iMac built in soundcard

[sinutab]

Hello all people

Do you think the iMac soundcard is ok for music production? I don't use microphones or anything. Output is headphone out to my studio monitors.

For example if I spend 200 on M-Audio or Edirol card interface, will there be big sound improvement? or no point?

to me it sounds pretty good from headphone output

hope you get me! thanks! greets

[condra]

Sound quality is a concern but also don't forget latency.

Anyway, the built-in soundcard on the iMac is pretty good, certainly better than the built in soundcard on any PC I've seen.

What monitors do you have? I wouldn't worry about using the iMacs soundcard until it is the weak link in your studio, and you have a bit of extra cash to spend.

[beats me]

External sound cards also help with the computer's performance.

As far as sound quality the speakers and room you are mixing in makes a huge difference too.

At the very least test your mixes on other sound systems. Most people aren't going to be listening to your tracks through your iMac in your room.

[H20nly]

if all you're doing is MIDI, no audio recording and you aren't having any issues with latency... milk that cow till it runs dry.

maybe start tossing some money in a jar or something for the day when you decide to upgrade.

[Khazul]

If internal sound on my MBP is abything to go by, then apart from any possible quality concerns and output level/format etc, there are the following issues as well:
1. Usuable lowest latency is much higher than a decent USB audio interface - might be annoying playing soft synths etc.
2. Takes more CPU compared to a decent USB audio interface - not a huge amount, though might be very noticable on a busy track.

By decent I dont mean expensive ultra high quality audio such as RME, I just something well designed with good drivers - so even something cheap like NI Audio 2 DJ qualifies for example.

[blakjesus]

-Deleted

(Looks like everyone gave you the info you needed )