Lowest Possible Latency PCI Interface for PC?

[d_fu]

Originally Posted by Soundone

Ideally I would like to be be able to record direct guitar and monitor the input as processed via VST plug-ins such as Amplitube 2 with as short a latency as possible. To achieve this, I need a PC audio interface with extremely low latency.

Latency in this case is not something the audio interface determines, or in other words, audio interfaces don't "have" latency as such (apart from the converters etc.). The CPU (or a dedicated DSP card) renders plugins, not the audio card. Achievable latency is a question of overall system performance.


Daniel

[Soundone]

Thanks for clarifying. My understanding of the system is that the interface contributes to latency in a few ways.

* Integration with bus architecture - software driver design and partly OS-dependent

* Speed of A/D, D/A converters

[d_fu]

Originally Posted by Soundone

Thanks for clarifying. My understanding of the system is that the interface contributes to latency in a few ways.
* Integration with bus architecture - software driver design and partly OS-dependent
* Speed of A/D, D/A converters

That's right, but it's a minor factor, I would say. First and foremost, lots of plugins need lots of CPU...

[Soundone]

Originally Posted by d_fu

That's right, but it's a minor factor, I would say. First and foremost, lots of plugins need lots of CPU...

Agreed. The Dell Dimension 9200 I'm looking at is built around a 2.4 ghz Core 2 Duo. 2 gigs of DDR2 667, 7200 SATA HD. Plan to use a Firewire external HD for audio. $1100 bucks with a 22" flatscreen, seems like a great deal.

Would love a Mac but don't have the $$$. Maybe next year.

[Malcolm Boyce]

I would say the reason why you don't read much about latency is because for the most part, it's a non issue. Most new or current systems can get down under 5ms with processing, if dialed in properly with good drivers.

My experience is, that spending the time learning the parameters of your given system, and how you can tweak it to perform for your needs, is the whole game. Unfortunately, unless you buy a system built with audio interface and software set up by someone else, you have to spend the hours, and days getting things just right.

My experience with the Digi002, MOTU, and M-Audio interfaces have all been similar with respect to latency, and their ability to monitor with processing, including high drain plugs like Guitar Rig.