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Sound cards no longer necessary on desktops?
HI,
The three Dell desktops I own (1998 XPS R450, 2002 Dimension 4550, 2004 Dimension 4600) all came with discrete sound cards. But the XPS 8700 I'm considering buying doesn't even offer a sound card as an option. Instead it says it has "Integrated 7.1 with WAVE MAXXAudio 4", which I assume is audio software.Some questions:
Is this typical of current high-end desktops?
Is the hardware side of audio now handled by the CPU (I'm probably getting an i7-4770)?
Does it do it as well (or better) than discrete sound cards used to do it?
Any info would be appreciated.
Thanks
RobinBredin
4 Operator
4 Operator
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3.7K Posts
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July 12th, 2013 10:00
The onboard sound is just as good as a sound cards, in most cases all you need is a good set of speakers. Looking at what you have there, i would not spend out to buy a sound card.
2004_4600
12 Posts
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July 12th, 2013 19:00
Thanks for the info. So you're saying integrated audio has gotten much better since I bought my other three computers. I'm going to take your advice and skip the sound card for now.
heel4you
5 Posts
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August 24th, 2014 22:00
I am not great at computers, but the sound card (or whatever it is) on the XPS 8700 STINKS! IMHO
I have Klipsch speakers and they sound terrible! They have always sounded great....until now.
I am looking for a card now!!
If anyone has any suggestions, please let me know.
Thanks!
speedstep
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9 Legend
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August 25th, 2014 09:00
The Optional Sound card for the 8700 is a SB1350 Recon 3D.
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=8141031
70SB135A00002
I don't know what the audio cable part number for the front panel is.
The OEM Dell card looks Different from a Generic Soundblaster 1350.
Creative Labs 70SB135000000 Sound Card Manual
The Dell 70SB135000000 card is designed to work with the built in audio jacks when you get the appropriate cable.
http://www.intel.com/support/motherboards/desktop/sb/cs-015851.htm
Midi is no longer available due to the removal of the standard 15 pin Joystick port.
The Roland UM-ONE USB midi interface is what I recommend.
http://www.rolandus.com/products/details/1157/downloads/
speedstep
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9 Legend
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August 25th, 2014 10:00
The Dell 70SB135000000 card is designed to work with the built in audio jacks when you get the appropriate cable.
http://www.intel.com/support/motherboards/desktop/sb/cs-015851.htm
Midi is no longer available due to the removal of the standard 15 pin Joystick port.
The Roland UM-ONE USB midi interface is what I recommend.
http://www.rolandus.com/products/details/1157/downloads/
heel4you
5 Posts
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August 25th, 2014 10:00
Thanks for the reply.
Now, that I know that I need a PCIe card, now I can go find one with a midi in/out.
Any ideas on a good card for this computer?
Thank you!
heel4you
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August 25th, 2014 13:00
OK! Wow!
So, I have a Roland TD-11 V Drum Set and I can use this Roland UM-ONE USB midi interface and plug it in to the computer and that's all I need?
No need for a new sound card?
This would be great!
Thank you!!
speedstep
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August 25th, 2014 14:00
As far as I know a new sound card is not required for Midi.
http://www.rolandus.com/go/windows_8/
However windows does not come with cakewalk or other midi software.
http://www.cakewalk.com/Products/SONAR
http://download.yamaha.com/usb_midi/