I had Sound Blaster Live 5.1 Platinum for basic home studio once but it did have midi sounds on it
i am getting a New computer so which of these sound cards is most suitable for it
Asus Xonar D2X or M-Audio Audiophile or Sound Blaster X-Fi Xtreme audio

i appreciate things have 'moved on' so a bit out of date

From many years ago, I thought all the Sound Blaster cards handled MIDI through SoundFonts.

Anyway, of the three you mentioned, I am only familiar with the M-Audio line. M-Audio cards are well-known and generally well-regarded, even though inexpensive.

Are you thinking of the 192 or the 2496?

Be aware of the PCI requirements of the card versus what the new computer has for PCI slots. I'm having this issue. I would like to upgrade my computer but can't find an off the shelf unit with regulat PCI slots for my Delta 1010.

Yes, keep your eyes open to which slots are available.
I also like M-Audio


John, they do make PCI to PCIe adapters if the box has the room.

Or you can try one of the super deals -
http://www.starsurplus.com/viewitem.lasso?i=OPTI-745-PD34-MAR-5R

3.4 gHz dual core with 2 PCI slots under $200 (only 2 gig RAM but can be increased to 8)
I have not researched this particular model, but they are out there.

2496
sorry for delay in replying

cheers

thanks ..cheers

Um sounds decent. Let me ask this Bob as you're more up to date on computers then I am.
I'm using your old computer as you know. is this one way above it in performance?

pajamahead, I have a 2496 and I think it's fine.

Bob, what are the differences between Pentium D dual core processors and core duo processors?

This looks like a pretty good deal. I am about to replace my 2004 vintage desktop, as things have been grinding to a halt lately and no virus issues to speak of.

Since you asked
http://www.techspot.com/community/topics...ck-speed.96914/

Value depends a lot on the point of view.
This would be a significant improvement for the system John mentioned and easily upgraded (to a point).
John is replacing a system I retired a few years ago. It just won't die. So I know a little about how much faster it would be for him.

Like I said, I haven't researched this particular model. What triggered the search was finding PCI slots on a Win7 board. They're out there. I bought a MB recently and the Delta 1010 plays nice w/W7 in my experience. (which brings this topic back on track)

That deal looks pretty danged good no matter what. I'm in the market for a very low rent desktop box for web surfing/kid use.

-Scott

Most of the decent interfaces will be USB.

What card/interface you need depends on what software you are using and how you use it.

The factory cards tend to do OK with audio but when you throw in a few soft synths you quickly run into latency issues with the synths. So if you playback a project in RB with audio and synths, the music tends to be out of synch to one degree or another.

I export all my tracks to Sonar. When I got started back into recording and mixing I purchased a Focusrite Saffire Wirefire interface. I don't really recommend the FW interfaces since they can have chip compatibility issues, so go with a USB based interface that can run native ASIO drivers and you will be OK.

M-Audio, Presonus, Focusrite, are among the good ones to choose from. All of these are in common use, and use ASIO drivers and have a good track record with low latency. In my DAW, I can play the synth tracks (multiple synths all active) and it syncs perfectly with the audio.

BTW: I know you are asking about a desktop.... my current DAW is a custom built desk top box.... I still use the external firewire interface with it and it works perfectly. By using an external interface (USB) you can just as easily plug it into your laptop and use it to record or mix.....

Well right now i am not using any type of card but whenever i will use it i think i will consider some brand by searching through internet and then finalize to whom i should go.

http://www.customstickers.us/