buying computer for audio

berenberen wrote on 5/10/2006, 1:54 PM
I posted earlier asking about which program to use in a children's camp to create audio. My new question is, in purchasing computers for this project, what should I be looking for? It's important to keep costs low.

Obviously, we need a sound card; but how much memory? and how big a hard drive? And what would I use to make it easier to bring the sound into the computer; the 1/8 inch jack on most sound cards doesn't really do it; it's wobbly and staticky sometimes. I'm a rank amateur, so any and all suggestions are welcome.

Comments

Chienworks wrote on 5/10/2006, 4:30 PM
This is about as inexpensive as you can get for a stereo USB audio input/output device: $34.99 (US)
http://www.behringer.com/UCA202/index.cfm

From that link:

Introducing the UCA202 from BEHRINGER

With this ultra-compact, bus-powered interface, you can link your Windows® and Mac® computer with any audio gear. There is no setup or special drivers needed—simply plug the interface in a free USB port on your computer and get into the groove.

The UCA202 provides 2 analog inputs and outputs, as well as an additional S/PDIF optical output for direct digital conversion. The stereo headphone output with dedicated level control lets you monitor both input and output. And the cherry on top is that the U-CONTROL download area offers a huge software package for recording and editing.

All in all, this interface is a complete audio solution which provides a connection between the analog and digital domain.

* Ultra-flexible audio interface connects your instruments, mixer etc. with your computer for recording and playback
* High-resolution 48 kHz converters for high-end audio quality
* Works with your PC or Mac–no setup or drivers required. Free audio recording and editing software downloadable at www.behringer.com
* Stereo headphone output with dedicated level control lets you monitor both input and output
* Additional S/PDIF optical output for direct digital conversion
* Powered via USB bus–no external power supply needed
* High-quality components and exceptionally rugged construction ensure long life
* Conceived and designed by BEHRINGER Germany
bevross wrote on 5/12/2006, 12:01 PM
You are purchasing multiple computers? Laptops or desktops? Note that default soundcards on most systems are lousy for recording audio without noise. Do you already have some sound equipment: microphones, mic preamps, mixers? It's hard to recommend without knowing what you are starting with. Heck, cheapest would be the default soundcard with cheapo ($10) Radio Shack mics and some free recording software (don't expect good sound!). Audio takes much less space than video so even a 40gig hard drive would work. Memory on any of todays XP's systems should be, in my opinion, minimum of 512MB. (By the way -- you are thinking PCs, not Macs, right?)

So, in general, it's hard to suggest anything without knowing what you have/need. The fact that you wrote " ... the 1/8 inch jack on most sound cards doesn't really do it; it's wobbly and staticky sometimes ... " tells me you tried with some sort of mic -- what was it?
Sari wrote on 5/12/2006, 7:47 PM
Check here
http://www.musicxpc.com/
I have four of these systems. They are very solid.
rraud wrote on 5/13/2006, 6:38 PM
Another factor is system noise: CPU, PS, fan, drives, graphics card, ect.
If it's not in the perfortmace area it's no problem... except for the engineer.
Aside from custom built systems, Dell makes a cheap quiet PC.
berenberen wrote on 5/13/2006, 8:25 PM
To all: Thanks so much for your replies:

bevross: I'm talking multiple desktops. I (actually, my wife) do own a mixer and some mikes, and I've used them on my Dell system, which came with a Creative SB Live sound card.

I've used Vegas to mix music played from a keyboard directly into the the computer (using the 1/8 inch analog jack); the music sounded great, but when I hooked up the mixer and mikes, it was awful. (a) There was noise; (b) the levels were way too high, and stayed that way no matter how I fiddled with the mixer controls. (Not that I'm much of an expert anyhow).

So on this project, I'm not too worried about getting the music in, b/c I've seen it work well, but I am concerned about recording voice, and having it sound halfway decent.

And yes, I am talking PCs not macs.
bevross wrote on 5/14/2006, 12:33 PM
Well, the bad audio could come from any one of these sources: bad mic, bad mixer, improper setup, or bad soundcard. Since you say the keyboard sounded good via the analog input then maybe the card is good enough for these purposes. Are your mics dynamic or condensor? If condensor -- were they plugged into the mic preamp section of the mixer (these mics need power)? But, because you mention too high levels, this probably isn't the problem. If dynamic -- did you turn off the preamp section? If you don't know the answer to these questions, and want input, then please list: type of mixer & microphones.

I don't have much advice re: what are the better lower end soundcards since I use a high end one from Lynx. It does sound, though, like you should just get a decent enough internal card & not external device.
berenberen wrote on 5/14/2006, 6:58 PM
chienworks:
Thanks for this suggestion; it looks like a handy tool. I assume this does not replace the sound card, but is simply an easy way to plug in to the computer; am I correct?

bevross:
Indeed, I do not know the answers to your questions; I'll get the info and post further.
Chienworks wrote on 5/14/2006, 7:06 PM
Well, it doesn't replace the sound card, but it does bypass it. If you use that for recording you won't be using your built-in sound card.