audio interfaces

[smallhands]

What are the pros and cons of PCI vs. USB interfaces? Also, I could use some feedback on what brands are the best.

 

[suprstar]

PCI is way faster. With USB, you can typically only record 2 channels at a time. There are a handful of exceptions, but I haven't heard anyone raving about em. PCI interfaces will allow you to record as many channels at once as you want, for all practical purposes.

Firewire would be the way to go imo, there's a ton of great fw interfaces out there. You could use the PCI slot for a firewire card if you don't have a firewire port. Then you could hook up your video camera, external hard drives, all kinds of other fun things too!

 

[smallhands]

Do you have any suggestions on brands or models?

 

[suprstar]

Whats your price range, and how many channels do you need to record at a time?

 

[Waffleness]

PCI is way faster. With USB, you can typically only record 2 channels at a time. There are a handful of exceptions, but I haven't heard anyone raving about em. PCI interfaces will allow you to record as many channels at once as you want, for all practical purposes.

Firewire would be the way to go imo, there's a ton of great fw interfaces out there. You could use the PCI slot for a firewire card if you don't have a firewire port. Then you could hook up your video camera, external hard drives, all kinds of other fun things too!

I personally hate doing this Its just my personal preference. I like things neat and tidy, and a '1 box does all' solution is marvelous. A designer trys so hard to cram as much technology into a small space and still have it work and look nice. Consumers come along and plug 8 USB devices in, each with a power cable (which connects to a main socket, even though its drawing less than 1A). I just think its a really unelegant solution. Messy.

I will be a happy personal when this is solved

 

[buckkillr8]

Like suprstar said firewire is the best route to go. If you don't have a firewire port then get this card. It's the card you want as it has the T1 chipset which is preferred.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16815150074

Depending on how many inputs you want there's a lot of interfaces that can suggested.

 

[TimOBrien]

Here's a good guide and tested suggestions: http://www.tweakheadz.com/soundcards_for_the_home_studio.htm

(He also goes into PCI vs Firewire vs USB)

You will want to bookmark and read ALL of Tweak's Guide...

 

[smallhands]

Thanks a bunch. This is the kind of info I've been looking for.

 

[dastrick]

Like suprstar said firewire is the best route to go. If you don't have a firewire port then get this card. It's the card you want as it has the T1 chipset which is preferred.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16815150074

Depending on how many inputs you want there's a lot of interfaces that can suggested.

I have that firewire card and have had zero problems with it.

 

[buckkillr8]

I have that firewire card and have had zero problems with it.

best card to get.