Ableton Forum

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

-Deleted

(Looks like everyone gave you the info you needed )