What audio driver should i be using?

A good external audio interface is usually used for three reasons.

1. To lower latency (both on software synths and audio monitored via the DAW) by using ASIO drivers.
2. To get better preamps and convertors than a PC comes with, and usually a much lower noise floor, especially if recording audio.
3. To get more inputs/outputs so more stuff can be connected.

If you're doing everything in the computer, then so long as the delay between playing a note on a MIDI controller and the software emitting the sound isn't a problem for you then you might be able to manage with just the PC's onboard sound. Quite a lot of people do that. Though an external interface will let you route seperate headphone and monitor outputs which can be very useful.

If the delay is a problem Sonar's WASAPI mode driver might help with that, or WDM is worth trying.

How you're working now might not be how you want to work in the future - if you add hardware instruments for example then you will need a decent interface. One bit of advice therefore is to think ahead. However many inputs and outputs you need now you're quite possibly going to want more later on and it's generally cheaper to buy an interface with more inputs once than to buy a small one and then have to upgrade it later.

Thanks guys! im using ASIO as it giving me the best results atm but as you pointed out a good audio interface for the future is something i must look into so ive decided to buy one. So whats a good one to go for and what features should i be looking for? There is one at my local music store on special called the Focusrite scarlett 2i4 and comes with pro tools and abelton live not that i need more software as i own abelton live 9
Thanks......
 

coltpeacemaker
There is one at my local music store on special called the Focusrite scarlett 2i4
 

I highly recommend it.
Good mic pres, good solid construction, good drivers (always being updated).
You can get them used for under 100 bucks. so don't get taken for a ride by a small local shop.
They are as low as 169 $ new at GC. So there's a cross reference on price.
 
Depending on your needs, the Focusrite solo is 99 $ new as well.
But 2 mic pres' and the dual stereo outputs, pad button on the 214 is worth the extra dough.
 
I have the 18I8 and love it. before that I had a Focusrite usb 4 and also a VS20.
The mic pres' in the scrallet line is very transparent, so other pre amps can be used in conjunction.
As I sad, transparent but nice color when boosted a tad.

coltpeacemaker
Great info cheers i think the  Focusrite scarlett 2i4 is the way to go as it has all i need, it has enough inputs for me as i only really use vst synth! but still leaves me the ability to record instruments if needed.
Thanks guys your wisdom has been taken in lol.....

You wont be sorry.
I have no attachment to Focusrite. My opinion and interests are solely on the fact that they have very little problems and just do what they should.
 
On top of that- When you plug a mic in to the Mic pres' you will be amazed at how nice those mic prs' sound.
Very warm yet still transparent. The midi ports are also very reliable and units construction is built like a mini tank.
Much like a good solid Mackie console.
 
Good luck and happy music making.

I'll bet it's ASIO4ALL.

pwalpwal

John If you see ASIO for your internal audio chip its likely one based on ASIO4All a poor choice.

 
the only asio choice for onboard realtek, etc, that don't provide their own asio driver!
 

mudgelI'll bet it's ASIO4ALL.

it probably is, yet:
 

coltpeacemakerim using ASIO as it giving me the best results atm

 
getting somewhat tiresome, all this anti-asio4all nonsense, it clearly works for many people, indeed the most-used driver with sonar according to the analytics, i'm so sorry you guys couldn't work out how to configure it to work for you
 
@coltpeacemaker - if you do get an external audio device that as its own asio driver, don't forget to uninstall asio4all as sonar may get confused by it (for reasons unknown)

I can somewhat agree with you here on ASIO4ALL gets a bad rap, but with good reason.
Most users who are using it are newbies, there for don't know much about driver support.
They go buy a real interface and try to install the supplied drivers, then the problems begin because they didn't uninstall ASIO4ALL.
 
I have used it in the past but it started becoming more of a problem than a solution.
 

pwalpwal
i'm not sure John and mudgel count as newbies!

of course not. Those guys are seasoned professionals (like you man )
You know what I mean though. Newb's get an interface after years of using a soundblaster with ASIO4ALL, then forget to uninstall it, then they say the ole "Hey why doesn't my sound work" ?

Cool, its settled then. I'm throwing out my Focusrite and installing that old SoundBlaster.