USB OR PCI

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Member Since: Jan 15, 2003

I am looking for a interface/soundcard for my computer sould I go usb or pci

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Administrator
Since: Apr 03, 2002


Jan 20, 2003 01:29 pm

Depends on your needs, USB means it would be external so you could bring it to a friends house and it wouldn't use an IRQ so you wouldn't deal with those potential conflicts. PCI means it would reside inside your PC and therefore not take up any precious real estate on your desk. I go for internal myself.

Contributor
Since: Dec 30, 2002


Jan 20, 2003 06:08 pm

I would go for PCI, from experience.

I used to own an M-Audio Quattro (4 in, 4 out USB soundcard) - not cheap at £200. Had no end of problems with it from poor drivers, to pops, clicks and constant drop-outs. Sonically the card was fine, but you have to remember that USB1 bandwidth is very limited (11Mbps) and audio (epecially at high sampling rates and bit depths) will happily eat all of this and more for breakfast.

Go for PCI unless you REALLY need the portability USB may offer...

Contributor
Since: Sep 09, 2002


Jan 20, 2003 08:59 pm

some of these newer external audio interfaces are using USB2.0 which is as fast as IEEE 1394 (firewire). ultimately i'd like to have a laptop with a USB2.0 interface that i could also use at home on my desktop (or anywhere i took it for that matter)

Czar of Midi
Administrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002


Jan 22, 2003 07:49 pm

If you are going the route of USB, I would put my 2 cent's worth in here. Look at M-Audio and Edirol. As of right now they have the most stabel driver's out for USB audio interface's that are affordable. If you are looking to spend a bit more money, you could go the EZ-Bus route. That unit is an intagrated mixer and USB audio and midi interface all in one. And it will also control your DAW through the USB or midi.

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