Until I get x-ited

[Neil B]

I've written this in this forum because it really isn't a Sonic Core/Pulsar/Scope issue

If you've followed this link in Problem Solving

http://forums.planetz.com/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=32436

you'll know that I've got a dead computer and possibly a dead Pulsar II card.

I was going to have a new super-duper Win 7 pc with loads of RAm and upgrade my Cubase 4.5 to 7.5.
However, I'm getting cold feet about this due to the jungle of specs and mainly because going in this direction, I could lose many of my legacy VST's such as ATmosphere, Trilogy, Vanguard, Kontakt sampler and so on. (I'm know many will run on Win 7, but perhaps not 64 bit)
Anyway, after a lot of thought, I'm going to have a new super-duper pc and install XP on it and stick with Cubase 4.5.
I know - horrors - shock, but at the moment it suits me due to family circumstances (and the stress of it all) plus financial reasons.

Now as you know, I'm not sure if my Pulsar 2 card is dead. But I'm thinking that in 12 months time, I will get myself an X-ite. (it's all down to cost at the moment)

So now, comes the real question and I've put this in off-topic for a reason....

If my Pulsar 2 card is dead and if I can't afford X-ite for at least 12 months, can you please recommend to me a (very) good soundcard/audiocard.

I have an M-Audio 88es keyboard with midi out to a Kenton Control Freak. Midi out of that to Midi in of (currently) Pulsar 2 card
I also have a USB Korg Nano Kontroller (great for Stylus RMX etc)
Audio wise, I sometimes have a Phonic mixer (pre-amped) to audio in of Pulsar 2 and I always have audio out to my Spirit Folio mixer (with headphone socket) to amp to Spirit Absolute 2 speakers.

I need to keep that functionality of mid in and audio in & out.

Please don't shout at me for having to possibly lay off Scope stuff (hence off-topic) until I can afford. What I want to do is to keep playing, writing & recording until I can afford the X-ite box.
I don't mind paying a couple of hundred pounds for the right card to see me over for a year or so.

also, it appears that some cards don't have midi on them now, but USB. Views on that please and if that is the route, what is a good midi cable to USB converter?

I've no intention of leaving the Scope/ Planet Z community, but I need an interim measure where I can continue to work with Cubase and well, music in general. So please don't shout at me

Neil

[Roland Kuit]

Hi Neil,

I have an USB dig, analogue box for you.
I think it's M-Audio.
Fact is that I'm real busy now before I go to Sweden end of this week.
You can have it for sending costs. p.m. me after January 7th.
Regards,
Roland

[Neil B]

Hi Roland

Generous offer from you - thanks.

I'm busy too, going to Scotland for a couple of weeks.
You gave me an idea though, which others are welcome to come back on.....

I could get a cheap M-Audio 2496 or 192 for about £50
I could put this on my new XP with Cubase 4.5 in the event that I have to send my Pulsar 2 card off for repair.

It wouldn't hurt to have a spare card in case of problems.........

Audiophile 2496 or 192 comments anyone? Remember it IS only a stop-gap option.

[Roland Kuit]

It is an Audiophile. Now I remember.

[Neil B]

I'll be okay thanks Roland,
managed to get hold of a Focusrite Scarlett 2i4 just in case the Pulsar 2 is dead or in need of repair.
Thanks for the generous offer anyway.

[igge1]

You can find used CreamWare/Sonic Core cards for decent prices at this site http://www.mercatinomusicale.com/

Despite being an Italian site most advertisers reply even if you message them in English. There's always Google Translate, just in case. I've made three very good deals there this month: two Luna II and one Pulsar II for a combined total of less than €300! And that includes an ADAT expansion for one of the Luna cards. Compared with the prices for these cards back in 2001 when I bought my first Luna II, it's almost like getting them for free.

[Nestor]

I think that you could easily get a second hand one too, that would be my move, so not to learn yet another platform again. but your idea, if you can hold it for a year, is also good to my understanding.

Don't worry about Cubase, unless you want and need specifically some special features from the new version of it, you will not need more than 4.5.

Good luck with it!