Need Suggestions

[weeblewobblez]

I'd like to get some suggestions for a sound card for my new comp. I'll be using an AMD 2500+ xp processor running Windows XP. I'll be using programs like Acid Pro and Absynth and Sonar. What is currently the standard card for a project like this. I'd really like to take full advantage of all the features of these programs so the card would have to be able to handle that. And I'd like to spend no more than $100. Is this possible?

[RedFury]

absolutely. M-Audio I hear makes awesome sound cards, although I have never experienced one yet. You are going to find that alot of people here are not going to recommend the Sound Blaster line, but will probably prop up the idea of the Turtle Beach Santa Cruz, perhaps the Phillips Seismic Edge, and I'm a personal fan of the Hercules Game Theater XP cards because they break out box gives me every input/output options I'd ever want, and you can find it for right around 90-100 bucks. The Santa Cruz can be found for $70, but I've seen specials on them for $30 bucks off...good deal for that price.

[LnxMad]

I think the SB Audigy2 zs kicks. It has amazing 24bit quality sound processing. It produces a very rich and smooth sound. With the ZS Platinum, you get the front bay which comes in handy alot. It has tons of inputs and outputs on it. This has very few cons. The only thing thats a little crumy is the expensive price tag. I think its worth it though. I fully recommend it. Check the features -->

Superior Fidelity 24-bit ADVANCED HD™ Audio



Superior quality 24-bit/192kHz audio, ultra-realistic EAX® ADVANCED HD™ GAME effects, and studio quality EAX® ADVANCED HD™ MUSIC settings
Sound Blaster Audigy 2 ZS is the ideal platform for Windows Media 9 content including full 24-bit/96kHz audio in discrete 5.1 surround sound.
THX® Certified Sound Card for Cinematic Audio


Sound Blaster Audigy 2 ZS has received the prestigious THX Multimedia Certification making it the ideal choice for delivering cinematic quality audio on the PC.
The unique Creative THX Setup Console provides accurate audio calibration for a precise speaker listening environment.



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Advanced Resolution™ 24-bit DVD-Audio Playback DVD-Audio offers 5 times the audio detail of CD audio in 24-bit/192kHz stereo and 24-bit/96kHz in 5.1 surround. Experience compelling music playback in pristine audio quality, clarity, and depth.
"Lossy" compression formats like MP3 reduce file size by removing audio frequencies. The "Lossless" (MLP) compression format of DVD-Audio retains all the characteristics of the original ambient recording without compromising audio fidelity.
Sound Blaster Audigy 2 ZS is the only available PC platform to deliver Advanced Resolution playback at 24-bit/192kHz in stereo or 24-bit/96kHz in 5.1 surround.



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Ultra-realistic EAX® 4.0 ADVANCED HD™ Effects*
Multi-Environment™ delivers life-like sound as multiple environments are simultaneously processed in real-time.
Enjoy ultra-realistic effects in today's hottest games including Lara Croft Tomb Raider: The Angel of Darkness™, Enter The Matrix™, Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell™ and more!
* Requires online update for EAX 4.0 ADVANCED HD support.


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EAX® Music Console with Acoustic Enhancements


Dramatically enhance your music experience with new EAX® ADVANCED HD™ MUSIC features including Bass Boost, multi-band Graphic Equalizer on all 8 channels, Audio Clean-Up and Karaoke.
- Bass Boost: Punch up the bass with all PC audio
- Multi-Channel Graphic Equalizer: Personalize playback across all 8 channels
- Audio Clean-Up: Remove noise from MP3s of old recordings
- Karaoke: Remove vocals and sing along to your favorite music tracks
- Smart Volume Management (SVM™): Automatically match volume levels across music tracks
- EAX® Effects: Add acoustic effects like Concert Hall to your music




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Patented Creative CMSS® 3D Audio Technology
Allows all stereo recordings including MP3/WMA, CDs, VCD and movies to be played back in captivating 5.1, 6.1 or 7.1 surround.
Delivers virtual surround with headphones and stereo widening with stereo desktop speakers.


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Complete Cinematic Surround Sound with DTS-ES and Dolby Digital® EX Movies
Sound Blaster Audigy 2 ZS features built-in DTS-ES and Dolby Digital® EX decoding to deliver captivating audio playback in 5.1, 6.1 or 7.1 surround with DVD movies.


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Comprehensive Multi-Channel Surround with 3D Games
Enjoy up to 7.1 surround in existing 3D games. Sound Blaster Audigy 2 ZS plays back DirectSound3D games in 5.1 surround, 6.1 surround with additional rear center channel, or 7.1 surround in rear center surround or side surround configurations.


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Integrated High Speed 1394 FireWire® Port
Enables PC-to-PC networking and low latency gaming plus high speed data transfers with IEEE® compliant devices including MP3 players, storage devices and DV Camcorders.


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[weeblewobblez]

Thanks for the advice. I've heard a lot of good things about MAudio. I think thats what im going to wind up with. thanks guys.