to do this.

Bob

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Re:I haven't read about that card.
Feb 6, 2004 10:19AM PST

Mr. Proffitt:


I did hook up the speakers to the new card.

The speakers are external plus are powered

It worked for the playback mode

I don't do recording with microphone, but the card
M-Audio / Delta Dio 2496 model does not do recording


Frankie

- Collapse -
I looked up that card. It's a speciality item.
Feb 6, 2004 10:33AM PST

You probably would have succeeded with almost any card you find at the usual places.

Neat card, but it's not for the usual chores.

Bob

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"Preferred Device"??
Feb 7, 2004 4:46PM PST

After disabling your onboard sound, you may have to go into your sound properties, and from the drop down menu, select the new sound-card as the preferred device for input and output. A mistake I've often made. On the other hand, you say this sound-card doesn't record (?). Well, if it doesn't have that capability, it's never going to- but I haven't seen a card in 8 yrs. + that doesn't have an input jack for recording. I'm guessing something in your sound properties. Good luck.

- Collapse -
For Brandon.
Feb 7, 2004 8:23PM PST

The card noted is a specialty item. Only those that want to solve a specific problem would buy it. In this case, a research issue caused them to probably look for the "best" card and most likely miss the one feature they wanted. Very common oversight.

Bob

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Re:For Brandon.-Hi Bob (and to Gatta)
Feb 8, 2004 1:25AM PST

Guess I should have googled the card, as I did see you noted the card as a "specialty item". Never saw a card like that, but I'm a Creative SoundBlaster fan (even though they load spyware and in cahoots with the RIAA with the higher end cards.)

In any event, maybe a visit to sound properties would help with the onboard sound chip? On my daughter's system, I put in an old SB pci card, but discovered the onboard sound was better. I had to fiddle with the Sound Properties to get input/output working.

Thanks for input; hope you are well.

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Re:Need Recommendation For SoundCard
Feb 9, 2004 7:47AM PST

You need also to consider you are using a casette device, and your sound card may not support digital conversion, which a better solution is to rip or copy it to your hard disk drive, then perform the buffering conversions through the system via your sound card programming, as I mentioned your casette device may not be supported for the function you want. This is one workaround for your issue.