icontakt
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Reasonably priced rock solid audio interface for SONAR
It seems that I need to get a new audio interface because 1) SONAR often crashes when I open a heavy project, 2) when SONAR crashes, SONARPL.exe stays in task manager for some minutes so I can't immediately relaunch the program, 3) a heavy project (which uses 2-3 instances of Kontakt, have about 50+ tracks and 50+ plugins) often refuses to play any sound at all when it's not the first project to open after launching the program (I contacted CW for this and spent more than a few weeks on my side to identify the cause, and it seemed the culprit was the driver of my audio interface Roland Quad-Capture).
So I've just searched CW forums, found and read two threads asking for audio interface recommendations, and Apollo Twin USB and RME interfaces were the most recommended. But the first one is a desktop type (which I prefer not to have) and RME ones are too expensive. What I need is a 2-in/2-out half-rack USB audio/MIDI interface of good audio quality that is *rock solid* in SONAR. As for the budget, I don't think I can pay more than $500. I thought the Focusrite Scarlette series would be a good candidate, but one reviewer who uses Scarlett 6i6 G2 with SONAR says (on a Japanese site) that he starts hearing some noise when the number of tracks in the project reaches a certain number (he didn't hear it when he was using Roland Duo-Capture), so I hesitate to consider it as an option.
Recommendations from those who have been working with equally heavy (or heavier) projects will be highly appreciated.
Tak T. Primary Laptop: Core i7-4710MQ CPU, 16GB RAM, 7200RPM HDD, Windows 7 Home Premium OS (Japanese) x64 SP1Secondary Laptop: Core2 Duo CPU, 8GB RAM, 7200RPM HDD, Windows 7 Professional OS (Japanese) x64 SP1Audio Interface: iD14 (ASIO)Keyboard Controller/MIDI Interface: A-800PRODAW: SONAR Platinum x64 (latest update installed)
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AT
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Re: Reasonably priced rock solid audio interface for SONAR
2017/03/27 14:04:26
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☄ Helpfulby jacksop 2017/03/27 18:19:28
Crashes do happen and the midi icon will stay on after some. The easiest way to get rid of it is to restart SONAR and then shut it down. A second restart seems to clear it up for me, and that has happened since, well, forever, and across various interfaces.
Personally, I've been using TASCAM interfaces for the last couple of years. The UH-7000 and the US-20x20. The UH 7000 was their "premium" interface, made with an eye to the audiophile for some reason. The drivers aren't the lowest latency and they've stopped working on them - or haven't put out new ones in a couple of years. However, it is superb conversion and clean pres worth the asking price of the whole interface. You can find them for less than $500. The 20x20 is the later US series (for which they continue to work on drivers for the whole US series [an important fact to ferret out for your long-term peace-of-mind]). Plenty of ins and outs and, quite frankly, in the same ball park as the stereo 7000 in conversion and similar sounding pres. Latency on an OK computer via USB 3 is 3-4 ms.
Lastly, blaming the interface is usually a fault in the driver and how it reacts to your particular hardware/software configuration. Might as well blame the computer. We see the same problem here in CAKEworld. Despite intense testing, once software gets out to the multitude of computers people use, problems, big and small, crop up. We just saw a fix added to last month's update because there was a problem that didn't get found in regular beta.
Most dealers will let you try an interface and return it if you have a problem. Find the cheapest interface that meets your specifications, see if it works, and if it doesn't, return it and move to the next. And really, I haven't heard a modern interface in the last few years that doesn't sound good, and see the above TASCAM units. One costs $200+ per channel, the other $20, and there is little difference between the two for the most part, sound-wise. And what I mean by that I could do the work I do on either unit, even if I do most of my work (and monitor through) the 7000. Might as well get my money's worth for that 5% extra.
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Slugbaby
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Re: Reasonably priced rock solid audio interface for SONAR
2017/03/27 14:34:16
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I've been using a Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 for the last year and a half. I've never had a crash, or any problem that looked like it was interface-related. I'm very happy with the product.
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JonD
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Re: Reasonably priced rock solid audio interface for SONAR
2017/03/27 14:59:00
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There are other users here running the Quad-Capture without major issues.
