Personally, I am running a SoundBlaster USB card. Actually have two different models here, one called SundBlaster MP3, and the other one is a great one, called SoundBlaster Live.The live model, is the same as the live internal sound cards, that were the high end of SoundBlaster a few years back. One thing I like about the live, is that it is 24bit, meaning you get top quality sound, like you would on a top model CD/MD player on your music system.
There is a couple of benefits of the usb sound cards. It is possible to run them in a 'multiple sound card system'. I have had two usb soundcards running on my laptop, in addition to the built-in one. The other benefit, is that you get much cleaner sound. No matter what the manufacturers of the pc claim, they haven't yet shown me a system which does not have a lot of electric noise, to its built-in sound card. Particulary, if you are using head phones,you will hear the difference right away. With a good USB sound card, you will greatly increase your music experience. WARNING: If you go on EBay,or similar places, there is a load of offers of USB soundcards. MAny of them are small, cheap and plug-n-play. These are ok models, if you only want to have two soundcards on your system. But the sound they produce are - what I find - a bit crispy. They are tiny things, only the size of a usb plug, approx, and have typically two jacks: sound out, and mic in. You can pick them up for less than a dollar, plus shipping. If you, on the other hand, want a soundcard with optimal sound, and it's own volume control, connectors for line-in/out, headphone, mic, and digital sources, you definately want to have alook at the soundblaster models. One thing I find useful, is that I can connect the line-out of my soundcard permanently to my speakers, on the rear of the box, and then just plug/unplug my headphones from the front edge. Less messing with cables that way. The soundblaster models are typ0ically approx, 6x3x1 inches (15x8x2cm), and weighs something like a CD with cover (i guess). They are connected via a standard USB cable, so you can even pladce the soundcard a bit away from your computer, according to convenience. (I have my laptop on top of my desk, while as my soundcard is placed next to my subwoofer, underneath the desk.) You would typically be looking at prices ranging from us$70, to $150, but it is well worth the money. I even have transferd old recordings from cassette tapes, and minidiscs, into digital form on my computer, via the soundcard. With several connectors, you can have a few different equipments connected, at the same time, hence, turning your computer into the master of a music system,or home studio. Go to EBay, type in the search term 'sound blaster usb', and read, enjoy, and consider for yourself. Hope this gave answer to some of your questions. ----- Original Message ----- From: Music for Sight To: GW Micro Support List Sent: Thursday, February 05, 2009 1:14 AM Subject: seeking recommendations for a usb sound card Hi, I'm thinking of getting a USB sound card to enhance my music experience. I currently use the Real Tech Hi Definition audio that came with this PC and have it patched to the line in on my Sony receiver/tuner, and while I have no serious complaint, I believe I can do better. I would also, I think, enjoy the benefit of piping Window Eyes and system sounds through one card and music through the other. Is this a realistic objective, and does anyone have any suggestions on a particular make and model whose mixer will be accessible with our beloved WE 7.01? It should also be noted I run XP SP-2. Thanks loads for your input! Sincerely, Dj Bowen Music for Sight "I'm chasing the clouds on a blue sky, dolphins are playing guitar sometimes it seems this old dreamer, is lost somewhere out under the stars." If you reply to this message it will be delivered to the original sender only. If your reply would benefit others on the list and your message is related to GW Micro, then please consider sending your message to [email protected] so the entire list will receive it. All GW-Info messages are archived at http://www.gwmicro.com/gwinfo, and can be searched through and sorted using the search form at the bottom of the page. If you wish to unsubscribe from this list, send a message to [email protected] and include leave gw-info in the body of the message. If you reply to this message it will be delivered to the original sender only. If your reply would benefit others on the list and your message is related to GW Micro, then please consider sending your message to [email protected] so the entire list will receive it. All GW-Info messages are archived at http://www.gwmicro.com/gwinfo, and can be searched through and sorted using the search form at the bottom of the page. If you wish to unsubscribe from this list, send a message to [email protected] and include leave gw-info in the body of the message.
