Most of the daws I've put together in this batch of i7 systems have SPDIF ports in both RCA and optical forms. Both from the motherboard. If that latency is acceptable then perhaps you can still do that. I know the 1010lt has SPDIF in and out. Hmm yu just gave me an idea! I'm going to try the spdif in and record something, see if I get the same crackling noise through it. That might determine or help determine if the issue is A/D related, something on the card, something on the system etc. Thanks! Lol I'm actually now considering what interface I'll be looking for next, I was thinking of a focusrite saffire, or something in that $500 price range. I know I'll need low latency for my synths, and at least 16 ins, not all have to be preas though, at least 2 of those... D!J!X! -----Original Message----- From: ddots-l-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:ddots-l-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of Chris Smart Sent: Wednesday, November 03, 2010 10:43 AM To: ddots-l@xxxxxxxxxxxxx Subject: [ddots-l] Re: M-audio fast track pro At 10:50 PM 11/2/2010, you wrote: >What system are you getting? Most onboard cards now come with optical >and are very good if you mean for regular use. Hi DJX. I'm not sure exactly what the system specs will be, but assume latest Intel or AMD stuff, Windows 7 etc. By S/PDIF I mean running a single S/PDIF cable from the machine to my really good DAC. That's what I'm currently doing for mixing/mastering since I can get such low latency with the M-audio card. Jaws I still have going through a hardware synth, believe it or not. Chris PLEASE READ THIS FOOTER AT LEAST ONCE! To leave the list, click on the immediately following link: ddots-l-request@xxxxxxxxxxxxx?subject=unsubscribe If this link doesn't work then send a message to: ddots-l-request@xxxxxxxxxxxxx and in the Subject line type unsubscribe For other list commands such as vacation mode, click on the immediately following link: ddots-l-request@xxxxxxxxxxxxx?subject=faq or send a message, to ddots-l-request@xxxxxxxxxxxxx and in the Subject line type faq PLEASE READ THIS FOOTER AT LEAST ONCE! To leave the list, click on the immediately following link: ddots-l-request@xxxxxxxxxxxxx?subject=unsubscribe If this link doesn't work then send a message to: ddots-l-request@xxxxxxxxxxxxx and in the Subject line type unsubscribe For other list commands such as vacation mode, click on the immediately following link: ddots-l-request@xxxxxxxxxxxxx?subject=faq or send a message, to ddots-l-request@xxxxxxxxxxxxx and in the Subject line type faq