I am new to the forum posts but I regularly read posts. I have had BiaB and PT for many years and loved the product. I have used these programs to lay down basic tracks and load into a Boss BR1600 digital recorder and then add vocals, guitar, etc., to finish the songs.
I recently purchased RealBand and have been impressed with the possibilities. My issue is the extreme amount of electronic noise from the computer sound card. I used a Roland Sound Canvas with my work with Power Tracks and did not have this issue. I want to use an external audio/midi interface but I am completely baffled as to what to get. I don't need a bunch of mike inputs, etc., as I love the Boss recorder. I need a simple but effective interface that has input from the computer and two outputs to go to the recorder. I intend to lay down tracks with Real Band, mix on the computer, then download to the Boss unit for other recording.
I would really appreciate any help!

Do you have a PCI slot available on the computer? If so get an M-Audio soundcard and you'll never touch the BR1600 for recording again, as you'll get better recordings from the M-Audio. If you need XLR mic inputs get the 1010lt.

If you don't have PCI available consider one of the M-Audio USB selections like the FastTrack line.

The BR series actually records at MP3 bitrates if memory serves me correctly (I am a huge Roland fan). M-Audo USB can be as low as 130 bucks, PCI around $200 for 1010lt, but you'll get clearer tracks and be able to do all your work inside PT/RB.
Just my opinion.

here's a link to an article on audio interfaces you may want to read before buying something:

http://www.sweetwater.com/shop/computer-audio/audio_interfaces/buying_guide.php

Thanks for the quick response!

I do have a slot available for a sound card but I'm leary of the electronic noise from the hard drive with an internal card. That's the issue that started my search.

I have never recorded into the PC but have used the Roland unit for recording external voices and instruments. As I said, I've no experience in this area but I like real sliders and knobs. I've had some issues in bringing a instrument for backing in a song up and another down in Real Band with the mouse. Also, I can't pan instruments enough for the separation I like to have in Real Band. I realize that the Roland unit does not help me here as the tracks are already panned and eq'ed when I download the tracks.

You really made a point that interests me in using the interface to record into the PC. I use piano in most of my recordings and I have never been satisfied with the recorded sound into the Roland. Maybe I could get the sound I want recording through the interface. Maybe, during my conversion stage from using my Roland to completely recording through the PC, I could get an interface that I could still transfer tracks to the Roland, and, record the piano through the interface. Would the M-Audio units do this and which specific one would you recommend?

What particular software do you use? Also, how do you handle the slider issue (for me anyway)?

Again, thanks for the quick response and I look forward to utilizing your experience to possibly move me from my beloved Roland, kicking and screaming of course, to a new world for me of recording!

Thanks for the link, I'm going to read it now.

I decided to go with the M-Audio 2496, four in, four out. Should be here tomorrow and I can start a slightly new path.

Thanks for the info from both rharv and Pat...they helped me make up my mind

Many here use this card with great results. Hope you have fun with it.

WWII I'll be dadgummed,, I got the m-Audio 2496, opened the computer up and found that it only has the PCI x 1 slots.

I suppose this gives me no option other than an external interface. Which M-Audio external audio/midi interface would you recommend that is compatible with the 2496?

That's gotta be a bummer. Look at the Fast Tracks from M-Audio, or some here like the Tascam units..

First question I asked was if you had a PCI slot available ..

You said in your original post that you don't need a bunch of mic inputs. how about 'any'?

The reason I ask is that the Fast Track doesn't have any XLR inputs nor mic preamps on board. The Fast Track Pro does.

Send ye olde 2496 back to wherever you bought it. They probably sell the Fast Track Pro as well.

Here's another option I've had good results with.
Not sure how it compares to M Audio rigs.
Maybe others could weigh in on this.

Line 6 makes various versions with more inputs.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Line-6-POD-Studi...=item5ae2e1d532

Gets your Instrument or Mic into the computer with USB.
No latency. Relatively inexpensive.

I have the earlier UX1 with Gearbox effects program and it has a zillion possible effects models with different combos of virtual amp and speaker cabinets.
Or you can run the signal in dry.

Quote:

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Here's another option I've had good results with.
Not sure how it compares to M Audio rigs.
Maybe others could weigh in on this.

Line 6 makes various versions with more inputs.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Line-6-POD-Studi...=item5ae2e1d532

Gets your Instrument or Mic into the computer with USB.
No latency. Relatively inexpensive.

I have the earlier UX1 with Gearbox effects program and it has a zillion possible effects models with different combos of virtual amp and speaker cabinets.
Or you can run the signal in dry.

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carkins - any audio interface can get signal in to the computer, but none with no latency.

Line6 products have hardware monitoring, which routes incoming signal directly to outputs. However, all interfaces with a/d conversion into the computer have latency.

I'm 99% certain that the USB drivers for the Line6 products will have a latency or buffer setting. Usually this is given in number of samples or in time.

Look for your ASIO driver panel/applet and there should be adjustable latency or buffer parameters in the panel.

Here is one example of a Line6 ASIO panel and the buffer size is on the right. You'll see that there is no zero sample buffer size. http://line6.com/support/servlet/JiveServlet/downloadImage/2-144599-10962/310-348/UX1.jpg

At 512 samples as shown in the example image, that is going to be relatively small latency.

Just wanted to clarify the description of 'no latency'. Again, that is just for the input monitoring.

-Scott

-Scott