[Subacca]

I have a computer speaker system (Logitech z-5500) that i'm hooking up to a computer with a 18i8 audio interface attached. I plan on using either onboard audio or purchase a sound card as I don't believe the 18i8 is going to help me with outputting surround sound for games and movies. Will I be able to plug a keyboard/instrument into the 18i8 and have the sound go through the computer speaker systems? Will I have to connect the 18i8 to the computer sound card via optical or other?

 

[aeshultz]

Subby- If I'm not mistaken, the Scarlets _are_soundcards, and with inputs as well as outputs, so yes, you should be able to input and instrument signal and mix it with the playback from your computer and monitor through your speakers. I don't believe that many on these forums use recording interfaces, so you might find more help on something like Gearslutz or other home recording sites.

 

[Subacca]

Thanks for the response. I'll do some testing. My concern is that the audio interface (you are right it is just an external sound card with additional features for recording) doesn't decode dolby, dts, etc.. just passes through (which might be fine) but computer sound cards actually decode and support surround sound.

 

[PurpleAngel]

I have a computer speaker system (Logitech z-5500) that i'm hooking up to a computer with a 18i8 audio interface attached. I plan on using either onboard audio or purchase a sound card as I don't believe the 18i8 is going to help me with outputting surround sound for games and movies. Will I be able to plug a keyboard/instrument into the 18i8 and have the sound go through the computer speaker systems? Will I have to connect the 18i8 to the computer sound card via optical or other?

With on-board audio (MB built in sound card) or add-on sound card and you want to use S/PDIF (optical or coaxial) to connect to the Z-5500. and in order to get 5.1 (6-channel) audio to the Z5500 you would need software like DDL (Dolby Digital Live) or DTS-Connect, to encode (compress) the 6-channel of digital audio, for it to pass thru S/PDIF. The encoded audio is limited to 24-bit/48K, Otherwise only 2-channel of digital audio will pass thru S/PDIF, but those 2-channel can be 24-bit/96K or 24-bit/192K.
In Windows Sound control panel, you can set outgoing audio for the Z5500, but set the 18i8 for audio input (mic).

 

[Subacca]

With on-board audio (MB built in sound card) or add-on sound card and you want to use S/PDIF (optical or coaxial) to connect to the Z-5500. and in order to get 5.1 (6-channel) audio to the Z5500 you would need software like DDL (Dolby Digital Live) or DTS-Connect, to encode (compress) the 6-channel of digital audio, for it to pass thru S/PDIF. The encoded audio is limited to 24-bit/48K, Otherwise only 2-channel of digital audio will pass thru S/PDIF, but those 2-channel can be 24-bit/96K or 24-bit/192K.
In Windows Sound control panel, you can set outgoing audio for the Z5500, but set the 18i8 for audio input (mic).

Thanks for the good information. I'm still testing out combinations but optical from onboard to z-5500 and using Win10 "Movies & TV" player allowed me to play DTS and Dolby Digital content successfully. Tried VNC, MPC, and installing AC3Filter all which wouldn't play the content correctly, only that movies and tv software which was suprising. Coax from audio interface for music instruments, and 6 channel analog direct connection from computer to z-5500 for gaming. I'm still going to move towards a pci/e sound card for computer use and audio interface will have to be just that..instruments input only.

 

[PurpleAngel]

Thanks for the good information. I'm still testing out combinations but optical from onboard to z-5500 and using Win10 "Movies & TV" player allowed me to play DTS and Dolby Digital content successfully. Tried VNC, MPC, and installing AC3Filter all which wouldn't play the content correctly, only that movies and tv software which was surprising. Coax from audio interface for music instruments, and 6 channel analog direct connection from computer to z-5500 for gaming. I'm still going to move towards a pci/e sound card for computer use and audio interface will have to be just that..instruments input only.

Asus Xonar DSX sound card comes with DTS-Connect (used card off E-Bay)

 

[Subacca]

was looking at the Sound Blaster AE-7 as well. Nice specs on it but the Asus is likely cheaper. Thanks for the tip!