Need Help With Sound Card

[backtalkunlimited]

Dear ProBoarders:For the past ca. 2.5 years, I have been using an external Creative Audigy 2 NX sound card, which has fulfilled most of my audio needs. However, earlier this week my Audigy finally gasped its last breath - - it no longer powers up, so I need to purchase a new sound card.I now find that Creative's Audigy 2 NX is no longer available from the usual resellers, so instead I obtained an inexpensive replacement - Sound Blaster Live. Unlike Audigy 2 NX, Sound Blaster Live is bus-powered (no power supply needed other than the USB connection).I suppose that this would be OK, but I now find that I can't directly input a midi controller into the sound card - apparently, the line level from my Roland FantomX7 is too low to be used as input. (This was NOT a probelm with Audigy 2 NX!).Perhaps I'm missing something here - - Do I now need to install a preamp, or is there another way around this? Alternatively, I would appreciate suggestions of other sound cards that might be used to replace my Audigy 2 NX. If possible, I'd like to continue to use an external USB card to avoid having to install an internal card in my CPU, although I understand that there are advantages to using an internal sound card, particularly when there are latency-related issues...Any and all suggestions will be welcomed! Thanks in advance for your help.-Alan (backtalkunlimited)

[alterboy]

Isn't there a mic in on the card? The line in is line level, but the mic in uses the preamp on the card. It's most likely not a good preamp, but it will get the job done.i've used an M-audio Audiophile for years. I've played with their USB interfaces as well and they work just as well. They just make solid, affordable gear imo.

[mazz]

Alan,I'd recommend checking out m-audio. Their USB interfaces are relatively inexpensive and sound pretty good.I find it hard to believe that the Fantom's output is too low. I would think it's more likely some gain settings on your new sound card.Most of the m-audio interfaces have at least one MIDI I/O as well. They won't have any included sounds, though, you'll have to rely on your Fantom for that. They will have far superior mic preamps, though!Hope this helps,Mazz

[dryan]

The Fantom should has a USB output as well as a standard MIDI output to transmit MIDI data. The USB can plug straight into your computer to use your Fantom as a midi controller. (Make sure you installed your USB MIDI drivers from the Fantom's CD-Rom and then set the Fantom's USB to MIDI mode.) What it sound like you are saying is that you are trying to plug your Fantom's TRS output to the Sound Blaster's input and the level is too low. Either that or you are trying to plug your Fantom's TRS output to the computer's audio input. Or were you utilizing the coaxial output to use the Fantom as a Digital Audio Interface? It's possible that your SB Live doesn't operate at the level that the Audigy NX did. If you get the level you are looking for through gain alone then you will also bring up the level of the noise floor. No Pre-amp is necessary. Although if you want to splash the cash to get one you probably will like it. You are looking for a 'proper' audio interface then, right?I have owned and have been satisfied with an E-mu 1820 (basically a fancy Sound Blaster product) for many years now with no problems. I must say that the drivers aren't what I'd like them to be and there is something to be desired in the computer interface. Even with my E-mu history, I would still second the opinion of looking into an M-Audio Interface. They have many great products that fit what you are looking for. (Don't forget the ProTools M-Powered benefit.)daniel