A silly question.

[lamalta]

I'm going to buy a DAW soon and I need help in the way of soundcards. I really don't know alot about computers, so you could say I don't actually know what a sound card does. I'll be using an external D/A converter.

My question is, does a better sound card actually "compute" a better digital signal that I will run to my external D/A, or is that all the motherboard/processer/etc's doing and the soundcard is just a D/A and I/O?

I ask because I'm trying to figure out what I need from a soundcard and how much I should spend.

Thanks.

[dawboxpro]

Do not concern yourself with A/D and D/A most cards have this down with great results.

The key here is getting your sounds into the computer. If they are samples than they are and they will sound the same all the way to CD.

D/A is the cards output into the real world as a analog signal A/D is the reverse or capture of that.

When you record mix and burn a CD you are really doind an A/D to D, "D" being the CD-burn from the computer internaly from the software mix in your computer.

you can play that sound out of your DAW or PC into a DAT or a mixer from it's outs or monitor outs and record that.

That is D/A and sounds good at a high level with the right card.

If you have a burner do not worry about D/A
www.dawbox.com (http://www.dawbox.com) (Computers/Soundcards for Musicians)

[lamalta]

Hi, I'm wondering if you can answer a few more questions

My external D/A is audiophile grade and I'm only using it to get the sounds from my computer to my monitor rig with best sound. So, I understand that everything I do on my computer will be either A/D to D or just all digital (esentially, my converter will have nothing to do in the way of what is actually on my CD).

I guess a better way to have put my question is, will a better soundcard have a direct effect on the sound quality of my work with various softwares, or is that all based on the software itself or the motherboard/processor?

Rather, does a better soundcard actually PRODUCE a better quality sound with my mix/synth work/etc.? Or should I just shop for cards with the little features I need and it all works out the same on the CD?

Sorry if this is confusing. Like I said I don't know much about computer hardware (I actually intend to buy from you http://www.audioforums.com/forums/smile.gif ).

Thanks

[This message has been edited by lamalta (edited 01-05-2004).]