Windows 7: Do I need a Digital Audio Interface besides my Alesis Mixer

fireberd · 18 Jul 2012

I have the full Producer version (64 bit), but the Essential would be plenty for what you want.

Here is the Sonar forums Cakewalk Forums

stjoeguy · 07 Aug 2012

Hey Fireberd - hope you're on today... I did as you mentioned. I ran every thing through the on-board sound card that came with my computer and the mic will record - but in the earphones it sounds like a strong echo. Tried to rest my settings on my computer to play through the headphones only and record through the mic - but no matter what mic I used - even an old Headset mic... I still got an echo. Any ideas?

Thanks

fireberd · 07 Aug 2012

Check to see if you have "Sound Enhancements" option for your sound card. The enhancements include echo and reverb, which could be what you are hearing.

stjoeguy · 07 Aug 2012

No there are no enhancment tabs with this stupid cheap onboard card. HA! Guess I need to get a sound card eh?

Had a rocketfish (SC) but it wouldn't fit into the sound card PCI slot in my computer. Have a Dell Inspiron 620 64 bit of course.

fireberd · 07 Aug 2012

You need a PCIe sound card, PCI is dead. Better yet, you need an external recording device for best recording performance. Even a cheap recording interface unit will be better than ANY PC sound card (and it will take an instrument level or standard P.A. type microphone level input and thus better sounding voice overs.

Something such as this Alesis unit: Alesis iO2 Express Audio Interface | Musician's Friend

stjoeguy · 07 Aug 2012

I already have this one... Alesis MultiMix 4 USB Compact Mixer | Musician's Friend

The problem is I am getting all kinds of White Noise or room noise. Using that Boehringer B-1 Condenser mic though. Thought about trying a MXL 990. You ever owned one of those or heard much about them?

fireberd · 08 Aug 2012

I have two MXL 990's (and another model MXL mic) that are "collecting dust". They tend to be too bright/trebly for most vocal situations. I've seen modifications to these mics on the gearslutz forum and one of mods even changes the actual condenser module to a different type.

stjoeguy · 08 Aug 2012

Yikes! Thanks for the heads up! Guess Im going to have to save up and get a good one - whatever that is. SO MANY OUT THERE!!!

fireberd · 08 Aug 2012

The Shure SM58's are a workhorse on stage and for commercial applications. They are about $100 (on line at sites such as American Musical). Many local music stores will match prices with the on-line stores or the Guitar Center's (closest one from St Joe is in Independence).

stjoeguy · 08 Aug 2012

Thanks! I appreciate all your help.

Windows 7: Do I need a Digital Audio Interface besides my Alesis Mixer

Do I need a Digital Audio Interface besides my Alesis Mixer problems?