You need to look into a dedicated interface.

Get a USB connected, interface that can run native ASIO drivers. Native simply means no codecs and no wrappers like ASIO4ALL. Just the real ASIO drivers. The interface will also run all the other drivers as well but you need ASIO to do it right.

These cards/interfaces will make ALL the difference in the world.

I bought a Focusrite Saffire interface. Recording is now as natural as it's supposed to be. Latency is so low it's non-existant for all practical purposes. Under 8ms with my rig. 10 to 12ms is as high as you want it to be. Everything in my system plays totally in sync including the CPU heavy soft synths I have in the DAW.

Focusrite, Presonus, Roland, M-Audio..... just a few brands to look into. Avoid the "magical usb cord gizmos" because they may be cheap but they are not a good solution. Also avoid USB mics for similar reasons.

Don't be afraid to spend the money for a good interface. It's the heart of your studio and a good one makes like in the studio so much sweeter and easier, plus, it will last you for many years. My interface moved from my Dell lappy to my custom built DAW and still keeps working after more then 7 years......


Look for the proper number of inputs and outputs you will need, phantom power for condenser mics, audio preamps for guitars and mics, ASIO driver support, USB connection vs Firewire... go for USB.

You can find my music at:
www.herbhartley.com
Add nothing that adds nothing to the music.
You can make excuses or you can make progress but not both.

The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.