Creative Professional E-MU 0202 USB 2.0 - Sound card - 24-bit - 192 kHz - 112 dB SNR - stereo - Hi-Speed USB Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I bought this device to complement my very nice HD595 headphones but like one of the previous reviewers mentioned I received a whole lot of crackles and pops. I did some research and concluded that it was my Dell Laptops high DPC latency that was really responsible for the poor output and as a result I am now using it with my desktop.
With my desktop I get clear highs, a punchy bass and a crispness that has brought a big smile to my face :).

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The E-MU 0202 USB 2.0 Audio Interface is the ultimate portable USB audio interface for PC Offering pristine 24-bit/192kHz recording and playback and direct monitoring, the Emu 0202 is able to give you a host of professional features in a compact, USB bus-powered package. The 0202 USB sets a new standard in portable USB audio, providing users with two Class-A preamps that can be run independently or in stereo to amplify guitars, keyboards or microphones, with individual ground lift switches for optimal audio performance. What is included E-MU 0202 USB 2.0 AudioPod USB cable E-MU Software/Manual CD-ROM with: Windows XP, x64 and Mac Drivers Owner's Manual and Tutorials Quick Start installation guide E-MU 0202 Features Premium 24-bit/192kHz A/D and D/A converters (A/D: 113dB SNR, D/A: 112dB SNR) deliver unmatched USB audio fidelity - gold-plated connectors for pristine audio quality Ultra-low noise Mic/Hi-Z/Line preamplifiers enable you to plug microphones, keyboards and guitars straight into your computer with professional results (XLR, 1/4 inch TRS, and 1/8 inch) Ultra-low latency USB 2.0 drivers offer accurate timing and playback of your recorded audio and software instruments Hardware zero-latency direct monitoring (mono/stereo) allows you to record and overdub with no annoying delay Plug-and-play operation with hands-on control of all major functions like direct monitoring level, headphone level, preamplifier gain and more Compatibility with most popular audio/sequencer applications - ASIO2 and WDM drivers I/O Configuration Class-A Ultra-low Noise Mic/Hi-Z/Line Preamp XLR, 1/4 inch TRS and 1/8 inch* Inputs (113dB SNR) Class-A Hi-Z/Line Preamp 1/4 inch Input (113dB SNR) Two 1/4 inch Outputs (112dB SNR)

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M-Audio Firewire Solo US35030 Firewire Audio Interface Review

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(More customer reviews)I'm using this on an Apple PowerBook G4 with a 1.33 GHz processor and 768 MB RAM. I mainly record through GarageBand, and after about 10 hours of use, it has worked flawlessly so far.
Controls in front are intuitive. The clip LEDs let you know when your input volumes are maxing out.
Note that you can record only two sources at once: either the front two (mic and line in) or the rear two (two line ins). I initially thought you could record 4 simultaneous tracks with this. There is, however, a switch on the front of the unit that allows you to choose front or rear inputs.
There is an extra firewire plug in the rear of the unit, which allows you to daisy-chain several firewire devices. This works perfectly for me on my 12" PowerBook, which only has one firewire input.
Very low latency on this unit. I can play my electric through GarageBand's multi-effects units while listening on my headphones, and I notice almost zero latency. I'm anxious to try it on my amplifier, to see if it would be suitable for live performance.
I would recommend this for anyone who's thinking about getting into home recording. It's very well designed, well built, and should suit me well for years.

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The FireWire Solo is designed from the ground up as an easy-to-use, high-quality interface for songwriters to record guitars, vocals and more on the computer. Compatible with most popular music software, this compact bus-powered unit is small enough to go anywhere you want to take your music. In addition to the 1/4" guitar input right on the front panel, a professional XLR microphone input also lets you record vocals and acoustic instruments. There are also dual line inputs for effects, drum machines and other outboard gear. FireWire connectivity, up to 24-bit/96kHz sample rate support and digital I/O all add up to outstanding sonic performance. As simple to connect and operate as it is powerful, FireWire Solo is the foundation of your computer-based songwriting studio.

