djmatthill Posted March 27, 2010 Share Posted March 27, 2010 Hi there , Just a quick question please guys. I need a to buy a cheap external sound card , I need to record some tracks and Im finding that my laptop onboard audio is "ok" but lacking depth and headroom. Ideally I need a solution that is CHEAP!.... has anyone used any budget USB interfaces that give good results.The output will be coming from a Soundcraft Broadcast desk. Also Im currently using Audacity to record and edit my mixes .... any other suggestions of good and FREE software that I should consider.I find that while audacity is good it lacks a large selection of filters and effects. Any help or suggestions welcomed. ThanksMatt Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bobbsy Posted March 27, 2010 Share Posted March 27, 2010 For the USB audio interface, I'd recommend a look at the E-MU 0202 or the M-Audio Fastrack. Both have excellent sound performance, low noise and they sell in the £70-80 range. If you could live with mainly just a digital input, the M-Audio Transit is even cheaper but for analogue inputs you're limited to a 3.5mm stereo jack which is not the best. You're going to have trouble bettering Audacity for freeware. If the main problem is the lack of effects, have you downloaded the VST enabler? Once you have that, there are lots of 3rd party effects and plugins you can download and use with Audacity. Otherwise, some paid for software like Audition offers a 28 day free trial that you could use for a specific project. Bob Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jack-handy Posted March 27, 2010 Share Posted March 27, 2010 The Audaciy websie also has a plugin kit with 90 or so free effects, if you haven't already got it. Pete Sorry, my t's gone empramenal - TempramenTal Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
billy jim Posted March 27, 2010 Share Posted March 27, 2010 Depending on which soundcard you get, you may end up with a copy of Cubase LE bundled in with it, which has enough plugins to keep you going, and you can add more VST's quite easily! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Solstace Posted March 27, 2010 Share Posted March 27, 2010 Another vote for the EMU 0202 USB here. Sounds glorious and mine came with software for PC at least, though I believe Mac software is now bundled with more recent releases of the same product. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TimmyP1955 Posted March 28, 2010 Share Posted March 28, 2010 Almost free: http://www.reaper.fm Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RustyBrooks Posted March 28, 2010 Share Posted March 28, 2010 I'll second reaper... tiny compared to somthing like pro tools, and every bit as powerful, perfect for mixing and recording Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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