Which sound card for musician?

[InsomniaCalls]

Hi there.

I used to be really into writing my own music but not done any for years.
Looking to maybe start writing again using the PC but wondering what sort of equipment I'd need.

I'm no Pro but consider myself of a fairly high standard so not top end but certainly not cheap stuff.

Obviously a decent sound card is a must.
I currently have an Audigy ZS 2 but a lot of people despise Creative so I guess there must be a lot better on offer.

So - for someone who is likely to be recording guitar, bass and vocals straight into the PC and knocking up the drums using software, what would be the best sound card to go for?

On a similar note - Is Cubase the dogs or is there anything better to splash the cash on?

Cheers

Si

 

[MoodyB]

These would be worth considering :


Line 6 Toneport UX1 & UX2

http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/feb06/articles/toneport.htm?print=yes


ESI Pro Julia

http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/jan05/articles/esijulia.htm


M-Audio Audiophile 192

http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/mar05/articles/maudiophile192.htm


The 1st link might be the best to get started with as it has built-in mic preamps, then move onto a more sophisticated setup on you get the hang of things again.

As for a audio editor / squencer, there's so many choices these days its not funny:

Cubase
EnergyXt
Ableton Live
Podium
Reaper
FL Studio
Tracktion
Sonar
Samplitude

Best thing to do is grab demos and see what app you 'click' with.

I'm just getting back in music writing myself, although it's mainly midi / softsynth based rather than guitar / vocals, and the choices are bewildering tbh.

Best option, if you don't get any more replys on here, is to register on the SoundOnSound forum and see what they suggest.

 

[InsomniaCalls]

Cool.

Cheers