Soundcards + New Computers

James Turner · **Voice Talent** Joined: 14 May 2005 Posts: 26

Just wanted to drop a line, if anyone out there has even thought about getting a new computer, specifically a "Windows XP Media Center PC", be very careful, check out "the link" and make sure to click on "unofficial list", this is just a start but it will at least give people "fair warning".

the link - M-AUDIO

Brick wall

Nonie Craige · **Voice Talent** Joined: 12 Aug 2006 Posts: 46

Very useful info James, thank you.
I posted a "driver unable to read my E-MU 0404 soundcard" problem, earlier today, getting absolutely no sound, each part installed correctly and enabled but driver is not recognizing the new sound card....any thoughts on what to try next?

Thanks
Nonie

Colin Campbell · Posted: Mon Apr 02, 2007, 16:41 (GMT) Post subject:

Same problem with Vista. DO NOT BUY A PC WITH VISTA, though you may not have a choice thanks to our good friend, Bill Gates.

Kevin Miller · **Voice Talent** Joined: 14 Feb 2006 Posts: 142

Nonie,

I have the same model card. Did you disable the existing card in the startup menu? Restart your computer, and follow the prompt for startup mode (F10?) then find the line for media/audio and disable the previous or built in card. Then, you may have to call E-MU because the input and transmission menu is very tricky, but they will talk you through it.

Good Luck

Nonie Craige · **Voice Talent** Joined: 12 Aug 2006 Posts: 46

Thanks for feed back.

Kevin, I had my tech person install all my home equipment and he needed to call EMU as others have, and did an hour's worth of going over everything....EMU doesn't know why the driver is not reading their soundcard....my tech did lots of updating of software.....we're both really upset. I will check with Michael about your suggestions.

Colin Campbell · Posted: Tue Apr 03, 2007, 16:38 (GMT) Post subject:

To get to the setup menu as your computer is booting, it is almost always one of these keys depeding on the brand of your PC....

DELETE (Consumer Dell's... Dimension.)
F2 (Business Dell's... Optiplex.)
F10 (HP or Compaq.)

Don Randall · Posted: Wed Apr 04, 2007, 05:25 (GMT) Post subject:

The bad news is that a Media Center edition of Windows may be incompatible with firewire and usb interfaces and other aftermarket soundcards.

The good news is that the onboard soundcard that comes with the better computers are probably going to be just fine.

If you have a high dollar aftermarket soundcard or a nifty spiffy usb or firewire interface and it makes you happy - then life is good! Your money brought you some satisfaction and it makes you happy. Nothin' wrong with that.

If you have the Realtek onboard soundcard that was developed under the "Azalia" name, you actually have a very good soundcard that should do everything you ask of it and give you very good performance. This card is usually found on better motherboards produced from circa 2004 on. Hey, if you have one, you don't have to tell anybody.

Yeah, I know. I have heard all the warnings and stories and all the song and dance about those terrible unprofessional onboard soundcards.

I also know that I use one and it is quiet and it is stable and it is no problem - it just works quietly, dependably, reliably all the time, everytime - and I have yet to detect a downside. At the same time, I sometimes listen to audio that others have posted and I occasionally hear what sounds to me as if it is soundcard noise. A quick check of the contributor's website shows that some sort of aftermarket soundcard or interface was used. It is obvious that the user is aware of the noise - the very heavy and very noticeable use of the noisegate makes it very obvious. If it is actually room noise, what was gained by spending money on a soundcard when that money would have given more benefit if used cleaning up the room?

Nonie Craige · **Voice Talent** Joined: 12 Aug 2006 Posts: 46

OKAY...latest news on my soundcard problem....my 4 year old Dell computer is not capable of being updated and is not compatable with it or with other soundcards tried.....soooooo....I'm looking into getting info to buy a new puter for my puterful auditions. Any recommendations that work really well for our VO work?
Nonie

Hi Kevin, thanks for input. Saw Michael last night.

Freddie Molina · Posted: Tue Apr 10, 2007, 17:10 (GMT) Post subject:

MACs are always the best choice, PCs are on a big transition to Vista and not many drivers are available still.

Nonie Craige · **Voice Talent** Joined: 12 Aug 2006 Posts: 46

Thanks Freddie....I've been told to go with a Mac, just need to get used to it for all my documents.

James Turner · **Voice Talent** Joined: 14 May 2005 Posts: 26

Nonie, don't know how technical you want to get while looking for a computer, but check out ADK, first of all they specialize in customized computers, Audio being what there business started out in, currently they are also into video and gaming PC's (and UK), the fun thing at this site is that you can explore and customize your professional audio computer as you go, plus see the updated price too.

If you have a budget in mind let them know, they can help you customize and make sure you get what you need to get VO's professionaly done.

Here's a quote from their site that will get some attention.........

"Vista: Of any flavor is in no way ready for prime time. You would have to be using nearly no effects or samples as so few work and of those that do they are NOT large memory address aware and therefore would yield no benefit.
An exception to that is EWQL "play" and EWQL samples as they release them in 64bit.
If you absolutely insist we will install it for you but will only warranty the audio interface and main sequencer." (ADK installs XP) daumen rauf

ADK Pro Audio

As far as MAC's I have no personal experience but I have to say I have heard from a couple audio/video people (L.A.) that MAC's are more audio/video friendly.