by Playfuls Staff |
24th September 2006
Sound aficionados have found one downside to the compactness of a laptop: there's no space for expansion.
It might sound like a small problem, but it's a huge one when the [more] laptop's chip only has the power to play some MP3s, not the full range of music that purists might demand. "Laptop chips are OK for transferring old cassettes onto CDs," says Alexander Weber from German music technology magazine Beat.
After that, adding mini speakers might provide a boost. However once that's done, the laptop's option are more or less exhausted.
Luckily, there are external sound cards. They're the perfect solution for people who want surround sound, plan to make music or have very specific musical needs.
Soundcards are usually attached to the computer by USB or Firewire. But there are limitations. "USB 2.0 and Firewire 400 are about the same in terms of data transfer rates," says Georg Berger of Professional Audio magazine.
True enthusiasts need to look at all their options. "Anyone who wants to attach a microphone needs XLR. Anyone who wants to connect studio equipment needs stereo jacks," says Weber. "A lot of interfaces combine jacks and connections for DJs who like to have record players and CD players."
The standard is to have at least two inputs for microphones, such as line-in, and two to four analog output options, plus a digital interface like S/PDIF.
"Two channels are fine for playing around. But surround sound might need up to six," says Weber. Making electronic music on a computer requires fewer channels than making band recordings. The 'Midi' interface is a classic. "Anyone who wants to make electronic music can't get around it," says Berger.
The latency period is particularly important for technical data. This period is the time that lapses between digitalization and output on a computer. The lower the latency, the better.
"Values of 1 to 4 milliseconds are the norm," explains Weber. A good signal to noise ratio (SNR) separates the wheat from the chaff. A value of 92 db(A) is a little under par, says Weber: 107 db(A) is excellent.
These high-tech interfaces aren't possible without a little hands- on work. "Just like old tape recordings, these have to be monitored. Otherwise, noise levels get out of control," reports Stiftung Warentest of Berlin, a consumer guide. Soundcards that come with multiple level controllers should have all unneeded ports shut down. "That keeps out sound disturbances."
Anyone who wants to use an external soundcard to store music digitally on a hard drive should check if their interface has copyright protection that prevents digital copying, recommends Berger. "You can alter the card's software setting for sending and receiving digital signals."
Most solutions that rely on USB cables don't require an adapter since the USB cable provides power from the laptop. "Firewire doesn't deliver any power from the laptop," says Weber. "An investment in USB costs about 220 euros (278 dollars), 330 euros for Firewire."
By Dirk Averesch, Dpa© 2006 DPA
