SB Live Value vs. SB Live 5.1 ???

[MatthewF01]

OK, i have a few posts ago, a problem with a cheap $10 4 channel sound card I bought, along with my Altec Lansing ACS54 surround sound speakers, but the damn card doesnt work, and I gave up on fixing it. So I was looking at Sound Blaster cards on eBay (is that ok?), and I came across the Sound Blaster Live! Value cards, as well as a standard Live, and I think Platinum (or is that the Audigy?). So here's what I want to be able to do, and could someone possibly reccommend the minimum card I could go with?

-4 channel audio output (analog [front and rear ports])
-mixing down from recording hardware for guitar (right now an analog 4track recorder, and later a digital 8 track)
-possible further audio enhancement of mixed down audio from 4 track
-good quality line out for upstream to computer from recording hardware for editing, then downstream back to recorder

So would the SB Value suffice, or do I have to go with the standard model, or should I go with a PCI Audigy?


Thanks for any help!

 

[Adul]

has long has you dont have a PCI chipset then you should be ok. Though I would rather have the santa cruz or audigy.

 

[Mem]

<< So would the SB Value suffice, or do I have to go with the standard model, or should I go with a PCI Audigy? >>




I would go with OEM version of the Audigy or Santa Cruz,both sound better then the SB Live series,also buying OEM version saves you some cash,my favourite is the Audigy which over the last 6 months has been rock solid for me.

 

[MatthewF01]

Hmm, ok, I guess ill start looking on ebay for an OEM audigy (by the way, what does OEM stand for? all i have figured out by now is that its cheaper, but usually if you want a better chance at getting an exchange if a problem occurs, then dont get OEM???)...

What did you mean, as long as i dont have a PCI chipset?




By the way, I am running an ECS K7S5A, which has onboard sound. Do I first have to disable the onboard sound, or could I have them both running??


thanks for the help!

 

[Sukhoi]

I think he means VIA chipset but I dunno.

I have the ACS54 speakers running off an old SB Live! and it works fine.

 

[Mem]

<< By the way, I am running an ECS K7S5A, which has onboard sound. Do I first have to disable the onboard sound, or could I have them both running?? >>



You should disable the onboard sound in bios first ,don`t try to run both it will cause problems , if you have a good PCI sound card there`s no point trying to use the onboard one.

 

[Hakeem]

Dear Freinds

I am able to see the high recommendations for Audigy OEM here. Can any one tell me from where I should buy it online?

Secondly what is the difference between Live Platinum and OEM version in hardware of card.
I mean I am not asking for the Audigy drive and the bundeled software.

Also tell me some thing about the updation from Live to Audigy.
If it worth the extra money.

Take Care and Thanks for help.

 

[Mem]

<< Secondly what is the difference between Live Platinum and OEM version in hardware of card. >>



OEM versions don`t come with any software except drivers,the OEM version also does not have gold plated connections,however you save money by not having any fancy box or software.

As for where to buy,sorry I`m in live in the UK so can`t help you,unless you want UK sites.