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Post by frankie on Sept 14, 2011 13:42:26 GMT
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Post by Tommydee on Sept 14, 2011 13:54:56 GMT
please help me here excuse my ignorance i just use my laptop plugged into my pa system and play my files what does a sound module do does it enhance the quality or what Tommy
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Post by frankie on Sept 14, 2011 14:02:32 GMT
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Post by Tommydee on Sept 14, 2011 14:08:33 GMT
sounds good frank must get one how about lending me the money (just kidding) Tommy
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Post by frankie on Sept 14, 2011 22:01:27 GMT
sounds good frank must get one how about lending me the money (just kidding) Tommy Have a listen to Yamaha sound modules also. Maybe a keyboards would be another option using it as a sound module and having the ability to use it for writing your own midi files. What,s money ? I use a plastic card,photo copy of it in the mail just glue it on to the Jack of spades ! |
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Post by JohnG on Sept 15, 2011 6:20:54 GMT
Hi Tommy, Laptop sound chips are usually, unless you buy a high specification one, pretty awful. The idea is to keep costs as low as possible. An external card like e.g. the Echo Indigo i/o which plugs into the laptop slot (PCMCIA or cardbus) can make a big difference. But having an external sound module will usually have better sounds and a much higher spec. audio section. The best bet is to try to find something with a USB interface for ease of connection, but older modules with MIDI connects are often almost as good, just that you will need to get a MIDI to USB adapter to connect it to the laptop and a pair of MIDI cables too. Two areas to search for on eBay are "Yamaha MU" and "Roland SC". If you can find a used Roland SC-8850 my view is that it will probably do you for the forseeable future. I've had mine for a couple of years now and I'm still finding new things on it. A Yamaha MU128 is a good device too, but unlike the SC-8850 only has MIDI interfaces.  With both devices, learning a bit more about MIDI controllers will help to get the best from the modules. They are capable of huge expressive power. If you can find one, they're as scarce as hen's teeth, a Yamaha MU1000 is even better (IMHO, I have two!), as they have USB, digital as well as analogue audio out and the capability of adding up to three synthesiser cards inside them. The audio section in these is one of the best ones made in a module at the time. For a more modern approach you could try to find a SonicCell. They do come up from time to time on eBay. If you're interested in a Yamaha MU128, I have two sitting around, gathering dust, which I'm prepared to sell. But I'd need a few bob for them! Drop me a line if you're interested. Any questions please ask away. Just my 2d worth ... as usual. JohnG. |
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Post by Tommydee on Sept 15, 2011 8:01:10 GMT
hi john thanks for data let me have a think about it Tommy
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Post by JohnG on Sept 15, 2011 8:55:53 GMT
No rush Tommy,
I've been planning for a while to put them up on eBay, but never got round to it.
If I do manage to get my act in order, sometime in the next few months, I'll let you know before I advertise them.
JohnG.
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Post by JohnG on Sept 15, 2011 9:17:16 GMT
Hi Tommy, Just checked the facts in my previous post and found that they discontinued the Echo PCMCIA product last year and have replaced it with another. Probably the DJx product may be more what you need for software based instruments like VSC.  They fit into the slot on the newer types of PC. JohnG. |
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Post by Tommydee on Sept 15, 2011 11:59:52 GMT
thanks john Tommy
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Post by JohnG on Sept 16, 2011 7:39:32 GMT
Hi Frank and Tommy,
Please be aware that some of these are "sound" cards and others are "audio" cards.
The difference is whether they have built in MIDI sounds, or not.
An audio card only has an audio section. A sound card or module can respond to MIDI messages and produce the sounds required.
Be aware too that some that call themselves "sound cards" are NOT, they are audio cards. Even the marketeers of some of the companies, or the sellers, don't understand the terminology.
Audio handles mics, guitars, headphones, loudspeakers etc.
Sound means it can create sounds from MIDI and maybe does some of the things an audio card can do too.
JohnG.
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Post by frankie on Sept 16, 2011 7:44:53 GMT
John G.Thanks for the info,
Frank
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Post by Tommydee on Sept 16, 2011 8:11:12 GMT
me also Tommy
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Post by oliver101 on Sept 16, 2011 15:13:15 GMT
Check out this sound module that has recently come onto the market. avslgroup.com/en/product/174.262UKThe other item which I have used live for the last few years is the Ketron SD2. 95% of the sounds are great with just a few bloopers. It is however just a sound module but should work OK with your laptop Tommy with a midi to usb lead. Ian |
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Post by Tommydee on Sept 16, 2011 16:13:56 GMT
looks good how much are they
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