Analog and Digital Inputs The FireWire Solo features two front-panel inputs, one XLR for microphones (featuring phantom power, gain control, and a clipping LED); and one guitar input (with gain control and clipping lED).
The rear of the device features 2 unbalanced 1/4-inch line inputs for connecting drum machines or other devices, and a front-panel switch toggles between front/rear inputs.
The rear also features a two-channel S/PDIF digital input and output. Connect another device and get four simultaneous in/out channels.
Headphone Output Use the 1/4-inch stereo headphone output to monitor, or use the two-channel rear 1/4-inch outputs.
The front-panel knob controls both levels.
Mac and Windows Compatible The FireWire Solo will work with both Macs and PCs with FireWire ports. It's powered by the FireWire bus (power supply included for use with 4-pin ports), and features an additional port for easy device chaining.
On either platform, you'll enjoy flexible software-based routing/mixing with near-zero latency monitoring.
Includes Ableton Live Lite Ableton Live Lite delivers much of the functionality of Ableton Live—the revolutionary, multi-award winning music production solution that allows you to spontaneously compose, record, remix, improvise and edit your musical ideas in a seamless audio/MIDI environment. Live brings your acoustic, electronic and virtual instruments—as well as your digital audio recordings and MIDI sequences—together in a single interface with unparalleled ease of use.
What's in the Box FireWire Solo Recording Interface, CD-ROM containing driver software and user manual in PDF form, Printed Quick Start Guide, 6 pin to 6 pin FireWire cable, 6 pin to 4 pin FireWire cable, Power Supply

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TCC TC-720 Stereo Microphone/RIAA Phono Pre-Amp, Preamp (Preamplifier) Review

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(More customer reviews)
I really did agree about the quality of this preamp, I connected pair of Audio-Technica ATR97 Omnidirectional Condenser and it did power them adequately even better quality than the noisy one on creative X-Fi sound card.
If you are looking for the easiest step to create high quality stereo home recording definitely go with this Preamp.

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Tascam US-144 USB 2.0 Audio and MIDI Interface Review

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(More customer reviews)I absolutely love this product for portable recording. I have a Dell notebook computer and have used this to record solo piano and my music lessons. The microphone pre-amps are pretty decent. I have used the mic preamps directly and have compared them with the same mics used through Grace One preamps. Surprisingly decent in comparison. The recordings of piano compared to a setup with a MOTU 828 MKII and Grace One's was really pretty good. I absolutely loved the large controls for gain on the top of the unit. Very easy to manipulate and more solid than other competitive product cheap knobs. The fact that this unit is USB 2 means that the recording quality can be far superior than USB 1.1 units that are going to limit whether you can do high quality recordings on multiple channels. The midi interface works great also in Acid and Sonar. The unit definitely will cause your laptop battery to drain faster if you are using mic inputs with phantom power but that is fine by me for the great functionality. Line in works fine but if I had any minor complaint it would be that it would be nice to have an effects insert interface. Obviously, this should not be a problem for line-in devices but is more of an issue for mic recording where you might want some outboard vocal processing. The headphone interface is good and I like the ability to use a mix between the computer and the external source into the headphones.

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Telephone Phone Line Recorder Adapter RJ11>3.5mm Audio Review

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(More customer reviews)This product is really inexpensive - it takes the voltage from the phone line, uses capacitors to isolate the phone line from the recorder, and then uses resistors to attenuate the voltage level down to microphone level.
Included with the box shown on amazon are a 3.5 mm to 3.5 mm stereo patchcable about 6" long and a similiar length telephone cable.
The case is plastic without any good shielding - I did pickup a hum at -55 db (referenced to 0 dB digital recording)
Be sure to check with local codes about recording calls - while most of the united states only requires ONE party in a conversation to KNOW they are recording themselves, some states such as california require BOTH parties in the call to know that you are being recorded to avoid wiretapping rules. I'm not sure about what happens when banks announce "this call may be monitored or recorded" - so my interpretation based on that message is that the other end is telling me they may record the call - so they already know they are recording it, and I know I'm recording it, so both parties know its being recorded.
Olympus makes another recording adapter that is portable and works with cellphones which renders better quality - check out Olympus TP-7 Telephone Recording Device - its twice the price of this but still cheap.

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Rode Podcaster USB Dynamic Microphone Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)For recording my voice (baritone), it does a great job. For extra warmth that means close-miking, which in turn means not popping your p's, etc. If you hold it close to your mouth but don't directly face it end-on, that's easily done (or get a pop filter). [...].
The microphone electronics are extremely quiet - the audio is sampled at 18 bits.
It comes with a warranty which is easily extended to 10 years for free.
The real-time headphone monitoring is a great idea and works well.
It's a bit heavy (part of being built like a tank), and you need to think a little about how you're going to mount it, since some cheap desktop stands can barely manage it.
Some things to keep in mind are:
1) It likes close-miking (at least for male voices)
2) It is USB-only
3) It is a on the bit large and heavy side.
If those don't bother you, and the price is in your range, then you will probably like it a lot.

