Lost in the Jargon....

[powerlight]

***** Can someone explain the difference between USB, PCI... and the advantages to using either. (or point me somewhere I can get this info.)***

As a musician who is new to the world of technology I'm having some trouble figuring out exactly what I should be looking for to do some recording on my PC.

Through MUCH research and talking to people I've decided on the M-Audio Audiophile 2496 as the card I'm going to buy.

Now the only problem is I didn't know there were different kinds (USB, PCI...) and I'll be damned if I can get through the jargon associated with all this stuff!

Bear with me, I have spent HOURS and HOURS doing searches, browsing websites and discussion boards and I'm at my wits end!

I'm not looking for the top of the line, I just want to record some acoustic stuff on my PC.

PLease Help!!!!

 

[crankz1]

The Audiophile will do ya just fine. It is a PCI card that gets inserted into one of the slots inside your computer.
PCI is a better interface than USB in that it's data transfer rates are far greater.
A USB audio interface/soundcard is an external unit that connects to a computer via a USB cable. Normally only used when no PCI slots are available as with a laptop.
If your computer is a desktop and not a laptop .... get a PCI soundcard. The Audiophile is a good quality card.
If it is a laptop ... you can't use a PCI card. Well not without spending at least a grand.
The best bets for laptops are FireWire or PCMCIA .... more jargon to throw ya.

 

[Cloneboy Studio]

How much research could you have done if you didn't look up what USB and PCI is? How can you make a decision without that info?

::

 

[powerlight]

Crankz1: Thanks for that tidbit. That was what I needed...