Pci audio interface cards – Apple Soundtrack Pro 2 User Manual
Page 489
Appendix C
Working with Professional Video and Audio Equipment
489
Make sure you don’t exceed the total bandwidth of the USB bus. USB 1.1 has a fairly low
data rate, so be careful not to add too many USB items to the bus. Ideally, USB audio
interfaces are always directly connected to your computer, not connected via a hub or
to the computer’s display, keyboard, or another peripheral. If you are having audio
problems with a USB interface connected to a hub, try removing USB devices and
eliminating the hub from the connection.
USB 2.0 audio interfaces are also available. Because USB 2.0 devices can handle high
data rates (similar to FireWire 400), you can treat them similarly to FireWire audio
interfaces (see “
PCI Audio Interface Cards
Peripheral Connect Interface (PCI) interfaces, unlike FireWire and USB interfaces, require
that you install a dedicated sound card in your computer. Of all the audio interfaces,
PCI audio interfaces provide the maximum transfer speed and can support many
channels with high sample rates. Many PCI audio interface cards come with a separate
breakout box where the audio input and output connectors are located.
PCI Audio Interface Card with Built-in Connectors
Some PCI audio interface cards have audio connectors attached directly to the card.
Because there is limited space on a PCI card to mount audio connectors, RCA
connectors are typically used.
Computer
(PCI card with
connectors)
Audio or video device
RCA connector (2)