Audio Interface and Sound Card

[Mazzida]

I'm currently looking into expanding my home recording, and researching sound cards. I just have a few questions regarding this.

I read that an Audio Interface overrides any other sound cards, however, the output of that interface can be routed to a sound card for output. So if you wanted, you would be able to utilize the interface for input purposes only, and the sound card for output purposes only.

Firstly, would this show any benefit in sound quality, either in recording or playback if an interface was of high quality? Or would a high quality interface just make the sound card redundant?

and secondly, would this rerouting result in higher latency?

 

[Kaddyonne]

This should answer what you want to know! Be ready to open your wallet! http://sound-cards-review.toptenreviews.com/asus-xonar-essence-st-review.html I have the ASUS card hooked up to Wharfedale Diamond 8.2 PRO Monitors awesome!!! for a home studio this card is pretty good. the only other one that will give you the results you are looking for is http://maudio.com/products/en_us/Delta1010LT.html. I have owned both cards and was slightly happier with the asus.

 

[justcallmetom13]

Please do not purchase a sound card.
They do what your computer already does, except your computer does it 5 times better. So called "improvement" in audio due to sound cards are usually total placebos.

What would actually improve your audio quality are DACs and AMPs. The DAC will convert the binary file to a clearer audio file and the AMP will cleanly and efficiently amplify that converted file.

 

[Kaddyonne]

I do not not agree unless you have a very expensive motherboard that is usually is not the case.

 

[jFiveNYC]

An additional audio interface, along with the onboard AI, will function however you route audio in your rig and computer.

What will you be recording instruments, voices/vocals? Is this for music or video production? How many inputs will you need? Will you need the setup to be mobile-an external (USB/FireWire) or internal PCI card?

Be sure your AI is at least 24-bit/96kHz. Focusrite and MoTU have descent AIs without breaking the bank. Stay away from Mackie, M-Audio and Behringer. http://www.guitarcenter.com/Audio-Interfaces-Recording.gc

I recommend you do not use the integrated audio interface in your motherboard. A good interface will have much higher quality AD-DA converters and a higher sampling rate than the motherboard audio.

If possible, try to get an AI that does not have a built-in power supply. Look for one with an external wall-wart or in-line. This will greatly reduce the potential for signal interference created by a power supply; another inherit trait of motherboard interfaces.

Don't worry about latency unless you are doing serious musical instrument recording. Keep in mind latency will is measured in milliseconds. You can usually combat aural issues regarding latency in your computer/software settings.