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MXL USB 009 24BIT/96KHZ USB Condenser Mic Review

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(More customer reviews)For years I've been working with traditional XLR cardioid condenser mics (love my Neumann TLM) but I've had to travel a lot lately, and humping the XLR cables, pre-amp, and heavy mics through airports and hotels has gotten to be a real bother, so I started The Hunt for a Great USB Mic.
Now, there are good USB mics out there for under $100, and Blue's Snowball is adequate. At ~$70 you get what you pay for. It is ok for podcasting, if you aren't too picky about sound quality. I had one shipped to me, didn't like that background hum, sent it back thinking it was a problem with the mic, and got another one that sounded exactly the same. (And yes, I read all the instructions and advice and made all the adjustments. I even tried it on Mac, Laptop, and PC--so spare me the "oh did you try this, and you're an idiot because you didn't try that" Snowball fanboy snarkiness ;).
So, when I returned the Snowball, I considered getting Blue's Yeti, but it's sheer size disqualified it -- the mic is way too big and heavy to be considered remotely portable, and since I like to record standing-up instead of sitting down, I worried that it would be too heavy for my boom.
Having eliminated Blue's mics, I tried the Samson G Track at ~$120 and the AudioTechnica AT2020 at ~$110. I like that the Samson has the headphone output and the gain controls (which the AT does not) and better recording quality versus the AT2020 at 48kHz versus 44.1kHz. However, the Sampson weighs a half-pound more. For both mics the sound quality is great for podcasting, and while vastly superior to the Blue Snowball, and certainly adequate for most vocals that will be supported with background music, neither mic produces recordings clean enough and of high enough quality (limited to 16bit) for pure narration (IMHO).
So I upped my price-point again. And found THE perfect USB mic for voice-overs at ~$275. The MXL USB.009. It records at 24Bit/96kHz -- a huge improvement over the 16Bit/44.1kHz of all the other mics. It has the benefits of a mic jack and knobs for gain control like the Samson G Track, and is Plug and Play. I don't have to tweak anything on my Mac or my PC. It is lightweight, so I'm not worried about my boom tipping, and there is no background hum. I like the steel carrying case -- it weighs about 6 pounds with the mic and USB cable -- and makes it easy to carry through airport security.
Yes, the MXL USB.009 is 4x the cost of the Blue Snowball and 2.5x the cost of the Samson G Track and the AT2020, but for me, it is worth it. I not only do podcasting, but I do professional voice-over work, and I need something that will give me the convenience of direct USB recording with near-studio quality.

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Behringer C-1 Studio Condenser Microphone Review

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(More customer reviews)This thing is killer; throw in a pop filter and some sort of stand and you have an amazingly pro setup for not much. If like me you have tried using a different type of mic (like a standard dynamic mic) to record normal accoustic sounds like voice or non-amplified instruments, this thing will be way, way better. I can't compare directly to other condenser mics but do not perceive any fundamental drawbacks with this one, which is amazing given the price.

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The C-1 is a cardioid condenser microphone designed to capture your sounds with incredible realism, sensitivity and accuracy. This condenser mic is an excellent choice for live and studio applications, and it's available at a price that will leave you with enough cash left over to secure other recording essentials.

What is a Condenser Mic? Condenser microphones are the ideal choice for capturing vocals and acoustic instruments. They're the primary type of microphone used in recording studios and radio stations. They are capable of capturing much more detail than dynamic microphones because of their wider, flatter frequency response. Another difference between condenser and dynamic mics is that they contain active circuitry that requires phantom power (+48 V DC) for operation. You can power them from any phantom power equipped BEHRINGER XENYX mixer, plus enjoy the benefits of our state-of-the-art XENYX mic preamps.
Why the C-1? The C-1 is an affordable, high-quality way to put this essential studio tool to work for you. Thanks to its cardioid (heart-shaped) pattern, the C-1 microphone picks up your source signal while rejecting off-axis sounds that can ruin an otherwise perfect recording. With its pressure-gradient, shock-mounted transducer and gold-plated XLR output, the C-1 is very neutral sounding and truly delivers on the promise of noise-free transmission.
With its exceptionally flat frequency response and ultra-high sound resolution, it's perfect for perfect for acoustic instruments, overhead, piano, and plenty more.
Built to Last The C-1 is built to be your go-to condenser mic for years to come. Its tough, die-cast body can withstand all the rigors of bleary-eyed late-night recording marathons. And with its rugged foam-padded carrying case, it travels in safety and style. We also included a swivel stand mount so it can be affixed to your studio's mic stands.
C-1 Specs
Transducer Type: Condenser, 16 mm
Polar Pattern: Cardioid
Connection: Gold-plated balanced XLR connector
Open Circuit Sensitivity: -33 +/- 2 dBV (0 dBV = 1 V/Pa)
Frequency Response: 40 Hz - 20 kHz
Max. SPL (1% THD @ 1 kHz): 136 dB
Nominal Impedance: 100 ohms
Load Impedance: >1 kohms
Supply Voltage: +36 - 52 V
Supply Current: 2.5 mA
Dimensions: Shaft: 54 mm, length: 169 mm
Weight: Approximately 0.45 kg

