Is it worth buying a pro soundcard if I'm more interested in playback than recording?

[richyboy]

Hi all

Just a quick question on whether I need a "pro" soundcard or not.

I'm generally just going to use software synths with an external dummy keyboard, and some CSound, to build up tracks which I guess I'd record straight to hard drive and remix with a "Pro Tools" kind of package - I'm actually going to try Linux, so I suppose it would be something like Audacity or Ardour.

As that's my main interest, is there any point in me buying a budget "pro" soundcard - from what I can tell, these cards have better AD/DA convertors and more flexible analogue and digital IOs. So for sampling and external multitrack recording I can see the obvious advantage.

But, considering my basic requirements, would I still notice a difference between a bog standard Creative card and something like an Audiophile 2596? I guess the number (and quality) of virtual tracks I could play back in one go would be more dependent on my computer's performance (CPU, HD speed etc) than the actual soundcard itself.

I'm sure there are a few folks out there who have gone down this route, so any comments anyone? Thanks.

 

[Stealthtech]

Consider your soundsource (monitors, etc)
I would much rather prefer something like an audiophile 2496 vs. an SB. You will take advantage of this card if you have it and it certainly performs better.