Sound Blaster AWE 32 - current equivalent?

I've been composing original music for many years using a Sound Blaster AWE-32 card with an ISA interface. Unfortunately, this sound card and its PCI equivalent have long since been discontinued, and I have been reduced to using a generic MIDI card which sounds absolutely DREADFUL.

Even Creative Labs (the Sound Blaster people themselves) don't seem to support the old AWE-32 sample set anymore. I miss my flute and my cello. Kazoos and penny-whistles just won't do! Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

 

Any modern Creative card should be equal to or MUCH better than the old ISA card. The AWE series were great for their day, but that day came and went 10 years ago. Here's a link to NewEgg's listings of Creative cards. http://www.newegg.com/Store/Category.aspx?Category=36&name=Sound-Cards-MIDI-Devices I don't think you need to spend a ton of money on a sound card. The technology is so much better today than it was 10 years ago, that I'd think that a mid-priced card would suit your needs fine; but if you're doing studio/professional level recording, you'll need professional level gear and software. Then again, I'm no expert when it comes to audio.... Here's a link to all the sound cards carried by Newegg. A friend of mine does his own recording (DJ stuff with beats and samples and loops) and he uses the Turtle Beach TBS-3300-1. The price is great and from what I've heard on his CDs, the card kicks butt too. Here's a link http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16829118109 But he his planning on buying a higher end card when his tax refund comes in. But for the past few months, that card has been great.

Well, I hope this helps. Good luck!

 

Hello D Welcome to Major Geeks
I asked this question for you once before here at MG and dlb was the only one who responded.
I wish there was some way for you to preview (prehear?) the midi samples on the newer cards before you spend any money.
Is it possible to read the chipset number on the old ISA card?
I would guess that that is where the samples are stored and you might ask Sound Blaster if they still use that chip on any of their newer cards.

Best of luck.

..
J