Common Question... recommend a cheap (under $200) soundcard for PC recording.

[wheresgrant]

I just purchased my Triton LE and I'm ready to start recording. I just sold my Sony 4-track minidisc to fund some upgrades to my PC. I expanded the memory to 256MB (850Mhz, P-III) and in my excitmentment (and stupidity) I had some idiot sales clerk at Circuit City sell me this external Sound Blaster unit from Creative Labs. It was $150 and I saw Audio and Midi in & out jacks and thought "Perfect". It was only until I came home and fully read the outside of the box to realize that it's a 'toy' for PC surround sound.

I've considered the M-Audio Audiophile card but I can't find a single store in my area that carries it. Any sugguestions. Are there affordable external/USB solutions? I have just one PCI slot left and the thought of plugging more wires behind my box is not thrilling. After I installthe soundcard, anything else I need to start turning my Triton tunes into MP3's.... Cakewalk? other programs? Please be gentle... I've been ADAT and analog all my life.

Thanks for the info!

[eko1512]

Quite similar to the Audiophile is the Terratec EWX24/96.
Regarding MP3's, there are quite a lot encoders in the net for free. I like the FreeRip, nice and easy!

Ermis

[Styrerra]

Why don't you 'send' for the Audiophile through the local shops if you want a customer base with locals. I would say it would fit you like a glove with what you have.

[cpufan]

Want real cheap and multitrack?

Have a look at the Maya 44 card for $129 retail

http://www.audiotrak.net/eng/products-maya44.html

Get a cheap USB connected midi port to go along with it... about $40.