I thought I would just post this message to let you all in on something.
I've been thinking on what sound card I would be purchasing. As you know, my thoughts have ranged from the M-Audio Revolution 7.1 to the Guillemot Fortissimo III, to the RME Digi series, to Terratec, Audiotrak, to USB and external coding boxes, and just plain sticking with my onboard Soundstorm.
This is my solution. I've noticed with lots of PCI and onboard soundcards that they are very sensitive to EMI from the computer's components, especially the video card and CD drive (at least for me). It's materialized as line noise on my speakers whenever actions are taken (like when the cd drive is spinning up, when i use my mouse wheel, and other replicatable problems).
I decided to go with an external solution.
I looked at M-Audio's Sonica, with a nice 6-ft USB connection keeping it away from the computer. I then found the Guillemot Game Theatre XP 7.1 (only supports 7.1 via S/PDIF, not analog). I thought, "Hmm. Guillemot is a good name, but not exactlt hhigh-end. What the heck, if I don't like it I'll get the Sonica." Let me tell you, I sure as heck won't be! This thing has it all. 5.1 Analog RCA out's from the back, optical/coax in/out (for both), MIDI in/out, front MIC and headphone jacks (with volume controls right there), fron analog input, game port, four USB ports, gold plated contacts all around, and even a clipping monitor for the mic (niiiiccceeee...... ;-).
I can't emphasize it enough. Not only does this box have connectivity for any device, but it got rid of ALL the EMI feedback from my computer (can crank the volume up to max with no static or feedback whatsoever), finally found something with EAX (Soundstorm only supports EAX2, not EAX
), and it looks cool too. The cable is shielded (it's gotta have a 1.5-2cm diameter, easily the thickest computer cable I've ever seen), and has active CRC checking so you know that signal you're getting is the clear sound it was meant to be. Check out <A HREF="http://us.hercules.com/products/showpage.php?p=57&b=0&f=1" target="_new">http://us.hercules.com/products/showpage.php?p=57&b=0&f=1</A>
Sorry about the length of this message. I'm just so impressed by this hardware I had to stand up on my soapbox and scream to the world, "BUY THIS!!"
XP 2500+ Barton @ 198x11.5@1.85v
Thermalright SLK-800
Thermaltake Smartfan II
A7N8X Dlx
2x512MB Corsair PC3200
BBA 9700 Pro AIW
2x80GB 7200RPM Maxtor
Soundstorm
I've been thinking on what sound card I would be purchasing. As you know, my thoughts have ranged from the M-Audio Revolution 7.1 to the Guillemot Fortissimo III, to the RME Digi series, to Terratec, Audiotrak, to USB and external coding boxes, and just plain sticking with my onboard Soundstorm.
This is my solution. I've noticed with lots of PCI and onboard soundcards that they are very sensitive to EMI from the computer's components, especially the video card and CD drive (at least for me). It's materialized as line noise on my speakers whenever actions are taken (like when the cd drive is spinning up, when i use my mouse wheel, and other replicatable problems).
I decided to go with an external solution.
I looked at M-Audio's Sonica, with a nice 6-ft USB connection keeping it away from the computer. I then found the Guillemot Game Theatre XP 7.1 (only supports 7.1 via S/PDIF, not analog). I thought, "Hmm. Guillemot is a good name, but not exactlt hhigh-end. What the heck, if I don't like it I'll get the Sonica." Let me tell you, I sure as heck won't be! This thing has it all. 5.1 Analog RCA out's from the back, optical/coax in/out (for both), MIDI in/out, front MIC and headphone jacks (with volume controls right there), fron analog input, game port, four USB ports, gold plated contacts all around, and even a clipping monitor for the mic (niiiiccceeee...... ;-).
I can't emphasize it enough. Not only does this box have connectivity for any device, but it got rid of ALL the EMI feedback from my computer (can crank the volume up to max with no static or feedback whatsoever), finally found something with EAX (Soundstorm only supports EAX2, not EAX
), and it looks cool too. The cable is shielded (it's gotta have a 1.5-2cm diameter, easily the thickest computer cable I've ever seen), and has active CRC checking so you know that signal you're getting is the clear sound it was meant to be. Check out <A HREF="http://us.hercules.com/products/showpage.php?p=57&b=0&f=1" target="_new">http://us.hercules.com/products/showpage.php?p=57&b=0&f=1</A>Sorry about the length of this message. I'm just so impressed by this hardware I had to stand up on my soapbox and scream to the world, "BUY THIS!!"
XP 2500+ Barton @ 198x11.5@1.85v
Thermalright SLK-800
Thermaltake Smartfan II
A7N8X Dlx
2x512MB Corsair PC3200
BBA 9700 Pro AIW
2x80GB 7200RPM Maxtor
Soundstorm
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram