PCIe sound card?

[Criterion_Earlsdon]

* Hints and tips will be gratefully received *
So we're finally going to buy a new PC. But I've been using a Terratec Phase 28 PCI card, with 10 outputs and 2 inputs (the rest of our installation is analogue), which has been perfect for us. Sadly, this isn't supported any more. My proposed PC supplier says, "The motherboard and in fact most modern motherboards do not include PCI slots anymore, only PCIe so you won't be able to use this card on the new machine." Looking around, professional PCIe audio cards cost an arm and a leg, and USB ones seem to add lots of inputs compared to outputs, which also make 8 outputs rather dear. However, Terratec, Creative and ASUS all do economical Dolby 7.1 + ASIO PCIe cards at about a tenth of the cost. Customer reviews are rather variable though, especially regarding drivers, though the Terratec Aureon 7.1 looks promising. However I'm not overly impressed by stereo 3.5mm jacks. (The Phase 28 had +4dBu balanced outputs and 1/4" jacks!!) What do other theatres use? By the way, we regularly use 8 outputs (Stereo stage, stereo proscenium, stereo back wall, mono FOH announcements and a practical). Any thoughts? Thanks

[derick]

Have look at these card https://www.thomann.de/be/marian_seraph_8_xlr.htm
Professional 8 in. 8 out on balanced XLR (also available on balanced TRS)
Very stable driver and extreme flexible routing software (with eq and dynamics on every channel like a big mixer) and expandable with other cards.

[Criterion_Earlsdon]

Thanks Derick, looks good. We've decided to go for a USB interface, TASCAM US-16X08, for £217. Not quite as much internal processing as the Marian but priced accordingly.