What's in the Box Behringer C-1 Studio Condenser Microphone, Carrying Case, User's Manual

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MIDIMAN DELTA 66 24-Bit 96kHz PCI Digital Recording Interface Review

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(More customer reviews)The midiman delta 66 is an awesome piece of hardware and performs as stated in the documentation. The sound is very clear and when no audio is being played its also very quiet. I am very pleased with the ease of installation and configuration as opposed to other sound cards at this price. Oh Heck try one I'm sure your will be as happy as I am.

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KWorld USB 2.0 Expert Video DVD Maker KW-USB2800D Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Once a guy told me, " You have to be smarter than what you're working on." That applies in this case. One reviewer said no audio. True. Apparently you can't monitor the sound during capture. One reviewer said the sound was AWFUL! So I capured a test video for one minute and then played it back. The sound WAS awful. Then I checked the audio volume level (line in) and it was at maximum. No wonder the sound was awful. After a few more test captures, I had the line in volume down to around two or three. Now the playback sound was AWESOME!
This product works good. I gave four stars because you can't monitor the sound. Oh, one more point I forgot. I had an older Video camera that was not stereo and the sound on playback came out of only one speaker. So using the words of wisdom from the beginning of this review, I plugged the camera into my VCR and then into the USB2800. Voila! The VCR took the mono signal from the camera and routed it to both outputs. I now had sound coming from both speakers, although it is not true stereo.
I guess the moral of the story is "Don't be too quick to judge the equipment, for the fault may be your own." Two thumbs up!

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Focusrite ISA One Classic Single-channel Mic Pre-Amplifier with Independent D.I. Review

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(More customer reviews)This preamp is cleanish warm and can be nice and warm when stacked on tracks...Its a pro preamp and never think its not, The DI is very handy and can actualy be used for stereo recording with the preamp and di input.(input another preamp out to DI input to the optional a-d out)outs are now stereo...
Two recordings at the same time is a big deal if you have the a-d card, it has 2 xlr outs or the a/d card stereo outs with preamp and another input....again these preamps are used on professional recordings the isa 110's which this is a single version....
This unit does not include the a-d digital card, they run around $399 but are pro quality as well, not at all like Focusrite's cheaper pres a/d or the Behringer's a-d mess....

