Digital Input on Soundcards

[Recording Engineer]

I'm considering purchasing an Apogee Rosetta A/D converter and need a sound card as well. My question is will any sound card (consumer) with compatiable digital connectors work as far as quality goes? Or do I need a more semi-pro card? I know that there are bit transfer limitations on cards, but I only need 16 bits because I will dither from 24 to 16 on the Rosetta. I'll also need MIDI capabilities (which means if I need a semi-pro card, I'll need a second card with MIDI connectors). In either case, can someone recommend some cards? By the way, I'm in the PC format.

 

[Recording Engineer]

Also, the MIDI needs to sync to SMPTE/MMC.

 

[drstawl]

I've heard some really clean stuff done via the digital I/O of a SB Live! card. When you say MIDI capabilities, are you talking about just a MIDI port or an onboard synth? The SMPTE/MMC sync is a software issue once you've got a physical MIDI port.

 

[Recording Engineer]

I'm just talking about a MIDI Port. Now that I think about it, I'm getting the Opcode 64xtc soon for computer, ADAT, and reel-to-reel sync. Will the MIDI bay part of that work for my MIDI Port to my computer (going through the COM Port of course)? By the way, thanks for reminding me that sync for a computer has to do with the software. I'll be using Voyestra's Digital Orchestrator Pro (because I got it for free) for sequencing automation with an outboard 16 ch. MegaMix VCA.