# what sound card would be best for... ?
**URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-sound-card-would-be-best-for/48017
**Category:** Factual Questions
**Created:** [January 1, 2001, 9:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-sound-card-would-be-best-for/48017 "2001-01-01T21:43:52Z")
**Posts on this page:** 7
**Page:** 1
### Author:  [@Glenoled](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Glenoled)
#### Post date: [January 1, 2001, 9:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-sound-card-would-be-best-for/48017/1 "2001-01-01T21:43:52Z")
This thread was prompted by the “homebuilt four-track recorder” thread, but decided it deserved its own thread…
I’d love to do some recording on my computer, but my soundcard’s audio inputs are fried…
I had been looking around online for something well suited to the purpose, and came across one called the WavePro 494, iirc…
It had 4 inputs, and was designed with home studio in mind, and was available for about $300.
unfortunately, the company that made them went under, a couple months ago, and apparently, the boards are quite buggy (could be why they went under?)
So, I’m wondering… what would you get, preferably for under $300, that would be good for multi-tracking? (one track at a time is okay by me, since I can only play one instrument at a time)
Should I go with a specialty cars, or a SB-type card?
If just a readily-available card, which brand/model would be best?
(I’m running on less than 4 hours sleep, so if some of my questions seem redundant, please forgive me)
Glenoled
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### Author:  [@casdave](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/casdave)
#### Post date: [January 1, 2001, 9:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-sound-card-would-be-best-for/48017/2 "2001-01-01T21:53:50Z")
I don’t know how you are fixed for money but the Yamaha cards are pretty good plus they can be expanded with daughterboards if you need more facilities later on.
Its the software that counts though, I’m not up to date on it I’m afraid.
I’d get some of the magazines devoted to studio electronics and maybe I’d look for message boards with your interest.
I’d would look for auction stuff too.
If you do some research you run less risk of dissapointment and buying some unwieldy software package.
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### Author:  [@Meephead](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Meephead)
#### Post date: [January 2, 2001, 12:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-sound-card-would-be-best-for/48017/3 "2001-01-02T00:07:36Z")
One possibility: The [M Audio Delta 44](http://www.midiman.com/m-audio/html/products/delta44.htm)
is a 4 channel digital audio card specifically with your purpose in mind. It is a solid, clean card. Unlike many cards I have seen in that price range, it has four inputs and four ouputs.
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### Author:  [@Meephead](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Meephead)
#### Post date: [January 2, 2001, 12:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-sound-card-would-be-best-for/48017/4 "2001-01-02T00:08:43Z")
The retail price on it is $399.95, but with a little shopping you can probably find it for $239-$259 (USD). A quick search shows it at $269 at [Mars Music’s](http://www.marsmusic.com/store/product_new.jhtml?catid=269&prodid=11395&skuid=0) online store.
From experience, this company’s product line is stable and well-designed, and they offer a lifetime warranty to back it up.
For Software, Cakewalk offers several levels of sophistication [http://www.cakewalk.com](http://www.cakewalk.com) and Voyetra makes a few easy to use programs: [http://www.voyetra.com](http://www.voyetra.com).
I have used both with great results. Others swear by Cubase VST: [http://www.steinberg.com](http://www.steinberg.com)
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### Author:  [@Glenoled](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Glenoled)
#### Post date: [January 3, 2001, 10:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-sound-card-would-be-best-for/48017/5 "2001-01-03T10:12:40Z")
Meephead, I looked at the card you mentionned… it’s almost identical in functionality as the WavePro that I had mentionned…
I’m assuming this one isn’t buggy, though… (hopefully)
Thanks much, for pointing me to it… now, to get the $400+ to buy it… (I’m in Canada)
Glenoled
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### Author:  [@absoul](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/absoul)
#### Post date: [January 3, 2001, 12:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-sound-card-would-be-best-for/48017/6 "2001-01-03T12:34:43Z")
Software- [Pro Tools Free!](http://www.digidesign.com/flashnav/index.html)
[another explanation-](http://www.hitsquad.com/smm/news/530/)
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### Author:  [@Meephead](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Meephead)
#### Post date: [January 3, 2001, 3:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-sound-card-would-be-best-for/48017/7 "2001-01-03T15:26:27Z")
> [@](#):
>
> \*Originally posted by Glenoled \*
> \*\*Meephead, I looked at the card you mentionned… it’s almost identical in functionality as the WavePro that I had mentionned…
> I’m assuming this one isn’t buggy, though… (hopefully)
> Thanks much, for pointing me to it… now, to get the $400+ to buy it… (I’m in Canada)
>
> Glenoled \*\*
Glad to help!
If you don’t need balanced inputs, you may want to look for the older version of the same card. The Midimam DMAN-2044 has the same 4 in-4 out configuration and is very stable as well. You may be able to find one used or on clearance since it was discontinued.