I don't know what troubleshooting steps you've taken, but will assume you've done the usual things like turning off wi-fi, USB power mgmt, and all other background tasks. Also, that you are connected to USB 2 port (not USB 3)...
I see you have two laptops, both of which are running Windows 7. It if were me in the same situation, I would upgrade one laptop to Windows 10 and see how the Quad-Capture fares then.
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Studioguy1
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Re: Reasonably priced rock solid audio interface for SONAR
2017/03/27 15:04:37
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The PreSonus AUDIOBOX USB does what you want and is simple to operate and has excellent mike preamps (2). Very reasonably priced at around $100. Small footprint and well built little case.
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brundlefly
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Re: Reasonably priced rock solid audio interface for SONAR
2017/03/27 15:05:19
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Whichever way you go, consider buying used. You'll get more interface for your money, and it's unusual that used electronics of recent vintage have issues. You might even be able to step up to RME.
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Studioguy1
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Re: Reasonably priced rock solid audio interface for SONAR
2017/03/27 15:06:57
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Another thought.....re: "SONARPL.exe stays in task manager.." In Windows 7 hit ctrl-alt-del. Then go into Start/applications and click on the Sonarpl.exe to END. It will return you to the Windows 7 screen. Sonar will start then just fine.
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michael diemer
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Re: Reasonably priced rock solid audio interface for SONAR
2017/03/27 17:09:47
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The Steinberg UR-22. About 99.00.
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jackson white
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Re: Reasonably priced rock solid audio interface for SONAR
2017/03/27 17:30:26
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I'm with AT on the TASCAM US-20x20. RME might be considered the 'IBM' of interfaces but is not necessarily the best bang for the buck in all cases. I'm checking one out now in a small project studio and other than some adjustments to buffer settings it's been holding up well. I was keeping an eye on issues reported with another model in the series (US-16x08) but they've been good about updating both the drivers and firmware. Only time will tell though and that's where RME has rightfully earned their reputation. However, the difference in price with the RME is one or two pretty good mics.
In addition to the previous VST suggestions, the issues you mentioned sound like they could be related to your PC config. I've used the Quad Capture with a laptop to track some audio (no Kontakt-heavy projects) and while generally OK, did have its driver problems every so often, requiring a reboot.
hth.
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JonD
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Re: Reasonably priced rock solid audio interface for SONAR
2017/03/27 17:47:27
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Steinberg UR44 or UR242. Rock solid construction and drivers (made by Yamaha). If you need mobility, then the UR22 MkII. (Personally, I stay away from bus-powered interfaces, but then again I don't need mobility).
I've heard one well-known DAW builder say that RME and Steinberg interfaces get the least amount of reported issues at his shop. Years of forum reports from RME users certainly bear that out, and as a longtime owner of Steinberg interfaces (I own the MR816X and UR44) I can absolutely believe it about Steinberg.
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jude77
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Re: Reasonably priced rock solid audio interface for SONAR
2017/03/27 17:55:24
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AT
Lastly, blaming the interface is usually a fault in the driver and how it reacts to your particular hardware/software configuration. Might as well blame the computer. We see the same problem here in CAKEworld. Despite intense testing, once software gets out to the multitude of computers people use, problems, big and small, crop up. We just saw a fix added to last month's update because there was a problem that didn't get found in regular beta.
I haven't heard a modern interface in the last few years that doesn't sound good, and see the above TASCAM units. One costs $200+ per channel, the other $20, and there is little difference between the two for the most part, sound-wise.
YES. brundlefly
Whichever way you go, consider buying used. You'll get more interface for your money, and it's unusual that used electronics of recent vintage have issues. You might even be able to step up to RME.
Yes again. I used the Roland Quad Capture for years. It was a total disaster with my system. Bought a used RME Babyface for $400. Money well-spent and $100 below your budget.
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mmarton
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Re: Reasonably priced rock solid audio interface for SONAR
2017/03/27 18:17:54
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If you have the money, RME. Otherwise ur series. I have a ur22mkii I travel with. It's much better than my older 2i2.
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dlesaux
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Re: Reasonably priced rock solid audio interface for SONAR
2017/03/27 18:26:53
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Slugbaby
I've been using a Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 for the last year and a half. I've never had a crash, or any problem that looked like it was interface-related. I'm very happy with the product.
