Microsoft Surface Studio for DAW?

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Dave King
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2017/01/07 14:25:29 (permalink)

Microsoft Surface Studio for DAW?

Hey,
 
As far as I know, the Surface Studio is not out in the real world yet, but I'm considering getting one to use for my DAW.  UP until now, I've always used a built-in PCI card for my audio interface (Delta 44).  The Surface offers USB 3 for connectivity.  Will audio interfaces using this technology perform as well (or better) than my built-in PCI Card.  My main concern is latency when tracking.  I don't want to run into timing issues when recording tracks (such as vocals, etc.) while monitoring previously recorded tracks.    I guess the audio interfaces I might be considering are the Presonus Studio 192 and Tascam US 20x20. Any thoughts on this?
 
Thanks!

Dave King
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#1

10 Replies Related Threads

    eikelbijter
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    Re: Microsoft Surface Studio for DAW? 2017/01/07 18:06:35 (permalink)
    I think your best options for low latency are Motu, RME or (and I got one cheap and love it!) ZOOM USB3!
     
    R

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    #2
    fireberd
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    Re: Microsoft Surface Studio for DAW? 2017/01/08 09:57:57 (permalink)
    The Presonus 192 is well "known" for poor latency according to many recording forum posts.  I tried one and the automatic setup procedure on the 192  I wound up with over 22ms of latency.  I was able to manually get it down to 6 ms for recording.  However, the 192 "died" on the second day I had it and it was returned (I should have known, I tried other Presonus units several years ago and they all had hardware problems).  I have an MOTU unit and it works reliably with Input 2.7 msec and Output 3.3 msec (as reported by Sonar).
     
    According to one of our DAW PC builder guru's on this forum, USB 3.0 is still "overkill" and we haven't reached USB 2.0 saturation with recording interface units.
     
    MOTU and RME seem to be the ones mentioned the most for low latency and drivers. 

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    #3
    Dave King
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    Re: Microsoft Surface Studio for DAW? 2017/01/08 11:51:39 (permalink)
    eikelbijter
    I think your best options for low latency are Motu, RME or (and I got one cheap and love it!) ZOOM USB3!
     
    R


    Huh.  So you're suggesting that I don't narrow down my choices based on using USB 3.  I figured since it's the latest and greatest that I should try to go that way.  Which MOTU interface are you using?  Those latency stats look great!
     
    Thanks!

    Dave King
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    #4
    fireberd
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    Re: Microsoft Surface Studio for DAW? 2017/01/08 12:58:36 (permalink)
    I'm using an MOTU 896mk3 Hybrid (USB 2.0 and Firewire interfaces). 

    "GCSG Productions"
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    #5
    TheSteven
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    Re: Microsoft Surface Studio for DAW? 2017/01/08 13:00:41 (permalink)
    fireberd
     
    According to one of our DAW PC builder guru's on this forum, USB 3.0 is still "overkill" and we haven't reached USB 2.0 saturation with recording interface units.




    True or not there are PCs coming out with only USB3 ports. Time for companies to pony up to the current standard. 

    "Time is a great teacher, but unfortunately it kills all its pupils" Loius-Hector Berlioz

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    #6
    TheSteven
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    Re: Microsoft Surface Studio for DAW? 2017/01/08 13:29:08 (permalink)
    There's a thread on GearSlutz about the Zoom-UAC and USB3 for audio:
    https://www.gearslutz.com/board/low-end-theory/1020609-zoom-uac-2-any-thoughts.html 
     
     
     

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    #7
    mudgel
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    Re: Microsoft Surface Studio for DAW? 2017/01/20 06:14:44 (permalink)
    There's all the Focusrite stuff on USB2.

    USB 2 can handle most audio duties at very acceptable latencies.

    Mike V. (MUDGEL)

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    Dave King
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    Re: Microsoft Surface Studio for DAW? 2017/01/20 21:36:06 (permalink)
    Good to know!
     
    I just found this video which tests out Sonar on a Surface Pro:
     
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w_8kNe6flP4&sns=em

    Dave King
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    M-Audio MidiSport 2x2
     
    #9
    jayson
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    Re: Microsoft Surface Studio for DAW? 2017/01/21 21:26:31 (permalink)
    If it's just the form factor of the Surface Studio you are attracted to, you might want to consider the Dell Canvas announced at CES 2017.
     
    http://www.theverge.com/2017/1/5/14128434/dells-canvas-touchscreen-display-announced-ces-2017
     
    You can upgraded your PC, soundcard and get this for the same price or less and probably be better off. It's not out yet but I think you can pre order in February or March. 
     
    Cheers,
     
    jayson
    #10
    Dave King
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    Re: Microsoft Surface Studio for DAW? 2017/01/21 21:53:18 (permalink)
    Believe it or not, the Surface Studio was a gift,  I didn't really pick it out.  Anyway, I picked it up today and am playing around with it.  This is my first post with it.  I'm not sure if I will keep it or not,  I have 30 days to decide. One big issue I foresee is that since it is an all-in-one unit, the CPU is right here at the base of the HUGE monitor.  It makes a little noise which is probably a deal breaker to use it as a DAW PC, especially when the fan turns on. The CPU for the PC I'm using for my DAW now is located in an adjacent room.  Thus, no noise at all. I don't think I will want to record audio into the Surface Studio with it living in the same room.
     
    Until this new acquisition, I had a dedicated PC (by Studiocat) that I use for a DAW and Video Editing and a separate office PC for mail, internet browsing, MS Office etc.  It would be great to have one PC that could do it all. But maybe it's just not practical.

    Dave King
    www.davekingmusic.com

    SONAR X2 Producer 64-Bit 
    StudioCat PC
    Windows 7 Home Premium, Service Pack 1 
    Intel Corel i5 3450 CPU @3.10 GHz 
    RAM 8 GB
    M-Audio Delta 44

    M-Audio MidiSport 2x2
     
    #11
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