Suggestions for Laptop sound module upgrade to use Room Eq for sub integration?

[windbag]

I'm trying to integrate set up my REL Strata III into my main system using Room EQ wizard, running on my Compaq Evo N600c under XP.
The N600c runs on an Intel III @ 1GHz. Not great, but should be enough for the basic job.

I've tried running Room EQ, but the laptop sound facility isn't really up to the job, and only has a single channel mic in, so the "auto-calibration" method of outputting a channel into the second input can't be done directly. I got some results, but think I need a bit of a better soundcard plugin to do the job properly.

This where I hope you folk could help me out with suggestions - perhaps ones you've already used in a similar context.

The laptop could take a sound upgrade via PCMCIA slot, USB 1 (directly) or USB 2 via second PCMCIA adapter. I suspect the USB path woudl be the easiest.

Naturally, I don't want to spend more than I need to, but it would be good if I were able to use the laptop as a mobile audio recorder via something like Cool Edit Pro.

Doing searches via Google & Amazon(uk) & ebay(uk) show both USB and PCMCIA sound module options are possible - loads of 'em, at all sorts of prices.
The ubiquitous Soundblaster options are there, but my experience with Creative is that their software modules over-complicate what is essentially an easy operation.

There are numerous generic Hong Kong/Chinese USB plugin boxes available, but don't specify whether their mic ins and line ins are stereo or not.

I've asked a raft of the suppliers, and got a load of answers back saying they both are "Mono", others saying "Stereo" for what I'd guess are identical generic modules.
When I pressed the sellers who said "stereo", they say they'll get back to me or just don't respond.

So, any suggestions what I should try & get for the job?

I might try one of the cheaper generics, but if folk know they are rubbish, I'd do better putting that money towards something that really would work.

But which one...?

Or should I be posting on a laptop user group?

 

[Knucklehead90]

What you need in a sound card is called full duplex. What that means is sound can be recorded at the same time its producing sound.

Most any external USB sound card should work as long as it has full duplex function. I'd find one with an external power supply as well as laptops are notoriously short on USB power.
You'll also need a calibrated microphone such as the Behringer ECM8000 mic - its made for sound measurement.

Read the 'Getting started with REW' in the help section and it will tell you what else you will need. It is pretty comprehensive.

You might save yourself a lot of work if you just get an Elemental Designs EQ.2.
It's all analog and very easy to adjust from all that I've read. I have one on the way so I don't know more about it but sources say that and an SPL meter is all you need. I also have just bought the Behringer calibration mic. The price was right - I got it with the EQ.2 and 25' of cord for $100 - it was too hard to pass on.

 

[windbag]

Generic card on the way...

Thanks, Knucklehead90, for the reply.

I hadn't come across the Elemental Designs EQ.2. Interesting, and I'll bear it in mind, but I'd like to get the REW laptop method going anyway.

I had noted that you needed a full duplex card. If I'm using the standard Tandy sound meter, why do I need the mic, if I'm not trying to do a full room spectrum?

Oh, I should point out that I'm in the UK, so ordering US components isn't straightforward/quick (especially with HM customs in the way).

I have now ordered a generic, multiplex card that claims it has stereo mic & stereo line in - we'll see, and we'll see if it gets REW going.

 

[lsiberian]

I'm trying to integrate set up my REL Strata III into my main system using Room EQ wizard, running on my Compaq Evo N600c under XP.
The N600c runs on an Intel III @ 1GHz. Not great, but should be enough for the basic job.

I've tried running Room EQ, but the laptop sound facility isn't really up to the job, and only has a single channel mic in, so the "auto-calibration" method of outputting a channel into the second input can't be done directly. I got some results, but think I need a bit of a better soundcard plugin to do the job properly.

This where I hope you folk could help me out with suggestions - perhaps ones you've already used in a similar context.

The laptop could take a sound upgrade via PCMCIA slot, USB 1 (directly) or USB 2 via second PCMCIA adapter. I suspect the USB path woudl be the easiest.

Naturally, I don't want to spend more than I need to, but it would be good if I were able to use the laptop as a mobile audio recorder via something like Cool Edit Pro.

Doing searches via Google & Amazon(uk) & ebay(uk) show both USB and PCMCIA sound module options are possible - loads of 'em, at all sorts of prices.
The ubiquitous Soundblaster options are there, but my experience with Creative is that their software modules over-complicate what is essentially an easy operation.

There are numerous generic Hong Kong/Chinese USB plugin boxes available, but don't specify whether their mic ins and line ins are stereo or not.

I've asked a raft of the suppliers, and got a load of answers back saying they both are "Mono", others saying "Stereo" for what I'd guess are identical generic modules.
When I pressed the sellers who said "stereo", they say they'll get back to me or just don't respond.

So, any suggestions what I should try & get for the job?

I might try one of the cheaper generics, but if folk know they are rubbish, I'd do better putting that money towards something that really would work.

But which one...?

Or should I be posting on a laptop user group?

If you can get the readings then you can manually set the filters.

 

[windbag]

If you can get the readings then you can manually set the filters.

Yes, I meant to imply by "set up", that that is what I'm trying to do....
...but which plug-in sound module is best for getting the readings and for using the laptop as a "portable digitizer" afterwards?

 

[Guiria]

I use the turtle beach audio advantage SRM external USB soundcard. Works well with REW, Windows XP and Vista. Haven't tried it with W7.