Same here! Purchased the Scarlett 2i2 after upgrading my computer and so far I'm very happy. Their customer support is also extremely responsive. I had asked about the driver not remembering what buffer size I used in the last session and they promptly sent me a beta version that did just that! But the feedback on RME is consistently positive especially when it comes to driver stability albeit, at a price!
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icontakt
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Re: Reasonably priced rock solid audio interface for SONAR
2017/03/28 06:14:58
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Thank you all very much for the replies and suggestions!!  AT
Crashes do happen and the midi icon will stay on after some. The easiest way to get rid of it is to restart SONAR and then shut it down.
It’s not the midi icon (I don’t even know where it is, actually) that stays, it’s SONARPLT.exe in the task manager. And I can’t restart SONAR because it stays there even if try to terminate the process. Studioguy1
Another thought.....re: "SONARPL.exe stays in task manager.." In Windows 7 hit ctrl-alt-del. Then go into Start/applications and click on the Sonarpl.exe to END. It will return you to the Windows 7 screen. Sonar will start then just fine.
If I hit ctrl-alt-del, I only see five options (with task manager being the fifth one), and don’t see Start/applications anywhere on the screen. Am I missing something?
Tak T. Primary Laptop: Core i7-4710MQ CPU, 16GB RAM, 7200RPM HDD, Windows 7 Home Premium OS (Japanese) x64 SP1Secondary Laptop: Core2 Duo CPU, 8GB RAM, 7200RPM HDD, Windows 7 Professional OS (Japanese) x64 SP1Audio Interface: iD14 (ASIO)Keyboard Controller/MIDI Interface: A-800PRODAW: SONAR Platinum x64 (latest update installed)
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icontakt
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Re: Reasonably priced rock solid audio interface for SONAR
2017/03/28 06:18:53
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AT
Lastly, blaming the interface is usually a fault in the driver and how it reacts to your particular hardware/software configuration. Might as well blame the computer.
JonD
I don't know what troubleshooting steps you've taken, but will assume you've done the usual things like turning off wi-fi, USB power mgmt, and all other background tasks. Also, that you are connected to USB 2 port (not USB 3)...
jackson white
the issues you mentioned sound like they could be related to your PC config. I've used the Quad Capture with a laptop to track some audio (no Kontakt-heavy projects) and while generally OK, did have its driver problems every so often, requiring a reboot.
The device is connected to USB2 port (as instructed). Also, only heavy projects have this issue (fail to play any sound). And if I freeze a synth or start deleting a synth/plugin effect, etc. the project suddenly starts playing sound all right at one point. I tried to identify the cause by deleting each of these from the project, in a different order each time, and spent many hours doing it, during which SONAR would often freeze/crash, and there was no culprit in the project. Also, if I switch to the onboard soundcard (MME driver mode), the project plays fine. The driver and system program for my Quad-Capture are both up-to-date.
Tak T. Primary Laptop: Core i7-4710MQ CPU, 16GB RAM, 7200RPM HDD, Windows 7 Home Premium OS (Japanese) x64 SP1Secondary Laptop: Core2 Duo CPU, 8GB RAM, 7200RPM HDD, Windows 7 Professional OS (Japanese) x64 SP1Audio Interface: iD14 (ASIO)Keyboard Controller/MIDI Interface: A-800PRODAW: SONAR Platinum x64 (latest update installed)
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icontakt
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Re: Reasonably priced rock solid audio interface for SONAR
2017/03/28 06:20:33
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AT
Most dealers will let you try an interface and return it if you have a problem. Find the cheapest interface that meets your specifications, see if it works, and if it doesn't, return it and move to the next.
I’ve heard that this is the case in the U.S. (and probably in the U.K. etc. as well), but here in Japan it’s very unlikely for the dealer to allow this. I can ask them, of course.
