Need Help w/ a Newbie Question

[spectreman]

I'm sure it is a silly question, but I've searched and haven't found an answer.

Here is my setup:

I'm recording our band to our Fostex 8-track and then sending the individual tracks to Reaper (which is great by the way) to mix down, add EQ, etc.

The problem I have is that I've been mixing on headphones on my PC, and have struggled mightily (not too surprising given the threads on why you shouldn't mix on headphones). I've had to resort to using my PC speakers, which is better than the cans, but still no where near a 'true sound'.

So I'm looking at purchasing some studio monitors (maybe KRK Rokit or Blue Sky Media Desk)....but how do I hook it up to my computer?

I know I need a sound card, but what is a good one for these purposes. I will not be doing any recording, but using it for monitor purposes to mix.

Thanks for the help!

[chickenbackside]

1) Which interface would you be using? PCI? Firewire? USB?

2) What's your budget for the soundcard and speakers?

[spectreman]

1) Which interface would you be using? PCI? Firewire? USB?

2) What's your budget for the soundcard and speakers?


1) I don't know...I have a laptop with USB so that was my first inclination. I'm not familiar with PCI or Firewire and their pros/cons.

2) I would like to keep it under $1000 for both.


Thanks

[chickenbackside]

Speed and stability wise, PCI tends to be on top. That's what pros use in the studios. Next in line will be firewire, then USB.

Since you're running a laptop, it's unlikely that you will have a PCI interface. And if you're not familiar with firewire, it probably means your laptop (lemme guess, a Windows computer) doesn't have it.

Well, it's not difficult to look for a setup with this set of parameters then. USB audio interface + powered monitor speakers under $1000.

For audio interfaces around this price range, these isn't much difference in the quality of the convertors. You may want to start looking here: http://www.sweetwater.com/c695--M-Audio--USB_Audio_Interfaces


Same with powered monitor speakers in this price bracket: http://www.sweetwater.com/c405--Active_Monitors

Just do a bit of research and read up on the reviews. Then go to a shop and audition them if possible. Sound is highly subjective. What others think is nice may not be your idea of nice.

Personally, I have had no problems with my Presonus firebox, which I never use to record anything, but for running Guitar Rig. There is an equivalent USB model. I also have a pair of M-Audio powered monitor speakers which I bought many years back when M-Audio just started making speakers. They sound ok compared with speakers in the same price range and they still work perfectly after 7 years. I use them as TV speakers now.

Happy shopping.

[spectreman]

Thanks for the help...exactly what I needed to know!

[chickenbackside]

Oh, forgot to answer the part about how to hook it up to your computer.

1) Hook up your audio interface (in your case, via USB) to your computer

2) Install the driver for the interface.

3) Replace your default computer soundcard with the newly installed one. Should be in your computer preferences. I don't know where it is in Windows, but it's somewhere.

4) Connect the stereo outputs of the audio interface with 2 balanced cables to your powered monitor speakers.

5) You're done.