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Tascam DP-02CF Portastudio Compact Flash Multitrack Recorder Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I purchased the DP-02CF expecting a Multi-Track Recorder, much like the 10 or so Recorders I've owned over the past 25 years past from Tascam. However, even though the new Digital technology is wonderful, things here are not quite what they appear to be in this case...
First, even though you are using a CF Card and you can use up to an 8 gig card [which is great] you are limited to .wav format in FAT 32 which burns 1/2 a gig of space off the top, and limits the length/size of your files per song. Plus the usual FAT 32 file corruption issues which can sneak up on you in a hurry, trust me. Also, be careful, very very careful when buying a card for this deck. The approved media list has a big list of cards that made me cringe, several of the 8 gig options cost lest than $30 on Amazon, Gasp! I mean, you get what you pay for and if you're using ANYTHING less than a Sandisk Extreme 3, you're going to end up cussing out the unit and tascam within 2 weeks! Trust me on this one...
Second, where do I begin?
When you setup a recording and start adding tracks, each time you playback and listen to what you recorded, you are required to go back and reassign everything from scratch, including track sends! Nice huh... This doesn't sound like much at first, but after you use the unit for a while it becomes a time consuming adventure in frustration.
Next, the Deal Killer...
This unit should be described as a very limited Mixer, with a 2 track recorder with bounce down capabilities slapped on the top. This is not a multi-track recorder like any I've ever owned before or even a decent mixer, since NO EFFECT SEND is available during recording! You heard me right, you can't even add compression to a vocal as you record, but more on this later.
So, I was expecting PRE and POST eq [as almost every other deck I've owned from Tascam in the past] but alas even though there is nice eq, effect sends and controls, they are all POST. In fact in Record mode you only have 2 tracks, dry to the card that's it. Only in POST final mix-down to a DVD, or whatever you make your master on [No bounce-down eq/effect capabilities either since EVERYTHING IS POST HERE!] Like I said, this makes this unit a mixer with a recorder slapped on, not a full featured recorder as it appears to be. I mean if your 15 and this is your first recorder for band demos, great! Otherwise you will be sadly disappointed.
This means if you plan on using the eq, and effecting your signals during bouncing down, NONE of the adjustments you make during mixdown will record to the track, it's just a mixer kids! So, if your vocal stack of 4 tracks needs a little hi end added during bounce, or if the bass guitar/guitar/keyboard mixdown needs a little extra push, or you need to do anything during the mix-down process getting to your final 8 tracks, tough luck! Only in the final mixdown to another device, can you use any of the eq/effects. This is why the unit is so inexpensive, and why it's useless for anything other than live 2 track demos and practicing bounce down, so that later when you buy a real recorder you'll know what to do.
This is the reason why I was in shock when my unit arrived. Just remember when looking for a multi-track, always ask up front if your deck has PRE and POST options for eq/effects. I should have asked, oh well...
Here's another example of the frustration.... Let's say your recording live and you want to add in some compression to the vocal track as it's live going into the deck. Tough luck! You can't use the effect send to add your $1000 compresser/limiter and Exciter. How about adding a little eq to the bass guitar from the line in, same deal tough luck! NOTHING can be added to the instruments as they go in, or as they are bounced down, it is ONLY during final mix-down TO ANOTHER DEVICE that you can you add anything!
One last time, everything on this mixer [aka multi-track] is post. You might as well buy a nice mixer, and a zoom, you'll have more options and a better final mix. Plus, you won't have to worry about your CF card corrupting from the Fat32 formatting after spending 3 days recording and bouncing down tracks.
If they had only been honest in the description of this unit [and it's NOT Amazon's fault, they just list the factory description which is totally misleading] then I could have avoided wasting a week trying to find out why I couldn't save any of my mixdown settings.

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ART Tube MP Studio V3 Microphone Preamp and Limiter with Presets Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Pros:Great product for those who requires amplify a dynamic mic.
We use for vocals in a karaoke system with excellent results. It doesn't requires expensive microphones. With cheaper mics produces good sound.
Cons: The preamp doesn't has a power on/off switch so you must to plug/unplug the DC adapter. It is a little expensive but works fine.

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The ART Tube MP Studio V3 has expert presets that get you started right! The Tube MP Studio V3 features ART's Variable Valve Voicing Technology - with optimized reference points to begin the recording process. The V3's presets were created & fine-tuned by top studio and live-sound engineers, along with ART's veteran engineering department. V3 allows you to select between a multitude of preamp settings designed for electric and acoustic guitars, keyboards, bass guitars, drums, vocals and more. V3 gives you incredible presets for every instrument you record, so all your recordings will sound professional. Need to tweak the presets? Go right ahead -- hone your perfect tone! That's the power of ART V3. It also incorporates ART's OPLTM (Output Protection Limiter), which precisely and accurately controls and maintains the output peak signal. The OPL circuitry is crucial in protecting the next link in a signal chain - such as a hard-disk recording system or a sound card. The Tube MP Studio V3 can also function as a direct box - impedance matching, amplifying and improving the sound of any instrument. The design of the Tube MP Studio V3 allows it to add warmth and fatness to a signal while maintaining low-noise. Features include Phase Reverse, +48v phantom power, clip LED, a +20dB switch, as well as an analog VU meter for visual tracking of the signal. 1-year warranty. ART Tube MP Studio V3 Features Provides superior preamplification for: Microphones Instruments Line Level Sources V3TM - Variable Valve Voicing OPLTM - Output Protection Limiter Hand selected 12AX7A provides over 70dB of gain Smooth, warm and fat sound quality Variable input and output gain controls Excellent as a tube DI XLR and 1/4' inputs and outputs +48 volts phantom power Phase reversal switch TEC-Award nominated design 1 year warranty Designed for years of continuou

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Creative Labs SB1100 USB 2.0 Sound Blaster X-Fi Go Audio System Review

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(More customer reviews)Haha. Really though, I paid $50 for this at best buy and it rocks. I've used cheapo usb sound cards before, but I don't have the money to shell out for one made for recording(which is my main intent with this device). The install is automatic and fast, and the sound quality is great. No distortion or over-emphasised frequencies. I can record straight from a microphone or a mixer into my favorite audio programs, with no loss of sound. This is actually the best sound quality I've been able to get, even before the headphone and microphone jacks on my laptop took a piss. If you need an external USB sound card, and you don't need surround sound or inputs/outputs past the standard 3.5mm jacks, buy this. Unless you're a total audiophile, in which case you'll find the flaws in everything. Go spend $1000 on something you don't need, why don't you!

