Soundcard for a Laptop using Audacity

[Oerets]

My plan for now is to give the 202 a go. I'm not even sure that will like using the laptop preferring a dedicated tower system. Building a tower has changed since the last time it was done. Lots of choices and picking of parts.

The 2i2 on specs looks nice and if the laptop is to be used permanently it may well be the one I go with.


Just don't like the input cables in the front. But have gotten use to the Dynaco ST-70's front inputs so figure will also if that day comes.

 

[KentTeffeteller]

Have a 202 on the way to me. Will see how it does.
Had a pretty good setup before. A Dell desktop with a very good soundblaster sound card. The computer started out life as XP in 2014.

Last windows update froze it up good and so far looks likely a windows reinstall will be needed. So figure quit chasing this one this time. Have the music files (iTunes) saved already on a tb hard drive that will go into a case to use with the laptop.

Probably end up getting a new desktop and a good sound card after doing research . Just now will not be in a big hurry now. If this works out then maybe set anyway.


Thanks for the info guys!

SoundBlasters are for those who play games. For most consumers who want better audio, Asus Xonar is better for those users. But those are for desktops.

 

[Oerets]

SoundBlasters are for those who play games. For most consumers who want better audio, Asus Xonar is better for those users. But those are for desktops.

It did a very good job low latency and Audacity did the job.
When put together in 2012 it was a good option. Today I’m sure there are many better options.
Finding a tower that will accept a DVD drive and chip combo is where I stopped. Choosing to try the laptop with external DVD and hard drive.

 

[KentTeffeteller]

It did a very good job low latency and Audacity did the job.
When put together in 2012 it was a good option. Today I’m sure there are many better options.
Finding a tower that will accept a DVD drive and chip combo is where I stopped. Choosing to try the laptop with external DVD and hard drive.

Why bother with audio interfaces? Why not get you a Denon flash recorder in rack mount form, which accepts SD cards, or USB Sticks. the DN-F660R is a gem. If you need to edit, load the SD card or USB stick into your laptop, and edit with Audacity to your liking. I swear by mine. Better than any SoundBlaster ever made, up there with AudioScience cards in desktops.

 

[Oerets]

Why bother with audio interfaces? Why not get you a Denon flash recorder in rack mount form, which accepts SD cards, or USB Sticks. the DN-F660R is a gem. If you need to edit, load the SD card or USB stick into your laptop, and edit with Audacity to your liking. I swear by mine. Better than any SoundBlaster ever made, up there with AudioScience cards in desktops.

Don't think this would be a good fit for me. Does sound interesting and will check it out more.


Using iTunes and iPhone iPod, should go ahead and get a Mac.
Be done!
I've been told more then once.....

Having always used Windows since the get. Still having a few in use today. Old dogs new tricks sorta dilemma and then the learning curve. Mainly will download a LP to the hard drive and iTunes then phone.
Having the ability to make a hard copy CD to play in the car is also wanted. Don't stream from any computer to a system now. No plans to down the road. I do have a Audioengine B1 that seldom sees use. My systems mainly rely on Turntable Radio CD.
Having music files on iTunes for use on the phone will be the main function of this setup. to use with headphones at the gym or driving the old system was doing a great job.

Looking a building a tower. Finding a case that will take a DVD drive sound card and chip combo is where I stopped.

 

[whoaru99]

Looking a building a tower. Finding a case that will take a DVD drive sound card and chip combo is where I stopped.

Not understanding this. Is there something unique about those items that don't fit typical cases with drive bays, expansion slots, etc.?

 

[Oerets]

Not understanding this. Is there something unique about those items that don't fit typical cases with drive bays, expansion slots, etc.?

Besides the CPU/Motherboard uniqueness with cases then add expansion of the drive bays.
Figured going this route would have to wait and give some more thought to. Not big laptop fan may get there slowly.

 

[whoaru99]

Been a while since I built a computer but then, anyway, cases accepted a variety of motherboard styles ATX, mini-ATX, etc, depending where you put the standoffs. And the motherboard usually came with the correct filler plate for the ports. Drive bays were pretty standard 5.25, 3.5, 2.5, etc.

 

[Oerets]

Been a while since I built a computer but then, anyway, cases accepted a variety of motherboard styles ATX, mini-ATX, etc, depending where you put the standoffs. And the motherboard usually came with the correct filler plate for the ports. Drive bays were pretty standard 5.25, 3.5, 2.5, etc.

Been awhile for me also.
One of my sons just built one and informed me they are CPU specific and don't come with slots for DVD drives. IIRC he even said the soundcard was on the Mother Board and no line in. I started searching around and quickly was discouraged. That is when I decided to go the route traveling now.

​

 

[jazzmans]

I gave up 'building' pc's about ten years ago now.

with amd's ryzen apu's no need for a video card, with usb dacs, no need for a sound card either.

I retired my Maudio audiophile sound card, and use cambridge audio or topping dac (depending on which room/system)

now i use usb-sata adaptors and the dvd/bluray/4k drive just sits on the shelf next to my minisforum pc. the dvd drive is larger then the computer.

