Laptop Expresscard 34 To 2 PCI slot adapter‏

My trusty Soundblaster Audigy 4 sound card was great, yet now that I switched from desktop PC to my Toshiba 850L laptop, I cannot use this sound card anymore and have to put up with inferior sound cards.

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Since I am still young (71) and an active creative whistler-musician ( htttttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_iVrNgrLC6c ) and in the past did all my recordings with that card, I searched for the possibility to connect that card to my laptop.
Today I discovered that it might be possible, but chances are that (too old... and) I got it wrong:
From eBay searches I take that I first need to have this "Laptop Expresscard 34", which plugs into USB:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Express-Card-Expresscard-to-USB-3-0-2-Port-Adapter-for-Notebook-Laptop-PC-34mm-/190874044053?pt=AU_Laptop_Accessories&hash=item2c70fac695

... which then plugs into this "Laptop Expresscard 34 To 2 PCI slot adapter", with PCI slots for the Audigy 4 soundcard:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Laptop-Expresscard-34-To-2-PCI-slot-adapter-Express-card-to-Sound-graphics-card-/121177433383?pt=US_Laptop_Port_Expansion_Cards&hash=item1c36bce527

My question is:
Did I understand it rightly? Will it work? I hate to blindly trust eBay sellers.
Thanking you for your good advice!
Warm Regards, from Johannes
.... blowing up in in +40°C summer heat of Santiago de Chile and you at -40°C

 

Hello and welcome. Please send some of that warmth up here. Tomorrow's forecast is for a high of 12 deg F, which if my calculator is correct is -11 deg C.
Thx God, we never get -11 deg C here in Santiago. That's why I always did my best and sent "Warm Regards"... up North!

.... your laptop does not have an Express Card slot. So forget about this.
My Toshiba 850L laptop has Express Card port; only USB, HDMI etc. ports.

Something else to consider is this USB to Express Card adapter ( http://dx.com/p/usb-2-0-to-pc-express-card-34mm-adapter-converter-for-laptop-480mbps-41452 ) and then use that with your second link.
Yes, you are right: I would need to have this one to plug into USB and its output to that "Laptop Expresscard 34 To 2 PCI slot adapter".
I now wonder if that setup might technically interfere with the data transmission speed or compromise its sound quality?
I bought their "Sound Blaster X-Fi Go! Pro", USB sound card, but that one lacked MIDI connectivity.
Well, then Thanks again and have some more...
Warm Regards, from down here and me, Joh .

 

Hi,
there are always limitations regarding sound on laptops I am afraid, however some stand alone musicians seem to get by where the laptop is playing pre recorded backing tracks, these quite often have been put together using Cubase or similar sequencing software, Band in a Box being a popular one too. The gear they use though can sometimes be quite expensive, however it does seem to be reasonably fast with no appreciable latency or delay from input to output.

I do know you can obtain MIDI to USB interfaces or adapters, coupled with Windows 7 and a decently fast machine again not much latency involved.
I would look for one of those direct MIDI to USB devices rather than the complex stuff you are looking at now unless you want good sound quality from microphones as well.

Nev.

 

Yes, I know there are a few great USB soundcards with MIDI around. I worked with Soundblaster cards since their late 70th with good results.
I also know all the tricks with their free Vienna (Sf2) Editor, Sample Robot etc. That's why it would be easier for me to stick to their Apps.

Well, I'll keep an eye on that "Laptop Expresscard 34 To 2 PCI slot adapter" on eBay. Chances are their price drops and that's when I might give it a go.
Thx anyway for the helpful Info.
Have some "Warm Regards", from down here as well ...and me, Joh .

 

You are getting some excellent advice here but just one more little thought. I hate the speakers on laptops so what I did I realize makes mine less portable but I added
a set of Sony amplified speakers and it greatly improved the sound at least when I use it at my desk. They are small but still not very portable though.

 

Thanks Rich-M,

I haven't a problem with speakers etc. What a pity... SONY is now Made in China and it getting worse than ever.
So, have some Warm Regards, as well... for its getting real cold up there in upper Americas... from that Arctic cycle.
Glad to enjoy beach weather down here....

 

Thanks for kind words in this frozen mess we are in starting tonight!

 

Enjoy some of my emotional, musical creativity that will keep you entertained and warm your soul, here:

https://app.box.com/s/6f72eb90c2002db2e9fc

https://app.box.com/s/4e7xlwyb5ofyzsmhlvi9

https://app.box.com/s/bluoxacemqlslhtq9bv9

https://app.box.com/s/3ahg6ytsixqnzxzluos4

I'm amazed that with today's technology enables to share our abilities with each other on other continents in an instant via the Internet,
even without having to travel through freezing conditions! Just incredible, isn't it? So, enjoy! .
Besides. it's 0:14 oclock (midnight) down here. Good night!

 

Very interesting, thank you!