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Bring the Sound Blaster X-Fi Go! to LAN parties, school or work. Simply connect the sound card to any computer and experience immersive 3D audio and EAX effects in your games immediately! Strategize your battle plan and let audio be a key element in your game strategy. Take in accurate and precise positional 3D audio over your headphones when deep in battle. With the X-Fi Go! you can have clear voice chats. Prepare your team for the ultimate showdown. Let every order come through loud and clear. Choose from over 18 different effects and disguise your voice, morph into someone else with our latest VoiceFX feature and hide from the enemy! Even better, no installation CD required. All the drivers you need for a complete Sound Blaster experience are in the Sound Blaster X-Fi Go. Connectivity includes: Microphone in (1/8" mini jack) and Headphone out (1/8" mini jack). Package Contents: Sound Blaster X-Fi Go! sound card, USB Extension Cable, Earphones with integrated microphone, Quick Start leaflet.

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LightSnake STUSBXLR10 LightSnake USB Microphone cable Review

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(More customer reviews)The cable is fine and if you have a good dynamic mic then you can get a good sound from it. I use a Mac and you do have to go into sounds under preferences to set the mic up properly. Otherwise, with garageband it all worked fine. My only complaint is that it is not made clear anywhere on the packaging or website that this cable does not provide phantom power. So you can't use it with a condenser mic. I just wish this was made more clear to me before buying.

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Blue Microphones Snowflake USB Microphone Review

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(More customer reviews)If you are looking for an inexpensive but high quality, small & portable, USB microphone, the Blue Snowflake is a great choice. Blue Microphones Snowflake USB Microphone

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Whether you're recording your newest podcast, talking business on the web, or just narrating your latest great family movie, the Blue Snowflake Microphone can capture it with amazing clarity and depth that's head and shoulders above any comparable portable USB on the market!The Blue Snowflake Microphone works on both Mac and PC with no complicated drivers to install: just connect it to your computer's USB port, follow the prompts and you'll have high-fidelity sound in no time. It's perfect for podcasting, voice recognition software, iChat, and VoIP software such as Skype and Vonage. Or use it for dictation, field recording, lecture recording, and narration for slideshows and PowerPoint presentations. The sky's the limit. It's even great for recording music via GarageBand and other multitrack recording software.

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M-Audio Audio Buddy Budget Microphone Preamp - Preamplifier Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This is a great preamp for the price. Small, rugged, looks good too. It comes with two channels, each one taking either XLR or 1/4" instrument inputs. The XLR is low impedance, the 1/4" is high impedance. Sound output is uncolored and quiet. Signal is strong and clear.
If you have a microphone with a 1/4" plug, switch to an XLR cord instead -- the low impedance on the XLR input means you'll get a much stronger and clearer signal. Plugging in a guitar works well except for noise from the cord and guitar itself which only shows up when using distortion effects via computer software. You can use a noise gate or notch filter between your guitar and the preamp if necessary, then follow up with a software noise gate to remove hiss. This is not necessary for just chorus, flanger, or reverb software effects...then the AudioBuddy is perfect. If you want distortion, just mic your guitar amp...place your mic three or four inches away and set the preamp gain.
Unfortunately, the supplied phantom power is only 41V instead of 48V so it might not work with some condenser microphones. That's why I'm giving it four stars instead of five. I haven't tried any condensers yet to know which ones work with the AudioBuddy and which do not. If you already have an external phantom power supply, then no need to worry.
My setup is a dynamic mic into preamp into 12" powerbook's line-in jack. You can do stereo recording this way with the proper cord, just a 3.5mm stero male to two 1/4" mono male. Recommended microphone would be anything between $60 and $100 such as the Shure SM57/SM58 or the cheaper condensers like Behringer B1 or MXL990 (although I have heard people using these condensers with the Audio Buddy, I haven't tried them yet myself...but will soon).
Overall I am happy with this preamp. It is more reliable than a tube preamp and has less noise as well.

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