[lovemehate]

Am pretty new to using a laptop on stage, the style we have been writing is like Harsh ebm, industrial ect ect. it sounded okay in a recent event...but I know it could of sounded better....
what are some tools that I can use to improve the sound quality? an external sound card? an audio interface? a hi/low converter box?
thanks if you can help me with this horribly broad question !

 

[devluxe]

Well, I think what you need is a DAC. FiiO offers great DACS for the price tag. Check this out: http://www.amazon.com/FIIO-E17-Alpen-Headphone-Amplifier/dp/B0070UFMOW/ref=pd_sim_e_3?ie=UTF8&refRID=1D08YM4T63KMEY0DJAFD

 

[lovemehate]

thanks for the reply! but its a "Headphone Amplifier" just plugging it into the line out -->mixer. will to the trick?
also will any usb DAC work or am i looking for something specific ?

 

[devluxe]

Yes, but it may be not powerful enough. I thought about it after my reply. Try a pure DAC like this one: http://www.amazon.com/Teac-UDH01-B-Digital-Converter-Interface/dp/B006I6FXUM/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1394909354&sr=8-2

 

[lovemehate]

kind of pricy for something i want to try :/ but am i just looking for a "digital to analog" adapter?

 

[devluxe]

Yes, a DAC (digital to analog converter) is basically what converts the bits that form your audio files on your computer to a signal that can be played throughout headphones or speakers. Having a good quality one really improves the quality of listening experience.

 

[lovemehate]

whats the cheapest one you would suggest on amazon ? am thinking 30-40$ range/ i see a lot but i have no idea what to look for, or how to know if its worth it.

 

[devluxe]

For that price tag I'd recommend you this one: http://www.amazon.com/PCM2704-Optical-Coaxial-Decoder-Converter/dp/B0093KZTEA/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1394910046&sr=8-5&keywords=dac+usb It delivers cleaner and crispier sound.

 

[lovemehate]

awesome! thank you for all your help, one last question is there any other little piece of gear you can suggest?

 

[devluxe]

I think the most important thing is a DAC for an high quality audio. Even more important may be a dedicated sound card for your laptop like creative sound blaster xfi or asus xonar u7. Let me know if you need further informations

 

[lovemehate]

thanks!
 you happen to have any experience with effect processors such as the Boss se-50 se-70? also trying to find a decent processor of the style of music we play for voice.

 

[devluxe]

Sorry, I don't have any experience with them. Try to look around headfi. Someone has surely discussed about this topic

 

[lovemehate]

hey buddy you still around ? If you had to pick between a sound card or DAC which do you find more important??

 

[devluxe]

Sorry for the late response, I think that generally speaking an audio card is the best solution but it depends on your setup.