New computer, or audio interface?

[proudpastafarian]

Hey guys,

I'm getting into music production with Ableton Live 8. I use my synth as a MIDI controller, and use mostly VST synths for stuff, because I have too much latency to input any sounds. Latency for me is a big problem, and my sound card on my computer sucks a lot, but then again, my computer sucks too. I hope to eventually get both, but which do you guys think is more important- getting an entire new computer, or getting an audio interface? I would really like to have the capability of having separate headphone and master mixes as well. I also would like to record my band, which requires audio inputs.

[baseband]

i'd say the audio interface will give you more bang for your buck right now, especially if you already have a synth. something like this (http://www.focusrite.com/products/audio ... ire_pro_24) would easily transfer over to a new computer too (assuming both have firewire)

[proudpastafarian]

Thanks for the reply. I'm on a limited budget, I'm checking out the interface you just showed me, but I was also thinking about an M-audio fast track ultra, which has plenty of inputs for everyone my band. Using the audio interface as a sound card would decrease MIDI latency, correct?

[baseband]

that m-audio looks pretty good. i'd definitely go for something in that direction, and i bet you can get one refurb/used for cheap.

usually, the worst latency issues will come from audio rather than midi. i'm not sure how you differentiate between an audio interface and a sound card. i have always used the two term interchangeably (a sound card just being an audio interface in a "card format" which is put in a PCI/PCI-express slot).

A high-quality external audio interface will almost always give you a drastic reduction in input/output latency ability for audio. On my old laptop, if I used cubase with the built-in sound I couldnt get below 300ms in+out latency. When I used a SB audigy 2zs card (PCI express format), I got it down in to around 40ms for output (i never really used it for input). It would need to be increased on bigger arrangements, but it was pretty decent. I bought that focusrite saffire box about a year ago and can do in+out at less than 15ms. On my current computer (desktop, home-assembled) I can bring it down even lower than that.

long story short: a decent interface will help with latency. so will a faster processor and more memory (if you use a lot of VSTs)

[proudpastafarian]

Alright, sounds good. I like the saffire 24 too, thanks for the recommendation.

[baseband]

no worries, best of luck