Buying new computer - does soundcard matter?

[gibsonsgharp]

You all have probably answered this a 1000 times..I apologize for my newbieness to digital. Im going to buy a new computer...

My understanding is that when you are using an interface, (Lexicon Lamba) connecting to the computer via USB, then interface becomes the soundcard.

So, when buying a new computer, does the soundcard that comes with the computer even matter?

If so, recommend what I should look for.

 

[saads]

If you plan on getting an interface the soundcard won't matter. But you have to know if the motherboard you have is compatible with the interface you want.

 

[wheelema]

I see this kind of confusion a lot so let's take a step back. The problem lies with the label 'soundcard'.

What you are looking for is a analog/digital/analog converter (A/D/A). We live in a analog world and the 'soundcard' is the device that interfaces our analog reality with the binary world of computers. ANY device that takes sound waves and coverts them to bits, or takes bits and converts them to sound waves is a 'soundcard' so the word covers a HUGE amount of territory. It DOES NOT MATTER how the 'soundcard' interfaces with the computer. It can be built into the motherboard, sit on the PCI buss, plug in to a USB or 1394 (FireWire) port... it doesn't matter as long as it performs A/D/A conversion. It may have piano keys on it, a boat load of dials and knobs, or no controls whatsoever... it doesn't matter. As long as it does A/D, D/A, or A/D/A conversion it's a 'soundcard'

In the current crop of soundcards the only variables that really matter are (a) will it interface with your computer, (b) does it provide the functionality that you need, and (c) does it sound good to YOU.

 

[AbuseArt]

Hi!

You can buy computer with no soundcard as well. could be better for compatibility reasons sometimes! I think there is no mainboard without soundcard though. However, its quality doesnt make a difference.

In my opinion, you need computer with best mainboard possible. Choose any with Intel chipset. USB is standard from Intel so you should go for Intel - it's safer.

 

[saads]

It DOES NOT MATTER how the 'soundcard' interfaces with the computer. It can be built into the motherboard, sit on the PCI buss, plug in to a USB or 1394 (FireWire) port... it doesn't matter

It kinda does. Who wants to crawl behind a desk to put a cable in the back of the PC An outbox is better.

 

[dintymoore]

You all have probably answered this a 1000 times..I apologize for my newbieness to digital. Im going to buy a new computer...

My understanding is that when you are using an interface, (Lexicon Lamba) connecting to the computer via USB, then interface becomes the soundcard.

So, when buying a new computer, does the soundcard that comes with the computer even matter?

If so, recommend what I should look for.

The soundcard doesn't matter if you're using an external interface like you mentioned. It could be that you could even not have a soundcard in the computer.

I'm using a Delta 1010LT on a dual 1GHz Mac desktop with 1.5 GB RAM and it works fine. The Delta card picking up noise - I've never heard of that.

The Delta works fine. It's a bargain. The A/D conversion is it's weak point. It isn't as good sounding as the Lexicon stuff but it does sound good. The Lexicon Omega has an odd monitoring setup I'm not fond of. The Delta has a much better monitoring setup. The Delta is so cheap you could use it and sell it if you don't like it. Chances are you would like it. I don't hear any latency problems with it.

I've been using Cubase since the late 80's and like it.

With the Delta, you end up using 2 outs for monitoring so it's really like only 6 analog outs, if that matters. The 2 mic pre's that the Delta comes with aren't happening. The mic pre's on the Lexicon are better. the Lexicon comes with a great sounding reverb. You can add Delta cards and get a big setup (I think you can use four at once) and they're around $100 used.