I don't do any recording (i.e. with microphones) -- just strictly work with VSTs and MIDI in Sonar X1. I'm currently using the generic USB audio out interface (with ASIO4ALL), which is fine, but only goes up to 24-bit/48khz. Also, I'm a purist, so I want to continue using my Headroom Desktop amp, which has built-in DAC (that supports 24-bit/96Khz via spdif input).

So the solution I'm looking for won't introduce any analogue audio between X1 and my headphone amp. 

Will something like this work:

1) Get audio interface that supports 24/96 (e.g. m-audio fast track pro).
2) Connect computer USB out to audio interface USB in.
3) Connect audio interface spdif out to my DAC spdif in.
4) In Sonar, set audio to 24/96.

Any recommendations?

Thanks!

your headphone amp has spdif etc ? 

otherwise you will introduce it.

What do you expect to get with a 96 khz sample rate? Are your ears that good? Meaning you can hear frequencies beyond 20 khz? 

the roland quadcapture is quite nice imo

i have a vs700r i will sell you for $1400. comes wih the original box.

If you don't do any recording with live mic's or guitars, there's no reason to shoot for 96kHz. UNLESS ... that is what the output of your synths and vst's is. If your synths and samples are only 48kHz/24bit, you'll gain nothing by using 96kHz/24bit.

There's a lot of good reason to record at 96kHz and higher if you are doing any kind of live work. Biggest reason is the higher your sample rate, the lower your latency. Essential for guitar work.

As for which interface ... it's hard to say. I think now is a bad time to buy an interface with Windows 8 right around the corner. If there's any problems with Windows 7 drivers, they may not get updated going forward, and if you are planning on using Windows 8, there may not be drivers available for it when the time comes to switch.

It's not a good time to upgrade or make a purchase right now in my opinion.

If you don't do any (or much) recording then why not M-Audio Fast Track? You don't even have to go for the Pro...the 400 or 800 would do. I have a Fast Track 400 and it's great. 

John


What do you expect to get with a 96 khz sample rate? Are your ears that good? Meaning you can hear frequencies beyond 20 khz? 

I don't know if my ears are that good. I figure that 96 khz is around for a reason, especially since people are paying for it.

Bub


If you don't do any recording with live mic's or guitars, there's no reason to shoot for 96kHz. UNLESS ... that is what the output of your synths and vst's is. If your synths and samples are only 48kHz/24bit, you'll gain nothing by using 96kHz/24bit.

There's a lot of good reason to record at 96kHz and higher if you are doing any kind of live work. Biggest reason is the higher your sample rate, the lower your latency. Essential for guitar work.

As for which interface ... it's hard to say. I think now is a bad time to buy an interface with Windows 8 right around the corner. If there's any problems with Windows 7 drivers, they may not get updated going forward, and if you are planning on using Windows 8, there may not be drivers available for it when the time comes to switch.

It's not a good time to upgrade or make a purchase right now in my opinion.

Thanks for the advice Bub. My VSTs are 96kHz or better.

Fog


your headphone amp has spdif etc ? 

otherwise you will introduce it.

As written: 
3) Connect audio interface spdif out to my DAC spdif in.