Sound card/MIDI for BIAB

Bob Crafton · From: Donora, Pennsylvania, USA

I've been using an old SB/AWE32 sound card with BIAB for several years and I really like the MIDI sounds built in to this card. They sound better than any of the software synths I've tried, and there's no latency issues. Now I want to upgrade my computer, and I can't find any good P4 (or Athlon 64) motherboards that still have an ISA slot.

Any BIAB users out there have any good suggestions for a replacement for my AWE32? I really don't want to go into the expense and hassle of an external MIDI device like a Sound Canvas. With my current setup, I can easily render a BIAB tune to a wav file with just a mouse click, as the old card is full-duplex.

I went to PG Music's website and listened to the examples of different sound cards and the only one that sounded better than my AWE32(to my ears) is the Edirol SD-20 Sound Canvas, but it's a little out of my budget, and is an external device. Any suggestions?

thanks,
Bob

Papa Joe Pollick · From: Swanton, Ohio

Your right,the ISA looks like history,but there are mother boards aplenty with PCI slots..I have the AWE 64 in one Pc, and SB LIVE in another. They are both good cards,and will be as good[some thik better] as the AWE 32.Hope this helps.. PJ

Jack Stoner · From: Kansas City, MO

The ISA bus is out (as floppy diskette drives, Parallel and Serial ports on most new PC's).

The AWE32 is "old technology" and there are much better and newer SB sound cards. I'm using a SB Audigy 2 and the "A" hardware MIDI synth rivals everything except an external Roland MIDI synth. I have an AWE64 card in an older PC and it doesn't come close to the Auidgy 2 MIDI synth.

I have "Sleepwalk" on my first CD, that used a BIAB track and the older PC with the AWE64 MIDI synth. I'm seriously considering redoing that cut (the only one on the CD that used a BIAB track) as the MIDI instruments with the Audigy 2 are that much better. The AWE64/AWE32 are basicially the same - just the 64 vs 32 memory.

Keith Hilton · From: 248 Laurel Road Ozark, Missouri 65721

I agree that ISA is out in favor of PCI slots. If I were you, I wouldn't try riding a dead horse. Get a card that fits a PCI slot. If you are determined, you might find a motherboard with and ISA slot at www.newegg.com I have built two big computer systems from parts from Newegg, and am happy with their service and prices. Jack, I know you use the Epson 200 CD printer. What program do you like for the ones that just print paper lables?

Jack Stoner · From: Kansas City, MO

Keith, I use the Roxio Label Creator, that comes as part of the Roxio Easy Media Creator CD/DVD burning package. I don't use paper labels anymore (I threw out any paper labels I had left after buying the Epson printer) but I still use it to create the Jewel Case "books" and rear inserts.

There are lots of program around that do the same thing but I like the Roxio the best and it seems to be the most versitile. It will even print directly to CD's with the Epson printers.

Old versions of the the Label Creator had some bugs but the V7.5 (and current V Cool

Roxio versions are much better. Roxio finally got their CD/DVD burning software act together with version 7.5. I also have Nero V6 and the label creator in that one is crap compared to Roxio's.

Avery has some software but it only works with Avery products (b0b can comment on Avery since he works for them).

John Daugherty · From: Rolla, Missouri, USA

Keith, the label on my CD that you have, was done with the label printing software that came with the Epson R200 printer. As you noticed,the label is printed directly on the printable CD.
My thanks to Jack, for recommending this printer.

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www.phelpscountychoppers.com/steelguitar

Ray Minich · From: Bradford, Pa. Frozen Tundra

The Audigy 2 at 24 bits is one nifty card.

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