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External USB sound card
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Author:  mr.fahrenheit [ Tue Nov 25, 2008 5:03 am ]
Post subject:  External USB sound card
Hi all

I'm currently using a recently purchased laptop for my show. It's an ACER ASPIRE 5920. I'm connecting it to my mixer (Peavey) via the laptop headphone output (mini stereo jack plug to 1/4" jacks into the mixer.

The sound is good but I think it should be better. It sounds acceptable through my karaoke setup but if I plug into my Hi-Fi separates theres that much interference (from the mains adaptor - stops when I unplug it) that its unusable. The same interference can only just be heard when no musics playing on the Karaoke rig but it would be nice to eliminate it completely.

My previous computer was a desktop type and it sounded a whole lot better to be honest.

The idea of coming out from a headphone socket and controlled from a volume wheel at the front of the laptop never seemed right anyway but you don't have a choice.

On a previous post I read "Lonman" suggested an external sound card Behringer UCA 202 for a similar problem.

My question is - would this solve all my problems and how are they connected. I see they have 2 inputs and 2 outputs. Can I assume that I wouldn't use the inputs just yet but the 2 outputs are left and right straight into the mixer.

Any help or re-assurance before I spend my hard earned would be appreciated.
Author:  knightshow [ Tue Nov 25, 2008 5:55 am ]
Post subject:  Re: External USB sound card
I use the old USB soundblaster mp3+ device.

It goes from USB straight to RCA connections, and from those to the mixer. Like any normal rca connectable device, such as a cdg player, dvd, vcr, etc.

The reason your sound may be lacking maybe the onboard sound chip, drivers, etc.

I too use a desktop... That's why I love the USB connectable device. I'd NEVER use the headphone jack for any professional audio sound! No matter how well they say it is.
Author:  Alex [ Tue Nov 25, 2008 8:14 am ]
Post subject:  Re: External USB sound card
I can reassure you, that the UCA-202 will sound a lot better than the headphone out. You will also need a cable like this:

http://www.guitarcenter.com/Live-Wire-R ... 1166752.gc
Author:  knightshow [ Tue Nov 25, 2008 8:55 am ]
Post subject:  Re: External USB sound card
or regular RCA to 1/4" adaptors. I have those without the wires.

SOMEHOW you have to convert the rca to 1/4"
Author:  LondonLive [ Tue Nov 25, 2008 9:25 am ]
Post subject:  Re: External USB sound card
Quote:
if I plug into my Hi-Fi separates theres that much interference (from the mains adaptor - stops when I unplug it) that its unusable.


I'll assume you are referring to a 60 cycle hum here. You can try and isolate the problem, lift the ground and see if the hum goes away. If it does, an isolation transformer may help your situation. The Behringer UCA202A may improve your sound over all, but it may not alleviate the problem if it is derived from your laptops AC adapter power supply. I had the same problem you are having and the Behringer might have improved the sound but the 60 cycle noise was still in the background. Even using a Lexicon Omega didn't eliminate it entirely. In my case lifting the ground was of no help either. I think its just a problem with some types of laptops. I've been searching the net for a higher quality AC adapter but I haven't had a lot of luck as of yet. I did have some success running my audio into a stereo direct box and then running balanced lines into my mixer. Sound quality doesn't seem to be a priority with most laptop manufacturers. Good luck.

Link to a inexpensive isolation transformer
http://www.radioshack.com/search/index. ... 0loop&sr=1

Link to a inexpensive two channel direct box
http://www.samedaymusic.com/product--BEHDI20
Author:  mr.fahrenheit [ Tue Nov 25, 2008 12:03 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: External USB sound card
Thanks for your responses guys

I wasn't really sure what you meant by RCA but now I've seen the picture we call them Phono plugs here in the UK and yes I've got adaptors to convert to 1/4" jacks.

On the interference problem, it's not a 60 hz hum, it sounds more like some kind of high pitched digital screeching ( a bit like what you hear when you pick up a phone and its receiving a fax). Sometimes if I move the transformer around it goes off then comes back. Very strange.

Getting back to the ext sound card, what are the inputs for and do I need them ? Does the laptop sound output come through the USB connection ?