Tak T. Primary Laptop: Core i7-4710MQ CPU, 16GB RAM, 7200RPM HDD, Windows 7 Home Premium OS (Japanese) x64 SP1Secondary Laptop: Core2 Duo CPU, 8GB RAM, 7200RPM HDD, Windows 7 Professional OS (Japanese) x64 SP1Audio Interface: iD14 (ASIO)Keyboard Controller/MIDI Interface: A-800PRODAW: SONAR Platinum x64 (latest update installed)
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icontakt
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Re: Reasonably priced rock solid audio interface for SONAR
2017/03/28 06:22:45
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JonD
I see you have two laptops, both of which are running Windows 7. It if were me in the same situation, I would upgrade one laptop to Windows 10 and see how the Quad-Capture fares then.
I prefer to stay on Win7 since I’m very happy with it, and don’t like Win10/8 very much in terms of design/usability (I’ve used it several times before). Also, my external hard drives and backup software don't support Win10, so I'll have to buy these if I upgrade. The issue in the OP is the only major problem I have, so if I can solve it by simply replacing my audio interface, I won’t have to do anything else.
Tak T. Primary Laptop: Core i7-4710MQ CPU, 16GB RAM, 7200RPM HDD, Windows 7 Home Premium OS (Japanese) x64 SP1Secondary Laptop: Core2 Duo CPU, 8GB RAM, 7200RPM HDD, Windows 7 Professional OS (Japanese) x64 SP1Audio Interface: iD14 (ASIO)Keyboard Controller/MIDI Interface: A-800PRODAW: SONAR Platinum x64 (latest update installed)
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icontakt
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Re: Reasonably priced rock solid audio interface for SONAR
2017/03/28 06:26:58
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brundlefly
Whichever way you go, consider buying used. You'll get more interface for your money, and it's unusual that used electronics of recent vintage have issues. You might even be able to step up to RME.
The audio interface is the heart of the system, so I sort of hesitate to consider buying it used. I can’t tell at the store how long and under what conditions the previous owner used the device. It’s possible that he used it in a very dusty room or placed it near an oily kitchen (living in a small room with a kitchen is not uncommon here). Even so it may still work fine, but I tend to prefer to be on the safe side.
Tak T. Primary Laptop: Core i7-4710MQ CPU, 16GB RAM, 7200RPM HDD, Windows 7 Home Premium OS (Japanese) x64 SP1Secondary Laptop: Core2 Duo CPU, 8GB RAM, 7200RPM HDD, Windows 7 Professional OS (Japanese) x64 SP1Audio Interface: iD14 (ASIO)Keyboard Controller/MIDI Interface: A-800PRODAW: SONAR Platinum x64 (latest update installed)
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icontakt
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Re: Reasonably priced rock solid audio interface for SONAR
2017/03/28 06:30:35
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AT
The UH-7000 and the US-20x20.
Slugbaby
I've been using a Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 for the last year and a half. I've never had a crash, or any problem that looked like it was interface-related. I'm very happy with the product.
Studioguy1
The PreSonus AUDIOBOX USB does what you want and is simple to operate and has excellent mike preamps (2). Very reasonably priced at around $100. Small footprint and well built little case.
michael diemer
The Steinberg UR-22. About 99.00.
jackson white
I'm with AT on the TASCAM US-20x20.
JonD
Steinberg UR44 or UR242. Rock solid construction and drivers (made by Yamaha). If you need mobility, then the UR22 MkII. (Personally, I stay away from bus-powered interfaces, but then again I don't need mobility).
jude77
I used the Roland Quad Capture for years. It was a total disaster with my system. Bought a used RME Babyface for $400. Money well-spent and $100 below your budget.
mmarton
If you have the money, RME. Otherwise ur series. I have a ur22mkii I travel with. It's much better than my older 2i2.
dlesaux
Purchased the Scarlett 2i2 after upgrading my computer and so far I'm very happy. Their customer support is also extremely responsive. I had asked about the driver not remembering what buffer size I used in the last session and they promptly sent me a beta version that did just that!
Thanks for all these suggestions (and the additional information)! I’ll check out the models you suggested.
