Sound card advice

EDIT: Why is the text scrunching up like this? Everything was in paragraphs... Hi, I've built a new computer recently and now I need a new sound card because my old one isn't compatible with the new motherboard (PCIe only). I use Sonar X1 with a whole bunch of Eastwest VSTs, among other things, I also record live guitar and and use mics for recording acoustic instruments, so I need something that gives really low latency, supports ASIO, but at the same time I need something that has great sound quality for listening to music and playing games. I've seen that the ASUS Xonar Essence STX has gotten great reviews and sound quality, but I can't find any information on whether it has good latency for music production. I'll also be needing an audio interface in order to plug my guitars/mics into, and I've decided on the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 as it has enough inputs for what I need. What concerns me though is using the audio interface, and the PCIe soundcard together during music production... won't both drivers clash with each other? If I plug my headphones into the interface and not my PC, will I be hearing sound that IT is processing, or my PCIe soundcard? Is buying a soundcard that enhances sound bad for music production (I can turn enhancements off though, surely)? The whole thing is confusing me a little bit. TLDR: Want a new set up with the following: -Great latency with ASIO support for VSTs and keyboard. -An interface to plug my guitars/mics into. -Good sound quality for listening to music/games. Thanks

Hey, I apologize for the wall of text, I'm not sure why it's doing that as I'm separating stuff into paragraphs. What I meant was that I wanted an internal PCIe card (I'm using the on-board audio for now, new PC), for listening to music and general use, but also to get the lowest latency I can. I need an external interface as well in order to plug my guitars/mics in. I hope that makes sense, Cheers!

What I meant was that I wanted an internal PCIe card (I'm using the on-board audio for now, new PC), for listening to music and general use, but also to get the lowest latency I can. I need an external interface as well in order to plug my guitars/mics in.

It is clear enough what you want, but not why you think you need it. A good external audio interface should be able to do low enough latency to do your recording/mixing. It will also do any audio output that you need, from any source for any purpose. One interface is enough. For that matter, unless you have exceptionally noisy onboard audio, that should give you good enough quality to listen to music, play games etc. if you want to move the computer of just not hook up the external interface for those uses. Sound output does not demand much, and onboard audio on most contemporary motherboards is fine. 


Many professional studios find no problem using a low latency external interface. Most of the troublesome latency in audio work occurs when the computer processes the sound before looping it back to the headphones. That latency cannot be resolved by using a "faster" (or even an instantaneous) interface. Remember that the kind of "latency" difference we are talking about between USB and PCIe direct connection, is on the order or the kind of latency you get by standing a few feet from the microphone or another band member. The speed of sound introduces more latency than the electronics in a lot of applications, and human beings cannot hear two sounds as different unless they are at least 5-30 msec apart. If you think you need to save a microsecond or two by connecting directly to PCIe, then you still do not need a third (onboard + PCIe + USB or firewire) audio interface. You just need a PCIe card with a breakout box to handle your inputs. 

And a good external interface can be connected to a laptop or another band member's computer easily.

Yeah, I have to agree with others.  I always used an internal PCI card (Lynx AES16) for years because at that time it gave me the best latency performance.  However, that card I've owned for almost 10 years now started to have issues and I started looking for other options.   After much research, I chose the RME Babyface USB and I am beyond impressed with it.  The latency is fantastic and RME makes lean drivers too.

I almost pulled the trigger on a Octa capture myself, but knew the reputation of RME and wanted another audio interface I could use for a decade.

Definitely consider external audio interfaces because it will allow you to use a USB port rather than an internal slot (PCIe).  If you do, go to the forum site of the vendor your considering and read the posts about drivers stablity and latency.  That is where you will most likely hear about issues you might not hear about in these forums because they are asking the manufacturer to help.

Hopefully that will help.  Good luck on your decision.

Tom

Hey!

I've just ordered myself a Scarlett 2i4 interface, thanks to all the information you've all given me and after a bit more research I settled on that one. I was under the impression that you needed both an internal AND external card! Kind of glad I don't have to buy two now.

I appreciate all the help and patience.

Cheers! :)
 
Goddard, thanks for linking me to that site, it was very helpful.