Choosing a sound card for home recording

[ZMdHtr606]

I've been researching which sound card to buy for a build I am beginning soon. The problem is that, with more and more research, I get farther and farther away from being able to make a decision. The only thing I know for sure as far as my audio goes is that I will be using Pro Tools. What do I need to know? What should I be asking? Where do I begin? Help!

Thanks,
~jd.

[ZMdHtr606]

I'm thinking this one: Newegg.com - Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi Titanium HD 24-bit 96KHz Sound Card

but if there is something that is of comparable quality for less money, i'd like to hear about it!

~jd.

[ShyguyXPC]

FORGET Creative Cards for Audio Recording, they're intended for General Purpose Listening and Gaming more than anything.

If you look into any Creative Products, you should be looking at the E-MU Products (Creatives Professional Audio Subsidiary Brand/Company). Currently I Don't think Newegg Sells them though.

or M-Audio Products: Newegg.com - Computer Hardware,Input Devices,Sound Cards,M-AUDIO

At the Very Least, for regular Consumer, Audiophile and similar cards, I'd be looking at the C-media chip products that Auzentech, HT Omega and some others sell.

Even the Asus Products would be better: Newegg.com - Computer Hardware,Input Devices,Sound Cards,ASUS

Newegg.com - Computer Hardware,Input Devices,Sound Cards,HT Omega

I know these are much better for listening purposes, but not sure how they are for Recording and Production work (Asus/HT Omega Products listed)

Creative's Products have for a LOOONG time now, always had Driver issues, bugs that are never worked out, and other audio artifacts like static, Popping issues, etc, when listening to audio, in various hardware setups, Operating Systems and Games/Programs.

They have a rep for never really fixing anything, taking for ever to release updates that do address some issues... etc, and more or less make disposable, high priced "High quality" Audio cards.

My HT Omega Strike 7.1 (Cheapest and only model HT Omega Made at the time), was served me well for gaming, and audio listening now for at least 2+ years, granted its had a few hiccups, but eventually some of those were fixed with driver updated, mainly issues in Windows 7 (Pre release beta versions, and Official retail release versions).

I still have issues with some games not detecting proper surround sound settings (one game I have to set it for 4.1 Quadraphonic, in order to get Audio out of my center channel on my Home Theater Receiver, meanwhile most other games work fine with 5.1 set in game).

If BigBoneHead was on right now I think he'd be able to better advice on choices though.

But I'm pretty sure he'd be recommending at least M-Audio or E-MU Products as well.

[bigBonehead]

M-Audio makes excellent pro-sumer cards in the 100 > 200$ range... I use a Delta 66 w/Omni Breakout box, but have used the 2496 in the past and was completely satisfied.