In need of an external soundcard?

[RemcoG]

Well, I finally got hands on my laptop :biggrin:
But as we all know, new computers lead to new problems. :frown:

As soon as I played my UF8 through Forte there was a crackling sound which sounds a bit like cpu shortage, which isn't obvious the case (cpu runs at 15% and I've got a Intel 2 Duo 2,0 Ghz 4mb cache)

I heard on some other forums that I must increase the buffersize of samples. Well, I did that. But now some notes keep sustaining.. Which is really anoying when practicing with the band.
So now my question is; Do I need a external soundcard? Or is there another option?

Thanks in advance,
RemcoG

[hephiroth]

well, you can do a simple test of playing an mp3 file with your current configuration (using the audio out of your internal soundcard) to see if it is creating a lot of static. if it's not, then you're most likely having some kind of a buffer issue. you might to play with it until you reach a happy medium of no crackle and no other weird issues (like the sustain problem you mentioned).

of course, an external (higher quality) soundcard would probably give you even better sound, but your basic soundcard shouldn't make an audible crackle...

[jeebustrain]

have you downloaded the latest drivers from CME?

[Grey Loki]

If you do decide to upgrade to an external soundcard, I can highly recommend the MOTU Ultralite - I use one, and I love it.

Back on topic, to me, it sounds very much like a buffering issue - the best idea is to do a quick google, and see what other people with similar hardware have used, or failing that, just sit down and adjust the buffer size one 'notch' at a time, to see what gives the best balance between quality and latency.

Hope this helps.

[RemcoG]

have you downloaded the latest drivers from CME?
Yes, actually I did and it solved the sustain problem thanks! :biggrin:

Hmmm.. the Ultralite looks good to me.. But only it's so expensive :redface:
On the moment there's no way I can afford a 575 euro soundcard :frown: there is so much I still need to buy for my rig, and at the same time there is so little money :tongue:

Does anyone know another option? I really don't need a soundcard with like 16 inputs and outputs. Just that I can play my keyboard perfect.

Oh yeah.. and I tried the buffer thing.. but I can't to seem the right configuration. After a half hour it was good, but I can't get it better because of the latency. But sometimes there's still a crackle, and I'm a perfectionist. So that won't work for me.

[Grey Loki]

I think it's quite possible you're using the Realtek AC97 audio chipset - you can check in Control Panel's Sound Devices dialog box. If you are, I would try updating your drivers for said chipset, available from the realtek website. You may also want to try updating your USB chipset drivers, which will be available on the website of the manufacturor of your motherboard, assuming you use integrated USB ports, and not a PCI card.

Failing all that, take a look at ASIO4All - it's (I think) a replacement driver set that lets the AC97 chipset use the ASIO standard. I tried it and noticed a marked improvement in just about every aspect of my sound, back when I was using the '97.

Hope this helps.

[RemcoG]

I use a Realtek HD audiocard. But I'm going to check on the drivers right now.

[fallingman]

I've been using the Behringer FCA-202 Firewire external sound card - ASIO drivers, works great with everything I've thrown at it so far.

I've also bought a Creative Labs PCMCIA Audigy card fairly cheap which again has ASIO drivers - haven't got round to installing it yet though...

HTH,