[linux-audio-dev] Low Latency Linux Hardware

[Jesse Chappell]

On Mon, 14 Apr 2003, Craig Bergstrom wrote:
>   My question is this-- where can I find a card that is both linux 
> compatible, and low latency.  Although I've done some serious reading on 
> writing my own drivers, and im about a step away from doing it for some 
> preexisting card, i'd prefer to use some preexisting card.  The other 
> problem is that my budget restricts me to about $200 or so.  I mean i could 
> probably sqeeze about $300-400 if i really needed to.. but Im a poor college 
> student.  (what can I say?)  anyone know of a decent card that I could use 
> in this price range?  I would really apprecaite your feedback.

If all you need is a few analog channels (stereo in/out,midi), 
the Creative Ensoniq AudioPCI (ens1371) is an excellent low-latency 
performer, and you can't beat the price ($15).  The sound quality 
is OK,  depending on your needs.   I have used this card reliably 
on stage with a low-latency kernel at 64 sample buffersize (2 
periods) for a total through latency of 3ms with no overruns.
ALSA drivers.  But if you want to spend more money, there are 
well supported cards like the Audiophile 2496 ($150) that will 
give you digital SPDIF along with stereo in/out and midi.
But I would start with the cheap ens1371 and move up if the sound 
quality is a problem.

I had some issues with EM interference in a 1U rackmount case.  
This was some strange interaction with the A/D and the CPU if 
it was periodically idle.  My fix was to keep the CPU busy all 
the time.  I think it was ACPI-related, and the fact the card was 
so close to the motherboard.

Maybe if I keep bringing this little project up, I'll be 
pressured more to put up a web page about my experiences with it.  
Yeah, right ;)

jlc