Want to upgrade my rig for recording.

camondrums · Mar 21, 2014

Hi forum I have been looking to record on my rig but sound is all brand new to me. In research I think if it would be in my best interest to add a sound card, recording software, sound condensing mic and headphones to my current setup. I may also need a hard drive upgrade.

I have about $200-$500 to spend. I don't to jump into this and buy something that I might regret later.

Here is my rig(tis nothing exciting

)
CPU: i5 3570k
GPU: NVIDIA 650 ti
MOBO: gigbyte z77x-ud3h
RAM: 8gb DDr3
PSU: 750w
HD: WD Black 1tb
Resolution: 1360x768 32inch 720p samsung lcd tv
OS: Windows 7

For the sound card I was going to go for the Asus Xonar D2. As for everything else I am really in the dark. I don't know if i should spread my money out and spend the same amount of money on everything. Or is there more vital upgrades that need to focused on.

I would appreciate any suggestions. Thanks in advance for your help.

envy14tpe · Mar 21, 2014

How about considering a WD Blue HDD and get a SSD. You'll love the speed of a SSD. Check out the Samsung Evo 250gb.

camondrums · Mar 21, 2014

envy14tpe :

I think that SSD is a bit too pricey.
I was thinking about 200 on the Sound card.
50 for a mic.
50 for software.
That leaves 200 max for a quality headphones and a SSD if needed. Thanks for the reply will consider every post before making a purchase

justcallmetom13 · Mar 29, 2014

camondrums :

Oh god, please don't buy a soundcard. They do what your motherboard does already, but your motherboard does it 5 times better. Your best bet would be to get a good set of cans from a trusted "AUDIO" company, NOT GAMING. Downloading an equalizing software, and getting a quality microphone.

I don't know why people are saying an SSD will improve your recording, it doesn't.

40s · Mar 29, 2014

The developers of Audacity have some good suggestions as to step you should take and things you should consider: http://wiki.audacityteam.org/wiki/Improving_Recording_Quality

The gist of the above link is as follows regarding hardware: Consider buying a USB audio device such as the external interfaces made by M-Audio or Edirol. The main advantage is that the A/D converter is then outside your computer's case, which keeps electrical noise to a minimum - only the digital signal gets transmitted back to your computer. Another advantage is that you don't have to open up your computer to install anything, just plug it in and go (after installing any software drivers required by the device). It's easier to share it between multiple computers, too.

It also mentions that the most important investment will be your mic. internal sound cards do not make recording their primary endeavor and it would be unfortunate if you put the main body of your money there when a mic will be of use to you on your PC and when connected to a Video camera.

zeph_yr · Mar 29, 2014

Sound cards are completely useless. They are the same if not worse than the integrated sound your motherboard has already. If by recording you mean recording games, upgrade the video card. That's your biggest bottleneck right now.

camondrums · Mar 30, 2014

justcallmetom13 :

camondrums :

Oh god, please don't buy a soundcard. They do what your motherboard does already, but your motherboard does it 5 times better. Your best bet would be to get a good set of cans from a trusted "AUDIO" company, NOT GAMING. Downloading an equalizing software, and getting a quality microphone.

I don't know why people are saying an SSD will improve your recording, it doesn't.

Answers like this are so pleasing. "Dont waste your money."
This sounds like the best route to cheap and efficent audio recording. Thank you sir.

camondrums · Mar 30, 2014

40s :

The developers of Audacity have some good suggestions as to step you should take and things you should consider: http://wiki.audacityteam.org/wiki/Improving_Recording_Quality

The gist of the above link is as follows regarding hardware: Consider buying a USB audio device such as the external interfaces made by M-Audio or Edirol. The main advantage is that the A/D converter is then outside your computer's case, which keeps electrical noise to a minimum - only the digital signal gets transmitted back to your computer. Another advantage is that you don't have to open up your computer to install anything, just plug it in and go (after installing any software drivers required by the device). It's easier to share it between multiple computers, too.

It also mentions that the most important investment will be your mic. internal sound cards do not make recording their primary endeavor and it would be unfortunate if you put the main body of your money there when a mic will be of use to you on your PC and when connected to a Video camera.

Thanks for that link. I have been looking at shure microphones for a few days. They seem just as solid as the rest of their products.

envy14tpe · Mar 30, 2014

If you want high end audio quality (must be audiophile) then get a dedicated sound card. But I'd suggest using the onboard sound first to see what you think.

Shure has great products. I've got a pair of their headphones and love them.

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