Hey,
 
As far as I know, the Surface Studio is not out in the real world yet, but I'm considering getting one to use for my DAW.  UP until now, I've always used a built-in PCI card for my audio interface (Delta 44).  The Surface offers USB 3 for connectivity.  Will audio interfaces using this technology perform as well (or better) than my built-in PCI Card.  My main concern is latency when tracking.  I don't want to run into timing issues when recording tracks (such as vocals, etc.) while monitoring previously recorded tracks.    I guess the audio interfaces I might be considering are the Presonus Studio 192 and Tascam US 20x20. Any thoughts on this?
 
Thanks!

I think your best options for low latency are Motu, RME or (and I got one cheap and love it!) ZOOM USB3!
 
R

The Presonus 192 is well "known" for poor latency according to many recording forum posts.  I tried one and the automatic setup procedure on the 192  I wound up with over 22ms of latency.  I was able to manually get it down to 6 ms for recording.  However, the 192 "died" on the second day I had it and it was returned (I should have known, I tried other Presonus units several years ago and they all had hardware problems).  I have an MOTU unit and it works reliably with Input 2.7 msec and Output 3.3 msec (as reported by Sonar).
 
According to one of our DAW PC builder guru's on this forum, USB 3.0 is still "overkill" and we haven't reached USB 2.0 saturation with recording interface units.
 
MOTU and RME seem to be the ones mentioned the most for low latency and drivers. 

eikelbijter
I think your best options for low latency are Motu, RME or (and I got one cheap and love it!) ZOOM USB3!
 
R

Huh.  So you're suggesting that I don't narrow down my choices based on using USB 3.  I figured since it's the latest and greatest that I should try to go that way.  Which MOTU interface are you using?  Those latency stats look great!
 
Thanks!

I'm using an MOTU 896mk3 Hybrid (USB 2.0 and Firewire interfaces). 

fireberd
 
According to one of our DAW PC builder guru's on this forum, USB 3.0 is still "overkill" and we haven't reached USB 2.0 saturation with recording interface units.

True or not there are PCs coming out with only USB3 ports. Time for companies to pony up to the current standard. 

There's a thread on GearSlutz about the Zoom-UAC and USB3 for audio:
https://www.gearslutz.com/board/low-end-theory/1020609-zoom-uac-2-any-thoughts.html 
 
 
 

There's all the Focusrite stuff on USB2.

USB 2 can handle most audio duties at very acceptable latencies.

Good to know!
 
I just found this video which tests out Sonar on a Surface Pro:
 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w_8kNe6flP4&sns=em

If it's just the form factor of the Surface Studio you are attracted to, you might want to consider the Dell Canvas announced at CES 2017.
 
http://www.theverge.com/2017/1/5/14128434/dells-canvas-touchscreen-display-announced-ces-2017
 
You can upgraded your PC, soundcard and get this for the same price or less and probably be better off. It's not out yet but I think you can pre order in February or March. 
 
Cheers,
 
jayson