New Soundcard/Interface

Configure and optimize you computer for Audio.
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My music PC which has served me well for about 10 years has gone kaput and I'm planning on purchasing a new one from Inta-Audio - http://www.inta-audio.com/pc-builder/index/79

Although my old soundcard (E-MU 0404 pci) is still in working order, I'd want to go with something new but not sure whether to go down the USB or Firewire route. If I go with the latter, I'll need to opt for Firewire ports on the configuration of the new PC.

My needs are fairly basic (the E-MU did me fine in terms of audio in/outs and midi) so I'm after a simple soundcard/interface with minimal bells and whistles.

It's a long time since I looked into this kind of hardware stuff so I'm rather out of touch with gear.
Is Firewire a better option than USB on the whole?
Any views/recommendations on makes/models appreciated.

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oddbod wrote: (the E-MU did me fine in terms of audio in/outs and midi)
Then stick with it.
Are you asking advice on new for the sake of new?

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T-CM11 wrote: stick with it.Are you asking advice on new for the sake of new?
I've never liked the Patchmix with the DSP FX, which irritatingly causes a delay on start-up - I want to be rid of it. It may sound like a small thing, but I've always found it annoying.

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oddbod wrote:
T-CM11 wrote: stick with it.Are you asking advice on new for the sake of new?
I've never liked the Patchmix with the DSP FX, which irritatingly causes a delay on start-up - I want to be rid of it. It may sound like a small thing, but I've always found it annoying.
Then disable it: Windows key + R -> Type "msconfig" (without the "") -> Startup

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T-CM11 wrote: Then disable it: Windows key + R -> Type "msconfig" (without the "") -> Startup
okay, i didn't realise you could disable it. You're sure this will work? I thought the Patchmix was essential for the normal operation of the soundcard. I always found the Patchmix overcomplicated and difficult to fathom.
Also it's an old soundcard (discontinued I think) and Googling around, there seem to be problems with Windows 7 and drivers, etc.

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oddbod wrote:
T-CM11 wrote: Then disable it: Windows key + R -> Type "msconfig" (without the "") -> Startup
okay, i didn't realise you could disable it. You're sure this will work? I thought the Patchmix was essential for the normal operation of the soundcard. I always found the Patchmix overcomplicated and difficult to fathom.
Also it's an old soundcard (discontinued I think) and Googling around, there seem to be problems with Windows 7 and drivers, etc.
Try it and reboot, if the ASIO driver fails after that, just enable it back. ;)
The Win7 driver is beta: http://support.creative.com/downloads/w ... 11#type_11
It might work perfectly for you, and if not - you can then buy that new audio interface...

I think the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 is good basic audio interface for you. Or maybe a Steinberg UR22? Firewire is on it's way out, it used to be better for audio interfaces with a lot of inputs and outputs, but these days USB is just as good.
I have a MOTU Ultralite Mk3, and I notice no difference whether connected via USB or Firewire (it has both).

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Thanks, as you suggest, I'll give the Emu a go and see how it performs, if not the Steinberg looks decent for a sub £100 price. The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 doesn't have MIDI, but the 2i4 does.

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oddbod wrote:Thanks, as you suggest, I'll give the Emu a go and see how it performs, if not the Steinberg looks decent for a sub £100 price. The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 doesn't have MIDI, but the 2i4 does.
I still don't consider that a reason to pick one over the other, unless budget is really tight. ;)
http://www.thomann.de/be/emu_xmidi_1x1_b_stock.htm

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