Pci interfaces

[Nathan1984]

I'm looking into going alittle bigger with my recording. I am not ready to just go out and get a full blow console but I am curious as to how pci interfaces work. If someone could explain how you use them, that would be extremely helpful. Also, what do you guys recommend for the best possible middle step I guess from home studio to full blown studio.

 

[PRHunt]

Not sure you what you mean by "how pci interfaces work". If you mean the actual pci standard, you can read this document.

If you mean pci-based sound interfaces, then they work pretty much like usb or firewire devices, except with greater bandwidth and lower latency. You can buy multi-channel interfaces which may or may not have in-built mic pre-amps.

Do you have a preference for pci?

If you spell out exactly what you need to know, you will most likely draw more helpful responses.

Paul

 

[Nathan1984]

I am thinking about getting a pci sound card like a m-audio delta 1010, or rme card or something. I wanted to figure out how that all works, if I have the card with say just adat inputs, do i get a mic pre with digital out, like a art tube pre with adat to use as my mic pres?

 

[PRHunt]

The Delta 1010 family have 8 analog inputs/outputs, one s/pdif in/out and ? midi in/out. The Delta 1010LT uses a "dongle" to receive all connections, so you would have a bunch of cables hanging off the back of the PC. There is also get a rack mounting version which may be more convenient to use. The Delta requires line level signals for the most part (the LT apparently has 2 x mic pres), so you will need preamps if you want to record microphones or low-level instruments.

Otherwise, if your pci card connect via adat then yes, you would need a pre with adat out.

Hope that helps.

Paul