MoodyB
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Budget / low-end USB audio interface recommendations for X1?
Hey all,
I'm currently using an E-Mu 0404 pci soundcard, and as I don't use any external hardware anymore I want to change to a usb soundcard to free up some space inside my pc. And to make any future motherboard choices easier too.
So all I really need is one that supports ASIO & has 1 input for sampling purposes & 1 output to a mixer for listening reasons at the most.
So far I've come up with the following :
Edirol/Roland UA-25EX
M-Audio Fast Track
E-Mu 0202 USB
Lexicon Alpha
I can get all of these for around £50 2nd hand on Ebay, so ideally I wouldn't be looking to spend much more than that.
Just wondering if there's any I've missed, and if anyone had an opinions on the ones I've listed?
Regards,
ALan
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Lanceindastudio
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Re:Budget / low-end USB audio interface recommendations for X1?
2012/02/01 15:10:08
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If you are not concerned with good lower latency performance for recording soft synths, I would probably go with the edirol/Roland unit.
If low latency performance concerns you, you will not find a "cheap" solution USB interface.
You would then go into considering Roland QuadCapture or RME babyface territory for a good solid low latency performing USB solution.
Lance
Asus P8Z77-V LE PLUS Motherboard i7 3770k CPU 32 gigs RAM Presonus AudioBox iTwo Windows 10 64 bit, SONAR PLATINUM 64 bit Lots of plugins and softsynths and one shot samples, loops Gauge ECM-87, MCA SP-1, Alesis AM51 Presonus Eureka Mackie HR824's and matching subwoofer
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Houndawg
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Re:Budget / low-end USB audio interface recommendations for X1?
2012/02/01 15:51:15
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"Decent" quality drivers on all of those except for the Lexicon.
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MoodyB
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Re:Budget / low-end USB audio interface recommendations for X1?
2012/02/01 18:34:53
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Thanks for the input. That rules the Lexicon out then.
And I didn't pay too much attention regarding the low latency issues compared to my 0404.
It probably would be a problem as I'm fully soft synth only now + external midi keyboard.
I noticed Roland do the UA-11 Duo Capture, which I can get for £65 new, but can't find any reviews / info regarding ASIO performance.
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Lanceindastudio
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Re:Budget / low-end USB audio interface recommendations for X1?
2012/02/01 19:23:36
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I am not sure how it is either-
None of the units you posted in the OP have the performance you will want for soft synth work at low latency.
your PCI 0404 card is superior to all of them in this regard.
I would hold out for the Roland quad capture, or take a chance with that Duo Capture you mention-
Really, the RME Babyface is the primo solution for you.
Lance
Asus P8Z77-V LE PLUS Motherboard i7 3770k CPU 32 gigs RAM Presonus AudioBox iTwo Windows 10 64 bit, SONAR PLATINUM 64 bit Lots of plugins and softsynths and one shot samples, loops Gauge ECM-87, MCA SP-1, Alesis AM51 Presonus Eureka Mackie HR824's and matching subwoofer
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Guitarpima
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Re:Budget / low-end USB audio interface recommendations for X1?
2012/02/01 23:16:03
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I think the RME Babyface is over $700 isn't it? Great gear but not low budget.
Notation, the original DAW. Everything else is just rote. We are who we are and no more than another. Humans, you people are crazy. Win 7 x64 X2 Intel DX58SO, Intel i7 920 2.66ghz 12gb DDR3 ASUS ATI EAH5750 650w PSU 4x WD HDs 320gb DVD, DVD RW Eleven Rack, KRK Rokit 8s and 10s sub
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sven450
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Re:Budget / low-end USB audio interface recommendations for X1?
2012/02/02 10:03:01
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If the Roland duo capture has the same drivers as the Octacapture, then that is the way to go. Super low latency drivers and solid usb interface.
if you go for the maudio fast track, be sure to get the Fast Track ULTRA (the desktop one). It is cheap-ish, and the ultra has super low latency for playing synths.
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MoodyB
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Re:Budget / low-end USB audio interface recommendations for X1?
2012/02/02 15:01:36
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The Duo & Tri Capture are listed as just "low latency", whereas the Quad Capture is "extreme low latency".
I think the Duo & Tri are USB1.1 as well, which might be problematic.
Another option I've just become aware of is NI's Traktor Audio 2. It doesn't have any inputs, which I could live with and it's USB2, the reviews say it has ultra low latency drivers and it's only £65 new.
Could always order it to try it out, and if that doesn't do the trick I can return it under DSR within 7 days.
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sock monkey
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Re:Budget / low-end USB audio interface recommendations for X1?
2012/02/02 15:18:30
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I find it hard to believe that any USB 1.1 devices are to be found, that was 10 years ago.
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Anubis
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Re:Budget / low-end USB audio interface recommendations for X1?
2012/02/02 22:40:47
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sock monkey
I find it hard to believe that any USB 1.1 devices are to be found, that was 10 years ago.
Believe it. The Focusrite USB 6 is USB 1.1 Yet oddly enough they have USB 3.0 drivers for it.
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Rain
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Re:Budget / low-end USB audio interface recommendations for X1?
2012/02/03 02:44:08
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I have an M-Audio Fast Track II on the road w/ me. No complains. Not too fond of the RCA outputs - though this actually ended up serving me. Don't expect much of the built-in preamp, of course. Otherwise, it works as advertised.
Looking back, there were probably better options, for similar price or maybe a tiny bit more, but I was in a hurry and I have an +12 years of using M-Audio products w/o problems.
TCB - Tea, Cats, Books...
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MoodyB
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Re:Budget / low-end USB audio interface recommendations for X1?
2012/02/07 09:06:55
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I ended up going for none of the above mentioned devices, and bought a Focusrite VRM Box instead as I mainly mix on headphones & have to use a laptop occasionally as well. Runs on it's own as a usb audio device, so no other soundcard needed, and you can bypass the VRM effects. Does 24bit/48khz which is enough for what I need mixing house/deep house tracks. It's quite a cool little box but it'll take time to train my ears to the sound & compensate for it when mixing. One thing I did become aware of is that using a latency of lower than 3ms on the VRM Box results in no audio output at all. This is apparently a fault with Intel i7 cpu's and USB 1.1 devices that's still unresolved : http://www.kvraudio.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=302373&start=0&postdays=0&postorder=asc&highlight=saffire++driver One thing to keep in mind if planning on buying one.
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