Tak T. Primary Laptop: Core i7-4710MQ CPU, 16GB RAM, 7200RPM HDD, Windows 7 Home Premium OS (Japanese) x64 SP1Secondary Laptop: Core2 Duo CPU, 8GB RAM, 7200RPM HDD, Windows 7 Professional OS (Japanese) x64 SP1Audio Interface: iD14 (ASIO)Keyboard Controller/MIDI Interface: A-800PRODAW: SONAR Platinum x64 (latest update installed)
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icontakt
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Re: Reasonably priced rock solid audio interface for SONAR
2017/03/28 06:31:31
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JonD
I've heard one well-known DAW builder say that RME and Steinberg interfaces get the least amount of reported issues at his shop. Years of forum reports from RME users certainly bear that out, and as a longtime owner of Steinberg interfaces (I own the MR816X and UR44) I can absolutely believe it about Steinberg.
Thanks for this valuable information. Greatly appreciated.
Tak T. Primary Laptop: Core i7-4710MQ CPU, 16GB RAM, 7200RPM HDD, Windows 7 Home Premium OS (Japanese) x64 SP1Secondary Laptop: Core2 Duo CPU, 8GB RAM, 7200RPM HDD, Windows 7 Professional OS (Japanese) x64 SP1Audio Interface: iD14 (ASIO)Keyboard Controller/MIDI Interface: A-800PRODAW: SONAR Platinum x64 (latest update installed)
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tenfoot
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Re: Reasonably priced rock solid audio interface for SONAR
2017/03/28 09:17:31
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☄ Helpfulby jude77 2017/03/28 18:38:48
You seem understandably focused on reliability Icontakt, so I would consider holding off a little longer until you can buy an RME Babyface (I believe they are around $750 US street price). You won't be sorry. I have had 3 RME interfaces in my studio over the past 20 years and have had zero issues - and they all still have current drivers! On the other hand I have had many other interfaces/digital desks for live use, and they all worked. Just not as transparently as the RME's. They never get in the way of creativity, and driver support is second to none.
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Steve_Karl
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Re: Reasonably priced rock solid audio interface for SONAR
2017/03/28 09:29:05
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It may seem too "picky" to you all, but it seems to me recommending a particular audio interface without telling your specific latency setting in the ASIO pannel and average track count, and what those tracks consist of, seems pretty useless.
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rickssonar
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Re: Reasonably priced rock solid audio interface for SONAR
2017/03/28 13:23:06
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Audience ID22 is very nice .Had the Focusrite and presonus in the past but the ID22 is a huge improvement m Rock solid too
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kitekrazy1
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Re: Reasonably priced rock solid audio interface for SONAR
2017/03/28 15:31:52
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Did you mention how much you were willing to spend?
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jude77
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Re: Reasonably priced rock solid audio interface for SONAR
2017/03/28 18:40:55
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kitekrazy1
Did you mention how much you were willing to spend?
I think he said $500, but I'm not sure. If that's the case like Tenfoot said above it would be worth holding off a little longer and trying to get an RME unit.
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...wicked
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Re: Reasonably priced rock solid audio interface for SONAR
2017/03/28 18:59:22
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Slugbaby
I've been using a Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 for the last year and a half. I've never had a crash, or any problem that looked like it was interface-related. I'm very happy with the product.
In the mid-range dpt Focusrite are pretty darned good. I also use a Scarlett 2i2 for my mobile needs and it's worked flawlessly. My main rig uses a Roland Octacapture which is pretty good, but I've had driver issues here and there.
=========== The Fog People =========== Intel i7-4790 16GB RAM ASUS Z97 Roland OctaCapture Win10/64 SONAR Platinum 64-bit billions VSTs, some of which work
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bokchoyboy
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Re: Reasonably priced rock solid audio interface for SONAR
2017/03/28 19:04:03
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JonD
Steinberg UR44 or UR242. Rock solid construction and drivers (made by Yamaha). If you need mobility, then the UR22 MkII. (Personally, I stay away from bus-powered interfaces, but then again I don't need mobility).
I've heard one well-known DAW builder say that RME and Steinberg interfaces get the least amount of reported issues at his shop. Years of forum reports from RME users certainly bear that out, and as a longtime owner of Steinberg interfaces (I own the MR816X and UR44) I can absolutely believe it about Steinberg.
