> From: andy.page@...
>
> I am currently building a home studio to replace my existing Alesis
> MMT8. I would like to know your opinions of the above 2 sound cards.
I don't know them too well, but for what purpose will you be using
the sound card? Is that mainly for recording, or also for sound
generation?
> Also which sequencer software would be recommended, I am currently
> thinking of getting eMagic Audio Silver or Gold.
For what platform? On the Mac, you basically have the choice between
Cubase and Logic, on the PC there's also Cakewalk.
I've been told that Logic has better timing than Cubase, but beware
that this program has a steep learning curve. Emagic decided to do
the user interface their own way instead of keeping to standards.
Personally, I don't like the interface at all, because it's not
only non-standard, it's also inconsistent and that is a Bad Thing.
But Logic has a lot of devoted followers, so don't just take my
word for it. The felxibility of the program, to set up your own
environment, is huge - but it comes at a price.
Cubase has the reputation of not being very stable. It may, of
course, depend on your own setup, but the fact that both Cakewalk
and Logic run with no problem under Windows NT, and Cubase does
not, gives reason for doubts.
Cakewalk keeps to the Windows standards best of these three. With
a small program, you can also use VST plug-ins (which is standard
in Cubase and Logic). However, it's not the best looking program
in existance and it might not be to your taste; you'd have to see
this for yourself.
I hope this helps a bit.
- Peter