First I want to thank all of you for your responses. They are very helpful.

Scott - no I’m not convinced that I need a PCI type of interface. I am way behind the learning curve when it comes to sound cards as I’ve used mine for 7 years now and things have changed a lot. I’m basing everything on what I have read and not practical experience. I have read that USB and FW ports have higher latency than PCI(e) interfaces. I do a lot of recording thus I need very low latency.

You are also right about the mic inputs. I only really need two with mic pre-amps. Three or more would be nice but I can add them with my small mixing board.

The only thing I’m concerned about with my current card are the drivers. This card is no longer being made and although Creative says there are beta drivers for win 7 who knows if they will finalize them.

ZeroZero – Yes, I am getting a MB with USB 3 ports but unfortunately I have not seen a USB audio interface yet. This is another reason I’m shying away from a USB2 unit. Will it be obsolete in a year or two?

Bluzkeez1 – thanx for the Echo line tip.

Mick – the driver issue is why I’m looking for a new sound card and yes I am looking at PCI(e) cards also.

Charlie McG – thanx for reminding me that I do have small Behringer mixer! That is how I’m recording vocals now.

Thanx all! Hearing about practical experience is much more valuable than reading specs!

Whenever I get something stuck in the back of my throat, I dislodge it by drinking a beer.
It's called the Heineken Maneuver.

64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware