If you don't use loads of external hardware then you don't need loads of analogue inputs/outputs. If you don't record from analogue sound sources like analogue synths or mic sources, then you don't need fabulous Analogue to Digital convertors. If you don't your optical/digital outs at all, then you don't need them.

Pretty simple really.

How much do you have to spend? Otherwise I will just tell you to go out and buy an Apogee Rosetta 200.

quote:

Originally posted by Icone Then say I would not really move from studio to studio and not have much external devices to connect (only one or two); what would be the "best" upgrade?

I'd question whether you need to upgrade at all because it sounds like you don't really need more than what you've already got.

There really aren't that many products worth getting that fall between the price range of an X-Fi and a 828mkII. The latter is only about $700 now I think, and the X-Fi is already what, $200-$250? If you've got even more money to blow then sure, you can go for a Rosetta, they're obscenely expensive ($1500+ for the 200, $2500 for the 800) but obviously very good.

In my mind, the 828 really is *the* upgrade for someone with an Audiophile or an X-Fi, and something like the Rosetta is the upgrade from there. If you don't feel that you need what's on the 828 then IMO it's a waste of cash to upgrade at all.

Just my two cents though. Maybe there are some midrange products that I haven't looked at (although I tend to think of the 828 as a midrange product).

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Pretty much agreed. The 828 MKII/896HD/Traveller sits in the price range where conversion starts to get good.

If you ever plan on doing surround sound mixing, or just listening on a 5.1 sound setup then you need 6 outputs, so bear that in mind. As expensive as a Rosetta 200 is, it doesn't have enough outs to output 5 separate channels and a sub channel.

If you ever plan on playing 2 or more synths (stereo output) at the same time from the same audio interface then logically need at least 4 soundcard inputs (2 stereo channel pairs for both synths. More pairs if you use or plan to use more than 2 synths).

In sound card terms you pay most for conversion, amplification (if it has onboard preamps) and connectivity.

If you are all software and don't ever plan on toying with outboard, then you don't need the extra connectivity. You don't need bajillions of analogue and digital outs.

If you have a tonne of outboard, then you need decent A/D convertors otherwise the first step into your DAW is already wrong.

Its largely about needs and it doesn't sound like you need anything more than an X-Fi at this point. When you start hitting limitations - that is, you want to do something but the limitations of your soundcard are preventing you from doing it, then you need to upgrade.

I want to trade in/sell on my Delta 1010 because I use only 2 outputs, and only 4 inputs. I don't need an 8 out soundcard.

Also, I need a preamp for my guitar, which the 1010 doesn't have. There are cheaper soundcards on the market that are better suited for the purposes I need a soundcard for. I don't see it as a downgrade if I move to a cheaper soundcard that is 4 in 6 out, with preamps and decent convertors.

I'll be able to direct line my Fender Jag without it sounding shit, so I'll be happy either way.

Ok, thanks a lot guys!

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