Microsoft has made extensive changes in the Vista/Windows Server 2008 audio interface in an effort to improve performance and to impose strict Digital Rights Management (DRM). Unfortunately, the changes have proven to be a catastrophe for users and vendors of audio converting hardware. Windows XP/Server 2003 audio drivers do not work with Vista and the implementation of Vista compatible drivers can be a complicated and time consuming process. Even worse, depending on a specific implementation, a driver may or not support the features that are required by individual application programs. A case in point is the capability of recording streaming data in real time. Most Vista audio application programs require a digital Play Back Device interface that comes under a variety of names including "Stereo Mix", "What U Hear" and "Digital Audio Interface".The application program may not be able to capture the audio unless one of this interfaces is present. Its existence apparently depends on the specific sound card device and the implementation of its driver. A considerable amount has been written on this subject in various Internet forums and Web sites. The user is unfortunately of out luck if his sound card/driver combination doesn't support the required interface. There are several ways to capture streaming audio data. The easiest is to use a sound card/Vista driver combination that has a digital playback interface as is described above.Secondly, some cards have a software controllable audio loopback that can provide similar capability. Examples are the LynxStudio L22 and the RME HDSP 9632. Finally, the analog output can be patched back to the analog input of either the same sound card or a second card.I would be interested to learn if anyone knows about possible differences in signal quality between audio obtained from a digital audio interface and from a loopback.Thank you very much.

If the loopback is part of the card (LynxStudio/RME) the manufacturer of the card would have the specifics on the quality. What specifically about Windows Server 2008 are you trying to get an answer on ? Regards, Ward

Good morning, You speak of vista in your comment. You do know I have windows 7 and does that matter in your comment? Also, I am not computer savvy to say the least, so please talk in layman terms if possible.thank you