Once again thanks for your 'input' - if you'll pardon the pun !
Author:  Lonman [ Tue Nov 25, 2008 12:20 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: External USB sound card
Also take a look at the Lexicon Alpha, it's actually more of a recording interface, but works VERY well as an external sound device as well. Costs a little more, but is a nicer unit as it gives you balanced 1/4" in's & outs for a more pro connection.
http://www.zzounds.com/item--LEXALPHA
Author:  Alex [ Tue Nov 25, 2008 12:23 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: External USB sound card
Yes, all you need to do is, plug the ext. Sound Card into a USB port, let Windows install the drivers. Then go into Control Panel -> Sound and select the USB device as default/standard. Plug the cable into the sound card and your mixer and you're good to go. :)

If for some reason Windows is not recognizing the unit, you can download the latest ASIO drivers from Behringer's website.
Author:  mr.fahrenheit [ Tue Nov 25, 2008 3:10 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: External USB sound card
Ok Guys thanks for that

I think I'll have to go for it and get myself an early Xmas present.

All in the name of progress dear
Author:  marley rules [ Tue Nov 25, 2008 6:02 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: External USB sound card
I am thinking of using a desktop that I already have at home. Am I correct in assuming if I use the Lexicom unit Loman recommended, I would be bypassing the sound card that came with my desktop? Would I need to update anything else in my desktop. The PC has a RealTek HD sound card.

Regards
Author:  gmoney [ Tue Nov 25, 2008 6:25 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: External USB sound card
Lexicon Alpha Desktop Recording Studio is this the device that works as an exteral audio card? Is it easy to use and how does it sound? Thanks
Author:  Lonman [ Tue Nov 25, 2008 6:29 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: External USB sound card
gmoney @ Tue Nov 25, 2008 7:25 pm wrote:
Lexicon Alpha Desktop Recording Studio is this the device that works as an exteral audio card? Is it easy to use and how does it sound? Thanks


Very easy to use. Plug it in, load the drivers, set the default in the Sound options to the Lexicon & that's that. Plug the outputs to your mixer or powered speakers.
Sounds great!
Author:  Lonman [ Tue Nov 25, 2008 6:31 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: External USB sound card
marley rules @ Tue Nov 25, 2008 7:02 pm wrote:
I am thinking of using a desktop that I already have at home. Am I correct in assuming if I use the Lexicom unit Loman recommended, I would be bypassing the sound card that came with my desktop? Would I need to update anything else in my desktop. The PC has a RealTek HD sound card.

Regards


You just have to set it in the sound options to make that the default sound device.
Author:  ctohelpsu [ Wed Nov 26, 2008 6:28 am ]
Post subject:  Re: External USB sound card
OK so that I understand the setup...Out of the mixer into the left and Right (ins)of the Lexicon...Out of the lexicon (outs) to the mains (speakers) Set lexicon as default Sound card...
Author:  Alex [ Wed Nov 26, 2008 6:44 am ]
Post subject:  Re: External USB sound card
Ehm... no.

The Lexicon Alpha as the Behringer UCA-202 are external Sound Cards for your Computer. Means, they connect to your USB Port and transport the sound from the computer to your mixer. That's it.

The Speakers are either connected to your Amp (non-powered) or to your Mixer directly (powered).
Author:  ctohelpsu [ Wed Nov 26, 2008 6:55 am ]
Post subject:  Re: External USB sound card
Yep I forgot that part...USB to computer...Set this device as default sound device...so now I connect the 1/8 headphone connector to the laptop then the 2 1/4's to either 2 seperate channels on the mixer or one stero channel on the mixer? Sorry for the silly question but I have never run this setup..as of yet... :oops:
Author:  ctohelpsu [ Wed Nov 26, 2008 6:58 am ]
Post subject:  Re: External USB sound card
Oops...I mean the 1/8 to 2 1/4's to the ins of the lexicon. then the 2 outs of the lexicon to the mixer...
Author:  Alex [ Wed Nov 26, 2008 7:19 am ]
Post subject:  Re: External USB sound card
No, the Lexicon Alpha has a USB connection to the computer, that's it.

From the Lexicon you connect to the mixer with a 1/4" Stereo Cable to the Mixer. (also 1/4")
Author:  ctohelpsu [ Wed Nov 26, 2008 7:24 am ]
Post subject:  Re: External USB sound card
OK think I got it now...USB device processes all sounds...so...out of the lexicon to the mixer (channels) using 1/4's...Either One stero channel or 2 mono's...thanks :D
Author:  gunghouk [ Wed Nov 26, 2008 8:54 am ]
Post subject:  Re: External USB sound card
RE:- Noisy laptop sound out....this is a ground loop issue between the laptop and the mixer. I removed the ground connection in the mains plug for the laptop switched mode supply....problem sorted. A more elegant (read correct) way is to get a proper ground lift device for the laptop supply.

Of course an optical link between laptop and mixer is OK too :lol:

My 2 cents (or pence) :)
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