Soundcards or Audio Interface

[Aean]

Do these two things pretty much do the same thing? Does a soundcard give better results?

Basically, what's the difference (if any).

[glynevans]

Hi,
Id also like to know whether there is an advantage of getting a firewire compatible interface or to get a good quality sound card ie. E-MU 1616 (or similar)

[tatteredstudios]

Really simple....Your interface IS your soundcard !

[MatsonMusicBox]

wide selection of things here - depends on how many channels you want to record at once, whether you need pre's on the interface, whether you need/want digital ins, midi in/out, etc.

Think of a sound card as an "interface light" (though some can be very good). It's up to you if you wanna go Firewire or PCI. It's also a budget thing too, of course.

I use an RME Fireface 800 going into SONAR. I have a MOTU Midi Xpress XT for my MIDI interface.

[glynevans]

I see, but surely its important to have a decent soundcard in order to take care of a decent part of audio operation, or is that done by a good firewire interface?

[tatteredstudios]

That is done by the interface