Latency question when outputting to Firewire audio devices..
 

Hi everyone. I'm wanting to replace my crappy soundblaster 16 (Don't laugh) and like the idea of an external interface that I could use for recording as well with a laptop if I need it. My main priority though is simple sound playback. So, when playing back video in Vegas, would I have some sort of latency going out firewire, to the box -> to my monitors or would audio and sound seem in sync.

Sounds like a weird question, but whenever I read about these devices people talk about all this latency that's in them. I know they're mainly talking recording but I'm interested to know if that's for simple playback too.

Cheers
Aaron

Any latency greater than 5ms is unacceptable on record, and you should experience no latency on playback, of course.
Most of the 2 channel USB cards will be fine, but all of the Firewire cards I've recently experienced are fine. Echo and M-Audio are my primary choices, unless you're in Apple land, and then the MOTU should be a consideration too.
I wouldn't worry much about latency, and latency is more related to your app these days, vs the driver.

Thanks Spot.

Aaron

Spot,

What is your reason for not recommending MOTU on the PC?

MOTU has horrible tech support for PC, second, MOTU has always been "PC-second" and even as recently as NAB, I was told by a MOTU rep that "PC users aren't as numerous as Mac users." For MOTU that might be true, given that they've always had a strong Mac base. They develop on Mac, they are a primary partner for Apple, and their Mac drivers are rock solid. PC always takes a second seat, and that's fine, if that's their attitude and market direction. They build very fine products, and I can't say anything negative about the product itself. That said, there are lots of products that are aimed primarily at PC users that cross over to the Apple world as well, that sound just as good, in the same price points. The MOTU stuff surely is sexy looking though! :-)

Spot,

Thanks for the insight on MOTU having an Apple dominated user base. The Traveler sure looks like a versatile and *sexy* product though :)