Thinking about a new Computer (Page 1 of 2)

The answer, like most things, is "It depends." 

If you are using the sound card to do the analog to digital (A/D) conversion from your mics then yes, you will get better results from a better card.   If you are doing the A/D conversion somewhere else like a USB mixing console (You use a Behringer 4 track, yes?), then a better sound card may give you more fidelity on playback, but won't help during recording as the digital signal is processed somewhere else.

For example, my mics all plug into either my TASCAM USB audio interface or my Behringer mixer.   When I record it is those devices that do the A/D handling so the recording quality is dependent on that portion of the signal chain.  The sound card never really sees it.   When I play back, if I play through the sound card, then the D/A function happens there.  If I route audio through the TASCAM or Behringer, that is where it will matter.

So what does your signal chain look like?  That will give you the answer you're looking for.

3 years old isn't that old Pete. Mine is 6 or 7. I have upgraded some stuff tho. I would suggest buying a sound card and installing it. It's easy to find an all around computer, but once you start looking in to specifics it gets harder to get what you want. I can' recommend what to look for as I am challenged in that area.

That's exactly it.   The pre-amp and A/D is happening for you at the mixer so that is where your recording quality is going to happen.

topdown if you find one like that plese let me know! Pete maybe you should try some good external plug in speakers. Russell just gt a new computer a dell for about $500.00 I got one afew months ago a dual core Gateway laptop at home shopping network for $550.00 but I am not using it too much as I am still learning about its bells and whistle's.

Thanks Jerome.  Yeah guys, I know I have a lot of junk on my hard drive.  I do keep large files on a separate external drive.  And yes my hard drive is over 50% full even though.  I defragged yesterday and it helped a little.  I will check out ccleaner and see what gives.  Talent enhancement would be the way to go.  I'll be looking for one of those.  Thanks guys.

I just used it.  The only thing is, I have to re input all my user names and passwords on everything and sometimes I don't remember what they are.  Anyway, I'll see how it works.

Consider an Apple Computer. I converted about a year ago and will not own another PC. I don't record much so I cannot help you there but I like the Apple because it just works. For me using a PC had become like owning a car that required a tune-up every time you wanted to use it. That may have been novel when I was 16 but now I just want to drive!

I concur Beamer the trial period for McAfee expires in 8 days and its history I really had a hassel with the updates installing till I visited Microsofts home page I registered and on the FAQ my problem was listed and a solution given it seems the updates were arranged for installing in the wrong order so I did what they said would fix it I allowed only one update at first it was in the middle of the list after it installed I followed with the rest my last chore was to install  my new video editing program Pinnacle Studio HD ultimate collection this is some kind of program with 3 D effects unbelievable graphics and lots of goodies cant wait to shoot my videos now that I have the right gear.long day for me gonna kick back now

My computer is 6 years old, and had it fully serviced recently - physically cleaned out internally of all the dust and fluff, because apparently it causes the cooling fans to overwork and slows down the processor speed. Also had it virus cleansed - even though I use Norton 360, there were over 500 viruses, worms, bugs, and other nasties sitting in there!! It now works like new, much faster.  well worth the $90 spend.

I agree on the apple computers,I have used friends in the past I just can not get enough money to buy one,otherwise I would have one now.

Pete, what is the update?  Are things running smoother?  I forgot to mention in the last post, A great way to speed up is by adding more RAM.  If you have not done it, You have open slots in your desktop/ laptop.  Buy more ram = get faster computer. (oh and do a defrag on your external also,, Defragler will let you choose other drives.  NOTE::: DONT DO "DISK CLEANUP" ON ANY EXTERNAL DRIVE!!!,,, I did this thinking it would work like it did on my C drive,,,,,BIG MISTAKE!. it wipes it clean.  Luckly I had not put too much on  the external at the time

Now the RAm thing might be what I need.  It still runs slow and even videos on YouTube keep stopping and starting a lot.  I do have a thing tat comes up often that says something about memory.  I'll bet thats it.  Memory is cheap, maybe I'll check into that