Jon and others, Any specific issues you have experienced with bus powered USB devices?? I was considering the RME Babyface Pro, and it was bus powered... Thanks, Freq
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JohanSebatianGremlin
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Re: Reasonably priced rock solid audio interface for SONAR
2017/03/29 01:56:06
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icontakt
So I've just searched CW forums, found and read two threads asking for audio interface recommendations, and Apollo Twin USB and RME interfaces were the most recommended. But the first one is a desktop type (which I prefer not to have) and RME ones are too expensive. What I need is a 2-in/2-out half-rack USB audio/MIDI interface of good audio quality that is *rock solid* in SONAR. As for the budget, I don't think I can pay more than $500.
I'm in almost the same boat as you right now. My current interface (Berhinger FCA1616) has worked for me so far more or less. But its a $250 interface and lately its been starting to reveal why its a $250 interface as opposed to a $2500 interface. Lots of drop outs and latency issues. MIDI reception mysteriously stops working and requires full restarts of everything before it functions again pretty much every session. So much like you, I'm in the market. I don't need very many inputs, one or two is fine. I don't need many outputs either. But I need to be able to handle sessions with tons of soft synths plus effects, with minimal impact on latency and rock solid stability. Also, because I tend to keep hardware for years after its obsolete, I'd like to stick to manufacturers who have a track record of writing drivers long after the hardware has ceased production. And like you, I'd like to do that for under $500. And what I'm realizing is I've got three requirements (low latency, driver support, under $500) and I need to pick any two. You can find lots of solutions that will tick off two of those boxes, but none that tick all three. So in my case, I've decided to let go of the under $500 requirement. And once we do that, we're left with one choice. RME. Yes they cost a fortune. But you buy it once and it'll still work great in 10 years and you'll still be able to get drivers for it. So when you think about it, you can buy three or four $500 interfaces in the course of 10 years, or you can buy the RME once. I've decided to pull the trigger on an RME UFX and despite the price, I'm confident I will not regret the decision.
If gear was the determining factor, we would all have a shelf full of Grammies and a pocket full of change. -microapp i7, 32gb RAM, Win10 64bit, RME UFX
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icontakt
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Re: Reasonably priced rock solid audio interface for SONAR
2017/03/29 09:29:21
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tenfoot
You seem understandably focused on reliability Icontakt, so I would consider holding off a little longer until you can buy an RME Babyface (I believe they are around $750 US street price). You won't be sorry.
The thing is, one of my heavy projects now refuses to play any sound at all even when it’s the first project to open after launching SONAR (but it plays fine if I switch to the onboard soundcard). So, I won’t be able to work on this project at all if I hold off a little longer. 
Tak T. Primary Laptop: Core i7-4710MQ CPU, 16GB RAM, 7200RPM HDD, Windows 7 Home Premium OS (Japanese) x64 SP1Secondary Laptop: Core2 Duo CPU, 8GB RAM, 7200RPM HDD, Windows 7 Professional OS (Japanese) x64 SP1Audio Interface: iD14 (ASIO)Keyboard Controller/MIDI Interface: A-800PRODAW: SONAR Platinum x64 (latest update installed)
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icontakt
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Re: Reasonably priced rock solid audio interface for SONAR
2017/03/29 09:32:22
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tenfoot
you can buy an RME Babyface (I believe they are around $750 US street price).
JohanSebatianGremlin
I've decided to pull the trigger on an RME UFX and despite the price, I'm confident I will not regret the decision.
rickssonar
Audience ID22 is very nice .
Having taken a look at RME interfaces again, it seems the only model I might be able to afford is Babyface Pro. But, unfortunately, I really don’t have a space on my desk to put any “tabletop” interface (I think the term “desktop type” which I used in the OP was wrong). I can’t put it on my laptop or MIDI keyboard or one of the speakers. I only have a tiny space below my laptop for a half-rack or slightly bigger interface. The same applies to Audient ID22, unfortunately.
Tak T. Primary Laptop: Core i7-4710MQ CPU, 16GB RAM, 7200RPM HDD, Windows 7 Home Premium OS (Japanese) x64 SP1Secondary Laptop: Core2 Duo CPU, 8GB RAM, 7200RPM HDD, Windows 7 Professional OS (Japanese) x64 SP1Audio Interface: iD14 (ASIO)Keyboard Controller/MIDI Interface: A-800PRODAW: SONAR Platinum x64 (latest update installed)
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