Hi there, I know this is not a direct BIB related issue, but I know that there are a few users outhere that might be able to help me with this. I just got a new computer for father's Day; dual core 4 meg ram expandable to 16 and a 1TB HD. So far very good, I can now enjoy the fast generation of RT's and all that, however it comes with a different size PCI slots, what they call "minicard" and PCI Express, well the sound card won't fit on any of them since is of a larger size (older PCI slots I guess). Any suggestions out there? the main reason I got this card was to be able to use my Ketron SD2, so right now I'm screwed with that. Can any one tell me what other options I have to be able to use the Ketron? Any help would be very, very appreciate it!

Mike B.

This is another reason I recommend people either build or have built for them a custom PC. I needed to make sure my new motherboard had the correct PCI slots for my Emu 1820M system.

You can still use your SD2 without any extra soundcard. From Ketron's website:

<Note: A separate MIDI to USB cable is required to connect the SD2 to your computer if it does not have MIDI connectors.>

This will take care of the midi part and you run the RCA audio jack from the Ketron to the mini plug line input of your on board soundcard. The thing of course is the quality of that onboard line in is not as good as your M-Audio but depending on your ears you may or may not notice.

Bob

http://www.pgmusic.com/maudiouno.htm

Usually next day or 2 days from PGmusic.

It needs no drivers it just installs, it's 'compliant'.

Never had a problem and it ran in xp, vista and win 7 64.

http://www.pgmusic.com/maudiouno.htm

I ran into a similar issue when shopping for a new lappy. My card was a PCMCIA card. No lappies have this slot. I found one a Lenovo, that I actually wanted, had an express slot. I bought an adapter and it works great.This is an adapter for your situation.May have to dig to find it.
PCI Express to PCI Adapter

This is at New Egg and appears to be the same.For $34.00 worth a shot.
New Egg Adapter

This is a start to your research. I do not accept any responsibility for failure of this card. Call NewEgg.
From the literature:
A versatile solution, the adapter card converts PCIe to PCI or PCI-X; a built-on LP4 power connector links the card to the computer power supply, allowing you to install universal voltage PCI cards (3.3V/5V). The adapter card offers an economical solution that lets you extend the usability of older or extra PCI Bus cards in newer PCIe capable systems.

Mike

Of course the other option is to buy a new external sound card along the lines of a M-Audio Fast Track Ultra 8R or Fast Track Pro. These units are USB 2.0 and work well with Band In A Box or any other audio program. The difference between them is the number and type of inputs and outputs. My Ultra 8R performs just as well as my M-Audio Delta 1010 which is PCI and probably on it's way out.

Buying external may be a way to be able to use your hardware that much longer before it becomes obsolete.

I have a drawer full of obsolete midi and audio interfaces - somehow I cannot just turf them into the dustbin. Someone has promised me an old 486 motherbord in working condition so that I can mount my old SB Awe 32 and my Roland MPU 401 AT.

Pete,

I use a Yamaha Audiogram 6 here with my laptop. It connects via USB cable and acts like a soundcard & mixer rolled into one unit. It does not have a midi cable connection to "drive" any midi synth, but I connect my keyboard via its 1/4 rca plugs. My midi keyboard also connects via USB and that is what "drives" the midi data parts. Yamaha also provides an ASIO driver for it as well and it works very well with the PG Software.

I mentioned my card due to its mixer capabilities, mic connections, phantom power and ASIO driver. Sound quality is top notch as well, people compliment my "sound" set up on a different singing site. They usually ask what I am using to get that clean and crisp vocal sound.

In fact, most cards are being routed via USB these days. Find one like the Audiogram where they have both USB & mixer rolled into a single unit. I was leary at first, but I have been sold on the USB connection. I suppose it depends on each manufacturer and their drivers for their units. I can get almost 0 latency with my ASIO driver in Biab. You can't hear or notice the difference alongside Real Tracks.

There are many to choose from and asking here was wise. Get user input data for real time results.

Good luck,

Trax

I use the M-Audio Fast Track Pro 2, but to be honest I have it because when I went to the nearest store to buy a MIDI interface that's what they had. Never had an issue with now the 3rd computer it is on though I ha to get new drivers when I got Windows 7 64 bit. Used it with Sonar, then Pro Tools, and now BIAB.

Thanks to all for the solutions, they are all worth investigating.