Tip for High Audio Quality Recording

[Nicknack]

I have a brand new Dell desktop computer with on-board audio. In the past, I have purchased a soundblaster audio card for my computers because I played audio directly from those computers. However, with the new computer that I have now, I only intend to use it for recording audio and using another device that I have which has an excellent audio card to play the music.

The question I have is whether it will make much of a difference of recording audio with the on-board audio for recording versus purchasing an audio card. I don't want to spend a lot of time recording music that is sub par due to my recording device if I can improve it by simply purchasing an audio card. What would you all recommend? If an audio card would provide much better quality recording, what card would you recommend?

[Cheryl Wester]

MOst systems require you to use our driver to record. This is due to the way they handle audio capture. I would suggest you give the demo of the program a try to see if it meets your needs. You are able to change the bitrate of what you are recording in the settings under the output tab.

[Nicknack]

I appreciate your reply, but this is a question specifically regarding the quality. Will I get better quality using a dedicated sound card (such as Sound Blaster) or will my on-board audio work just as well?

I have been able to record just fine with the on-board audio on my Dell desktop but I don't want second rate quality if a Sound Blaster card would improve things. What I've heard from a couple of people is that with recording, there shouldn't be much of a difference. It's more of playback where sound cards shine as compared to on board audio. I'm just wondering if what I've been told is true.