Hi guys,
 
What would you consider the best brand of sound cards for playing back approx 12 channels of audio and also monitoring a few inputs (WITH FX processing) in X1? The choices seem to be between M-Audio and RME (with costs escalating in that order!).
 
Unless anyone knows of another sound card with exceptionally low latency and rock-solid drivers for Win 7 x64? My requirements are 8 analogue outs, and 8 or 16 ADAT (1 or 2) inputs.
 
Many thanks,
 
Martin

RME products have very low latency drivers and high quality analog audio. In between M-Audio and RME, MOTU is also worth checking out to fit your stated I/O needs.

I have had my M-Audio Fast Track Ultra for over three years and often record and mix tunes with 20-30+  tracks and find this unit rock solid and always reliable. I would recommend M-Audio soundcards to anyone. Big bang for the buck..........Ron.

Hi Martin,
 
If you have the budget, you can't go wrong with anything RME makes.
Great (low) round-trip latency performance, good sound (low noise-floor), and rock-solid drivers

Might want to go to each manufacturer's forum and see what you see about each audio interface.