Thanks so very much Jim, I really appreciate this. I didn't want to increase bandwidth by posting a new topic, but perhaps it's a good idea. While I have you, may I dig a bit deeper with you for clarification? Your reply is very well written, but my ignorance requires I hit you up again.

I'm familiar with the latency concept. To clarify, the USB mic does not have a headphone jack as I know some of the Blue mics do. Rather, as I state, I'm plugged into a 3.5mm output jack on a hub that's part of my CyberAcoustics speaker system- a desk-mounted on/off and volume switch. There's a touch of latency which sounds like a mild, not unpleasing slapback. It's not ideal, but it's not so distracting that I can't play/think.

So, with that in mind Jim, and also allowing for the possibility of desiring a better headphone mix (the recording instrument's relationship to the playback tracks is currently fixed [only one output volume for the speaker hub]), I'm not sure how to digest your response:

1. Stick w/ a USB mic w/ a headphone output

2. Go w/ the the A-T2035 XLR that I really want into a Focusrite Scarlet USB interface, taking the headphone output from it

3. Something else

I believe you think option 2 will cause excessive latency? I believe you think option 1 is best? Anything else you can offer to guide me is much appreciated. I believe many folks go the XLR/USB route. I suspect my sound card is goo but not great. FWIW, I was not impressed with Blue's Yeti or Snowball. I realize there are other makers, but I had come to feel that an XLR condenser would be of better quality for horns than the USBs.

Thanks very much again!

Best, Warren

Warren A. Keller- Woodwindist/Producer
Spontaneous Groovin' Combustion
Tune 9 Music- SESAC