Over the past several years I've always used a Soundblaster audio card for Avid systems (the most recent of which was an Audigy 2 ZS, which was actually a holdover from a previous system.)  This was due to various problems that were reported when using on-board audio such as Realtek.  I always just used the SB cards without even trying on-board audio.

With on-board audio becoming the norm these days, however, I decided to check into whether or not this was still an issue with the latest version of Avid.  I discovered that some of the officially qualified systems from both hp and dell now use on-board audio, with some using Realtek.

Does this mean that using an older Audigy card is no longer necessary with Avid?  It would be nice to not have to continue thinking about using a separate audio card and to just be able to use the on-board audio.  My current motherboard uses the Realtek ALC889, so I'm interested in getting feedback from anyone who might be familiar with this situation.  I'm just trying to avoid a lot of trial and error if at all possible.

Thanks,

Larry

Using a SB card is not required, or else, it is only required if onboard audio does not work.

I had to go to a Sound Blaster card because I could not do voice overs with the OB audio.

It seems like sound cards (i.e. not on-board audio) still offer the advantage of taking work off the cpu, so if I do decide to go with a sound card, does the SB x-fi titanium work okay with Avid?  This seems like the current "main" SB card, and I can't use my Audigy 2 with the new system due to PCI slot restrictions.

Thanks again,

Larry

Unfortunately, to the best of my knowledge, Avid has never certified sound cards for use.  They specify processors, memory, video cards, drivers, quicktime versions, windows versions, but never sound cards.  I have been begging for this for years.

mine does

lalittle:

I can't use my Audigy 2 with the new system due to PCI slot restrictions.

If you are thinking of using another connection than PCI for your external audiocard I would not recommend that, both PCI-e and Usb connected ones have been reported to not work well