[Roy Annashi]

My main problem is my speakers are popping.

It occurs when audio is playing but also when I minimize and maximize windows, they pop as the window opens or closes, but this does not occur if I open something directly only in minimizing and maximizing, and no sound effects are set to either of these actions.

Audio plays rather clearly and just clicks every now and then.
I also have a problem with recording issues it's extremely skippy. However that's not what I'm worried about right now, but all this combined may be a sound hardware issue.

I'm using Onboard Integrated High Definition Audio 7.1 (Analog Devices Soundmax)

I've been debating with the issue for some time of whether or not to get a PCI Soundcard.

As far as what I have tried, I have tried other speakers, and removing everything from the power strip that the speakers use, except the speakers. I have not tried plugging directly into a 110 socket yet though.


Any tips or suggestions are appreciated. Sound Card suggestions are also welcome in the range below 150 dollars with good recording capability, and decent playback.

[Mosquito555]

Originally Posted by Roy Annashi

My main problem is my speakers are popping.

I have the same problem, it's most likely bad building circuitry/bad grounding. Can you borrow a voltage regulator or UPS and see if the problem persists? Other than that it could be related to your onboard sound card, yes.

"Lag" while recording can be directly connected to your onboard sound card though. It most likely uses CPU cycles since it lacks a processor of its own. These chips are designed for playback but not for recording. Getting a dedicated sound card will help.

Originally Posted by Roy Annashi

I've been debating with the issue for some time of whether or not to get a PCI Soundcard.

IMO forget the PCi card. Most consumer PCI sound cards are good for playback but they all lack real recording capabilities. Since you are recording (especially if you are a musician) get something like this instead:

http://www.yamaha.com/yamahavgn/CDA/...?CNTID=5024958

Cheap, great recording capabilities and descent playback (if you want you can leave playback to your onboard sound card though - they can work together), plug and play with no driver hussle...and it's usb, you can just remove it and install it on a different machine.

Just my suggestion, do your own research as well...

[Roy Annashi]

Didn't use to have the problem, so that's why I presumed a soundcard issue.

I'm probably just going to end up getting a new sound card and see how that plays out, and if recording is still choppy with it, I will most likely get a USB Condenser Mic.

I might also look into a USB Interface as well.

Also after logging in today, the issue has subsided, it comes up every now and then.

I also have trouble with the SW Synth as it stops working eventually.

After a reboot all the problems seem to subside and then just come on again in a few hours.

[Mosquito555]

Originally Posted by Roy Annashi

Didn't use to have the problem, so that's why I presumed a soundcard issue.

Yeah that's possible as I told you but I can't be sure. I 've experienced static by onboard sound cards but never "clicks" or "pops"...I'm not sure if it is related to your PSU somehow...

Originally Posted by Roy Annashi

I'm probably just going to end up getting a new sound card and see how that plays out, and if recording is still choppy with it, I will most likely get a USB Condenser Mic.

What's your CPU nad RAM?

Keep in mind that if you experience choppy recording, a usb mic (condenser or not - it doesn't matter) won't make any difference. You will still be limited by the hardware, even if you plug in the best mic you will still be getting lag.

A card like the Yamaha Audiogram is an excellent choice, but you must have a descent CPU as well.

[Roy Annashi]

I built the PC last year with

4GB RAM and 3.21GHZ per core on a Dual Core AMD 3.25GB Ram being physically used, I'm running XP x32 which is most likely why the other .75 isn't being recognized.