MINISFORUM AI X1

Power your workflow with the MINISFORUM AI X1. This edge AI Mini PC features up to Ryzen AI 9 365, OCuLink, 100W PD input, dual USB4, and quad 4K displays.

www.minisforum.com

64 gig of ram and the hx370 chip and it plays 4k hdr @120hz just fine.

 

[Oerets]

One of my sons even suggested a Raspberry Pi might be an answer. Having no experience with any he does though. I'm not wanting anything to quirky of clunky.

They both and now Grandsons are gamers and just have to have the next new thing is seems. They are chasing this hobby one I never got.

Was going to put the drives into enclosures tucked away hidden.

 

[whoaru99]

To clarify, this machine is for general purpose use, digitizing LPs, and for a music player/server, yes?

If yes, none of those things require serious horsepower. The lowest ranking computer these days is all but certainly more than enough, LOL.

I have done all those things with Dell Optiplex of similar vintage PC to what you're frustrated with. Wish I could help. The ones I have have been rock solid.

 

[Oerets]

To clarify, this machine is for general purpose use, digitizing LPs, and for a music player/server, yes?

If yes, none of those things require serious horsepower. The lowest ranking computer these days is all but certainly more than enough, LOL.

I have done all those things with Dell Optiplex of similar vintage PC to what you're frustrated with. Wish I could help. The ones I have have been rock solid.

Yep on your take on my needs.
Just for music.
Was on the phone with a son and he has an old laptop (couple of years IIRC) with a DVD drive. He not using. (Upgraded) That I will be getting.
So that box is checked. The old tower of mine was just looking to be an on going problem.
So the need for the interfacing a line input for audio was needed. Having zero experience in that department. Came to the place with the answers.
The more I read on the 2i2 the more I like.

 

[ARC Tech-109]

What I do to record is simply link via bluetooth and set the desktop (Kubuntu 24.04 on HP EliteDesk 800 G4) as my playback device then using Audacity 3.7.7 I can record the incoming source directly as it's received. Not the most elegant but it works.

 

[James Hart]

I run Ubuntu Studio on an i9 Dell laptop as a DAW as well as my main listening and watching spot. It is centered around the M-Audio Air line... mine is the 192 | 14 version. If I was setting up a machine with only playback, I would use their Hub

 

[whoaru99]

The more I read on the 2i2 the more I like.

Never used one of those. Ended up with an open box Steinberg U22mk2 some while back. Mostly used with Room EQ Wizard.

No idea if it's same, similar, better, or worse than the 2i2.

 

[mcgjohn]

a lot depends on your budget. If you want to record a lower end priced unit would be the Forcusrite Scarlet 2i2.
on the upper end would be something like the Antelope Audio Pure2.
I own both. The pure2 is sonically better but a lot more cash as well.

 

[Oerets]

a lot depends on your budget. If you want to record a lower end priced unit would be the Forcusrite Scarlet 2i2.
on the upper end would be something like the Antelope Audio Pure2.
I own both. The pure2 is sonically better but a lot more cash as well.

Never used one of those. Ended up with an open box Steinberg U22mk2 some while back. Mostly used with Room EQ Wizard.

No idea if it's same, similar, better, or worse than the 2i2.

Both of those look interesting and will do research. The Antelope is more then I wish to spend right now. The Steinberg is a new one to me. A week ago was new to the word of audio interface now a days. Looks like I ask the right place for answers.


A Behringer UCA202 is on the way to me now, The more I read up on the Scarlet 2i2 it looks like it will end up being the one. First have to get the 202 in a system up and running the way I like it.


Then the passing of the 202 on to a grandson who likes putting "vinyl's" on his phone. Has helped over the years when I'm doing it for him. So now he will have his own way of doing it.

 

[KentTeffeteller]

Don't think this would be a good fit for me. Does sound interesting and will check it out more.


Using iTunes and iPhone iPod, should go ahead and get a Mac.
Be done!
I've been told more then once.....

Having always used Windows since the get. Still having a few in use today. Old dogs new tricks sorta dilemma and then the learning curve. Mainly will download a LP to the hard drive and iTunes then phone.
Having the ability to make a hard copy CD to play in the car is also wanted. Don't stream from any computer to a system now. No plans to down the road. I do have a Audioengine B1 that seldom sees use. My systems mainly rely on Turntable Radio CD.
Having music files on iTunes for use on the phone will be the main function of this setup. to use with headphones at the gym or driving the old system was doing a great job.

Looking a building a tower. Finding a case that will take a DVD drive sound card and chip combo is where I stopped.

When I insert my USB or SD card in my MacBook Pro, iTunes/Apple Music has no problem seeing it and it works well. Just import the audio. Then it's in either program.

 

[whoaru99]

The Steinberg is a new one to me. A week ago was new to the word of audio interface now a days. Looks like I ask the right place for answers.

I think the current U22Mk3 version is Yamaha-branded, and thought it was Yamaha guts in the Steinberg-branded U22Mk2 as well.