Great information all!! Thank you all so much.  All points to what I thought was the base of my problem... the audiophile not having an instrument In/Out.  I got confused because it DOES have inputs and outputs, just not the right kind.  Something I should have known. 

Now... your help has reinforced my thoughts of upgrading my Sound Card, which after a big computer upgrade (to 4core 64) and software upgrade (X2), is now the weakest link.  I'd really like to get a sound card that plays nicely with my current set up and also, obviously, has at least 1 instrument line in.

So I'm off to search and research threads about Sound Cards!

Thanks to all who responded. This is truly a wonderful, civilized and caring community.

Best,
Rob


EDIT: Hmmm after looking up audio interfaces, I don't see a lot of sound cards with Instrument inputs.... Now i'm thinking that I'd need a preamp anyway... so now I'm back to preamps

I get a great sound from my Tele through my cheapo M-Audio Fast Track interface. I don't think I've ever had the gain pot past 9 o'clock before it starts clipping. 

sharke


I get a great sound from my Tele through my cheapo M-Audio Fast Track interface. I don't think I've ever had the gain pot past 9 o'clock before it starts clipping. 

So the Fast Track has an Instrument In? It's a USB interface, isn't it?  I'm gonna go look it up now. I've always been satisfied with my Audiophile USB but I thought I was losing some Latency benefits by not going PCI...

Yeah it's a damn good interface if you're on a reasonably low budget. It has two instrument in and two mic in. It's the C400 model, the 600 model has more inputs I think. I've heard people curse M-Audio drivers but I've never had a problem with mine, in both Sonar and Pro Tools. Mind you I haven't been using Sonar for that long. 

Yes it has hiZ input. Yes it is USB. Generally USB interfaces will have a higher latency than PCI interfaces.

rcrees


Great information all!! Thank you all so much.  All points to what I thought was the base of my problem... the audiophile not having an instrument In/Out.  I got confused because it DOES have inputs and outputs, just not the right kind.  Something I should have known. 

Now... your help has reinforced my thoughts of upgrading my Sound Card, which after a big computer upgrade (to 4core 64) and software upgrade (X2), is now the weakest link.  I'd really like to get a sound card that plays nicely with my current set up and also, obviously, has at least 1 instrument line in.

So I'm off to search and research threads about Sound Cards!

Another option would be to keep the card and pickup something like this:
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/pro-audio/line-6-pod-studio-gx-with-pod-farm
This comes with it's own modelling software but will also allow you to use any other amp modelling software like TH2.
 
For around the same price you could likely get a PodXT which is several years old but sounds great, or splurge on a newer unit like the HD500, which are portable so you can drag your guitar "rig" anywhere. They also function as a stereo USB soundcard. Very low latency as well. They function the same as the StudioGX but have their own internal modelling software. This allows you to use them with or without a computer. If you use it with a computer you can use it to send a "dry" signal if you prefer and substitute other amp software.
These options may not suit your needs but if you play guitar much you may be able to solve two issues at once.

And what do you know, it's only $149.99 on Sweetwater these days. Holy crap I paid a lot more than that!

http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/C400

I'm using a Focusrite Scarlett 18i6 plugged straight in and have gotten some pretty good results with GR5 and X1. Now with X2 and TH2 it's working amazingly. It's $300 and has tons of i/o options but the Scarlett series have scaled down models for less. I was gonna go with a Fast Track at first but I'm happier with the choice I made. I can record a full band demo with all the 8 analog inputs alone with a basic drum micing set up. However if I hook another interface or mic pre unit via the optical connection I can get an additional 8 ins at 44,1khz for a total of 16. It also has midi i/o, separate monitor and headphone levels (no need for an extra unit to control monitor/headphone levels). Other brands to look at are PreSonus, MOTU and of course Roland (who own Cakewalk).

People have had issues with some M-Audio drivers not letting Sonar close properly. I don't think it's an across the board issue but I've seen it mentioned enough that it's worth noting. They are supposed to be nice little boxes though.

sharke


And what do you know, it's only $149.99 on Sweetwater these days. Holy crap I paid a lot more than that!

http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/C400

Wow. This looks like a great replacement for my Audiophile USB.  On my low budget, this looks like a winner.


Thanks, Sharke.... and ALL... you are great!