USB Audio Int & Virtual Synths

[sc2071]

Greetings,

I'm currently using an M-Audio Delta 2496 PCI card in my PC. This does a nice job of running virtual synths for me.

Lately though, I'm needing a small mixer perhaps with a mic preamp, and it looks like M-Audio, Cakewalk, and E-MU offer USB Audio Interfaces that will do all of that.

My question is, do USB Audio Interfaces accelerate Virtual Synths as well? So, that one of these could replace my PCI card? And if so, how is the performance? Is it the same or better than a PCI card?

Thanks in advance for the advice!

 

[Jim Lad]

I just bought the M Audio, Audiophile 2496 for my spare P.C. yesterday and have owned the Fast Track Pro in the past.
Performance wise (Just for playback) the Audiophile at $100, outshines the Fast Track Pro but it does not replace it.
The Fast Track Pro is loaded with features. Has two preamps (I'm guessing, about 55dB), inserts, headphone jack and phantom power but does struggle under a heavy load.
I'd say, don't replace your card but add a USB device and benefit from both.

 

[sc2071]

Thanks for the reply. Guess I'm wondering now if I'd just be better off with a Mic Preamp such as the M-Audio DMP3, and just plug that into the Audiophile 2496. Hmm, decisions...

 

[Jim Lad]

No.
Look, for another $50 - $100 you get yourself a decent audio interface.
That's the right tool for the job. I'd go with Edirol or M Audio (not the M Audio USB)
What I'm thinking though, is that you use the audio interface for recording. (Typically 24/44.1) and then when it gets down to editing, you switch over to the PCI card for playback.
You're ahead of the game for playback but for recording, ......not so much.