Audio Interface Alongside Desktop Setup?

[JayDM]

Running into some confusion, hopefully someone can help me out.

I’ve been doing a bit of research as to connecting a quality XLR mic to my PC, I’m discovering that this requires an audio interface. Thing is that I already have quite a high end desktop setup for my headphones and I just don’t see much concrete info out there regarding if I can or how to run an interface along side my preexisting setup. Mostly it’s folks just telling whoever asks to use the interface as either just the DAC or as both the DAC and AMP. That’s fine for a lower end setup, I could perhaps see someone just skipping an entry level DAC/AMP and going for an audio interface. I’m not knocking less expensive gear at all, that’s not what this is about, but I just don’t see “plug your Susvara into the Focusrite” as viable. Even if I just forget about sound quality, I already own and love my gear and I’m definitely not going to get rid of it just to plug in a shiny mic.

I’m wondering if anyone here would know if I’d be able to use my current DAC and AMP as my audio output while also using an audio interface alongside it just for the microphone? Would that cause issues? Problems? Affect sound quality? If it’s a no go or just too much of a hassle I’ll just buy a USB mic and call it a day.

 

[PurpleAngel]

I have no idea what audio gear you have (DAC, amp, etc).
Maybe buy the cheapest AI (Audio Interface) you can find, that comes with an XLR (line-input) jack and connect it to your PC's USB port and just use the mic function only, of the AI and use your current DAC/amp, for the headphones.

 

[Roseval]

Of course you can run multiple audio interfaces. As you have 2 DAC'S already, the on-board and the external one, you can add a third.

 

[JayDM]

Of course you can run multiple audio interfaces. As you have 2 DAC'S already, the on-board and the external one, you can add a third.

And they’ll run fine alongside one another? Sure I can have a dozen DACs plugged into my PC at once, but only one will be in use at once.

 

[Roseval]

There are a couple of options.
Select de onboard audio as the default audio device. In your media player select the outboard DAC as the audio device. Now you have 2 audio devices parallel.
Stereo mix is another: https://www.minitool.com/news/play-sound-multiple-output-devices-windows-10.html