Originally Posted By: Warren Keller
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. Cyber Acoustics has one also. See +++ HERE +++ 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.The Cyber Acoustics headphone jack replaces the computer headphone jack used by the Cyber Acoustics powered speakers. While latency is presently acceptable, you likely will find latency quickly becomes unacceptable as you add audio tracks and apply effects. While both PG Music programs should not add much more latency than Audacity remember that Audacity performs all its effect processing offline while every DAW, including RealBand, processes audio in real time while you're listening to playback. I believe you will need a zero latency headphone jack sooner than you 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? No, I just did not want to make my post read like you GOT to have an audio interface. If I had a fixed amount of money and had to choose between purchasing a Focusrite Scarlett USB interface or Band-in-a-Box, I'd spend it on Band-in-a-Box. If you have the money to get both, the Focusrite Scarlett is a good choice for an audio interface. Many forum members like the interfaces. There is a broad range to select from and the interfaces were recently redesigned. Since you are thinking of getting an interface and microphone you might want to consider a "studio package". You can find more about them +++ HERE +++ 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!

Jim Fogle - 2026 BiaB (Build 1224) RB (Build 8) - Ultra+ PAK
DAWs: Cakewalk Sonar - Standalone: Zoom MRS-8
Desktop: i7 Win 11, 12GB ram 256GB SSD, 4 TB HDD
Music at: https://fogle622.wix.com/fogle622-audio-home