sound cards

well since your dell is powerful i bet your soundcard on it has a line in(make sure its line and not MIC).. if all you want to do is record a guitar and put a tape on CD that and a freeware recording program is all you need.
I use a old sound card with Adat Lightpipe inputs its a Lexicon Core 2 but I also have a MOTU interaface

Lexicon on ebay $150.00
MOTU anywhere $800 or more.

I have to install a sound card yet. that's why I ask.

Ive read about Motu, Firewire devices. also about Audacity down loads.
Ive got a bit to learn yet.
Musician Friend has sound card in the catalog. any of those work?

Yes I agree with leear that you should be able to use the soundcard that you have in your powerful Dell computer.
I am using a low cost Soundblaster soundcard for my recordings.
Check my soundclick link below to listen to the recordings that are done with the freeware SW Kristal Audio Engine.
If the recording quality is good enough for you then you don´t need a new buy a new soundcard or expensive recording SW.
But if you want a soundcard that is made for really good recording quality then you should go for a better soundcard as the http://www.m-audio.com/products/en_us/Audiophile2496-main.html
or the http://www.emu.com/products/product.asp?product=10447
Installing this type of soundcard is not complicated.

thankyou both. I checked and the PC does have a soundcard.
I will try it out.
thanks, your input is helpful.

There are a variety of "audio interfaces' that bypass your sound card and talk directly through USB or firewire as well.

another endorsement of the m-audio 2496
got mine at MF on sale for $99

another endorsement of the m-audio 2496
got mine at MF on sale for $99

thanks twisted

I currently have the M-Audio MobilePre (external USB audio interface). It has 2 mic inputs (with phantom power), 2 instrument inputs and left and right outputs (for monitors). I've never had a problem with mine and I know a few others here have one and I've never read of anyone complain about them here.

But, USB is slipping away and Firewire (IEEE 1396) is starting to take over. Your Dell might have a firewire port already. It would most likely be labeled as an IEEE 1396 port. Firewire works behind the scenes while USB works in conjunction with your PC, taking up valuable PC usage. Firewire is said to be much faster than USB with noticeably less latency issues as well.

Then again, USB vs. Firewire might not effect you, it depends on how great your needs are.

I'm relaying this going on the many articles I've read on the subject so, I am no expert but, I am like yourself and like doing as much research as I can before I make a purchase. It is definitely something to look into. As soon as I get back on my feet I will be getting a firewire unit that fits my needs. I just have to wait my turn in the family circle.

Thank you for bringing up this topic, Dogbite. I am looking at upgrading the soundcard in my PC and would like to know what to get.

Please understand that I don't speak "tech talk" very well. I don't comprehend much of what has already been said in this thread.

I don't need and can't afford anything super high quality, but just want something better than the mono Realtek AC97 Audio which is in the computer (I think that's the soundcard, right?)

I am having a Firewire 1394 connection and CD/DVD burner installed so I can download family videos from my digital videocam to save to DVD. I'd like to have the technician upgrade the soundcard at the same time to save on installation costs.

Audacity is the recording program I'm learning to use.

Is there a soundcard for maybe $50 or under that would be a step up from the Realtek AC97?

Thanks for any advice you can give.

Margaret

I have a Dell XPS M140 laptop I use for recording and I just use the stock soundcard. Laptops allow you to set the "mic in" to mic or "Line In"

I use an E-mu 0404 myself, costs about $100,- and comes with a nice software bundle. As for comparison with the A2496, the E-mu has a dynamic range of 112dBA versus the A2496's 96dBA, and the THD is 0.002% versus 0.003%, which might seem small but is actually a 33% improvement. And while I'm not entirely sure I do believe tE-mu's ability to run sound effects in cubase directly on the card, minimising CPU load, is unmatched by the A2496 as well.

Ofcourse both cards are excellent value for money, so check them both out.

I checked out this new computer again. it does have a sound card.
it's a X-FI PCI sound card.

I'll have to read more about that card. I hope it isnt just for cool sounds when gaming...which I dont do.
this is becoming a good thread.
thanks all.

X-FI ... I'm pretty sure that's in the Creative Soundblaster family (Designed primarily for gaming and DVD... ie. playback)

Companies such as creative design cards as cheaply as possible for the target consumer (i.e one who doesn't require high quality recording) so the recording quality of these type of cards is usually quite basic...

Having said that, it may be fine for what you're trying to achieve... As Kalle already said if you're happy with the quality of the recording you won't need a new soundcard.

Plug a line-in and see.. should only take a few minutes to try it out.

Good Luck

J

Im not tech savy either. Im like a dinosaur learning new tricks.

X-Fi in Soundblaster family....I googled and found that is the case.
it stated that this version may be the last soundcard needed because it is so good....
hmmm, we'l see.
hype. who needs it!

still, Ive yet to try it out.

a few things I want to do is:
record my music
upload minidisc recordings and change to CD (analog to digital).

for now...