Topic: SoundCard suggestions? (was SoundBlaster Extigy?)

[§†∑∫åµÞ≥¥]

I know it's been discussed here before and there are resampling issues with this unit, but I'm looking for an affordable external soundcard to do DAT transfers with my laptop. I've been previously doing transfer via a M-Audio 2496 in my desktop, then tracking with SoundForge but have had numerous issues with pop's and click's in my playback and I can't figure out why. (Believe me... I've tried MANY different solutions/suggestions) Any other external soundcards out there in the $150-200 range? It's a shame I have to sit on all these DAT's and can't listen to them.  

[Electric Cowgirl]

I have an Extigy...you do not want one if you know how to install an internal soundcard.  I can hear a clear difference between my DAT plugged into my stereo and the CDs...this is BAD!  If your tapes are usually bassy or you tape pretty close to the source then you might not be so dissapointed.  

I will say it is an incredibly easy to use unit, but you can definatly get a better soundcard for the money.

One question for ya...are the pops and clicks inbetween songs or during the  music and do you hear them on the Cds or just when you playback thru soundforge?

[§†∑∫åµÞ≥¥]

The pops and clicks are during the music and are present when playing back through SoundForge and on CD. It isn't too noticable on the CD's, but it's definitely there. Not sure what else to do -- I've tried several different things (reinstalling my card, wiping the connections with a clean cloth, changing the buffer, zapping them out one-by-one... nothing seems to work fully). Thanks for the info. Any info on a different soundcard is great.

[nickgregory]

set your DMA buffer higher....changing to a SB card will not solve the issue more than likely

[§†∑∫åµÞ≥¥]

Here are the spec's on my laptop:

Dell Latitude CPx
Intel Pentium III
Windows 98
128 MB of RAM
2 PCI slots

I'll primarily be using the soundcard for DAT transfers only. I have no plans to record in the field at this time. Any ideas? I'd like something in the $50-200 range, if possible. Thanks.

Go Red Sox!!

[cpclark]

i used a ua-5 for awhile for trasfers, offers up to 24/96 and im gonna be getting a vxpocketV2 which i think is only 16/48, but i dont do 24 bit so no problems, go with a ua-5, use it in the field or in the home studio, .02 hope this helps

[cpclark]

both can be had for under $250

[nickgregory]

I have a PIII 450 Mhz, running XP corporate and I have had minimal issues with the audiophile 2496, whereas the audiowerk2 caused nothing but problems...I would recommend the audiohphile to anyone

[mniven]

Regarding the pops and clicks: When you were transferring were you sure to close down all other programs, especially video intensive ones (i.e. Web browser)?

Having other programs running can result in pops and clicks during the transfer.

You probably already tried that, but I just wanted to throw it out.

[§†∑∫åµÞ≥¥]

Yeah. I've made sure everything is in turned off including all extra graphics and all sounds, my screensaver.... everything! I've defragged right before transferring and nothing seems to work.

[§†∑∫åµÞ≥¥]

I have a PIII 450 Mhz, running XP corporate and I have had minimal issues with the audiophile 2496, whereas the audiowerk2 caused nothing but problems...I would recommend the audiohphile to anyone

I have this audiophile for my desktop but I'm pretty sure there's no where to put it in my laptop. Oy!

[gonads]

vx pocket, goes up to 24/48 if you need it and can be had for around $150, new on ebay.

[DaryanLenz]

sek'd prodif plus..used of course.  I transfer, cruise the internet, burn cd's etc without any problems whatsoever.  Stable as hell.  You guys that get these dropouts and stuff just need better hardware I think.  I don't have a darn thing turned off on my DAW except background services and I am always good to go on wiindows 2000 pro.

Daryan

[gonads]

he's looking for a lappy though... does the sek'd work on lappy's?

and I agree on the cause of dropouts... I've never had any problems and I cruise the net and fuck around with nothing turned off with no problems.

[§†∑∫åµÞ≥¥]

vxpocket v2 is $500 brand new! Ouch. I'm gonna check eBay. Is there a different model I should be looking for? or is this correct? Thanks for the input!