rickidoo
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Recommended Audio Interface for Sonar
I have a creative labs x-fi card that is operates in ASIO mode. Is this what I should be using for music recording and mixing in sonar? What other low latency audio interfaces would anyone recommend... this whole hardware question is confusing to me. I record just myself, at most two mics and/or other inputs. All thoughts appreciated. Ir should I just stay with what I have? I have a Win 10 machine, 16gig, and Sonar Platinum. And I have a mixing board. Rick
post edited by rickidoo - 2015/09/03 05:01:11
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Zargg
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Re: Recommended Audio Interface for Sonar
2015/09/03 06:09:03
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Hi. It would depend on what your budget is, and what you expect of it. There are loads of budget friendly Audio Interfaces, and many expensive ones. Give a budget, it will help to narrow down options. Or you could use the preamps in your mixer, going into your existing sound card. Best of luck.
post edited by Zargg71 - 2015/09/03 06:29:52
Ken Nilsen ZarggBBZWin 10 Pro X64, Cakewalk by Bandlab, SPlat X64, AMD AM3+ fx-8320, 16Gb RAM, RME Ucx (+ ARC), Tascam FW 1884, M-Audio Keystation 61es, *AKAI MPK Pro 25, *Softube Console1, Alesis DM6 USB, Maschine MkII Laptop setup: Win 10 X64, i5 2.4ghz, 8gb RAM, 320gb 7200 RPM HD, Focusrite Solo, + *
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musichoo
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Re: Recommended Audio Interface for Sonar
2015/09/03 06:52:22
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Focusrite is probably the most common among cakewalk forum users. We also have plenty of Roland, steinberg and m-audio users. I am sure have have miss a brand or two.
post edited by musichoo - 2015/09/03 07:01:05
Sonar Platinum. Win7 64bit. i7 CPU 4770. 14 Gig RAM. Roland A500Pro controller keyboard. Korg Krome 88. M-audio Audiophile 2496 soundcard, Focusrite 18i8, Roland UA25EX. Ivory II, True Piano, Addictive Keys, Synthmaster, Harmor, Zeta +2, Lounge Lizard 4, Geist, Miroslav 2, Sample Tank 3. Kaiser grand piano. Shure KSM137 x2. Wave's Renaissance and Gold. Breeze. ST3. Pianoteq 5. AD2.Aether Reverb, Dune2 , Reason 10 and Komplete 10 Ultimate, Syntronik, O8N2 adv, Studio one 3.5 Pro. https://etherealpiano.bandcamp.com/
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Bristol_Jonesey
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Re: Recommended Audio Interface for Sonar
2015/09/03 07:32:10
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Whatever you choose will be a massive upgrade on the x-fi.
As said above, give us an idea of budget
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MacFurse
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Re: Recommended Audio Interface for Sonar
2015/09/03 08:07:46
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Don't know much about mixing boards with USB (if that's what you have) and if they will work OK. What I do know is that I went through numerous interfaces that all gave plenty of trouble, several dying on me too.
Without an indication how much you want to spend, for your stated requirements, a Focusrite 2i2, available for around $180 would be a good option. They are trouble free and well above your soundcard for both use and performance. For about $800, an RME Babyface is well worth a look. Heaps of good options available between the two price points, and very awesome pro gear well above the RME. Do your google research, narrow it down to exactly what you need, then google again and pick some. Then you could ask here for opinion on your choices. Most are pretty good these days, but IMHO, I would not use M-audio gear for PC/Sonar, based upon my experiences. Good luck.
Platinum. i7 4771 3.5ghz. ECU H87 mobo with 3 monitor support. 16gb Ripjaws 1600mhz. Focusrite 18i20. 2 x 250gb Samsung EVO SSD's OP/Programs. 2x1TB Seagate Baracuda sata3 data drives. 200gb sata2 bootable drive for online and downloading only. Seagate 2tb USB 3.0 backup drive. 2x27in monitors. Rode K2 valve mic. Sontronics STC-1 pair. Studio Projects B1 condenser. SM58B. SM57B. Presonus Eureka Preamp.
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EmoNation
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Re: Recommended Audio Interface for Sonar
2015/09/03 09:23:08
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wetdentist
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Re: Recommended Audio Interface for Sonar
2015/09/03 09:26:38
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i love my Roland Quad-Capture; i hated my Tascam us-144 & us-122l because the 64 bit drivers didn't work.
3.5 Ghz AMD 6-Core/16 gigs RAM, Roland Quad-Capture, Win 10, Cakewalk by Bandlab, Komplete 10, z3ta+, Z3TA+ 2, Rapture, Maschine 2.7 (MKI & Jam), Melodyne 4 Studio, Ozone 4, Jam Origin MIDI Guitar 2, Schecter Damien Elite, Fender Sonoran w/TronicalTune Plus installed, etc go here to hear Wet Dentist (2000-2016 RIP) my new sounds: The Das Kaput
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streckfus
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Re: Recommended Audio Interface for Sonar
2015/09/03 09:39:03
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Focusrite Saffire Pro 40 (Firewire) is what I use. Nice I/O options for a $500 box. The new zero-latency Thunderbolt Claretts look pretty sweet...but there goes $1000!
Sonar Platinum | Win 10 Pro/64-bit | Core i7-6700K | 32GB DDR4 2400 RAM | ASUS Z170-AR | ASUS GeForce GTX 970 | Focusrite Saffire Pro 40 | Yamaha HS8s
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streckfus
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Re: Recommended Audio Interface for Sonar
2015/09/03 09:40:41
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(To clarify, the Claretts aren't really zero-latency of course, but they boast really zippy performance.)
Sonar Platinum | Win 10 Pro/64-bit | Core i7-6700K | 32GB DDR4 2400 RAM | ASUS Z170-AR | ASUS GeForce GTX 970 | Focusrite Saffire Pro 40 | Yamaha HS8s
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MondoArt
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Re: Recommended Audio Interface for Sonar
2015/09/04 10:40:58
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Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 or 2i4 would fit the bill nicely. I have a 2i4 and it's wonderful.
Neel Songwriter/Producer neelmodi.com Sonar Platinum | Intel i5 | Windows 10 Home | Focusrite Scarlett 2i4 | Akai Advance 61 | NI Komplete 10
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Shenrei
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Re: Recommended Audio Interface for Sonar
2015/09/04 15:24:16
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Tascam UH-7000. I scored one almost brand new for $250. Killer pre-amps, and a killer DAC.
Daily coffee addict. Composer on the weekends.
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PilotGav
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Re: Recommended Audio Interface for Sonar
2015/09/04 15:49:59
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musichoo
Focusrite is probably the most common among cakewalk forum users. We also have plenty of Roland, steinberg and m-audio users. I am sure have have miss a brand or two.
Focusrite is having HUGE driver and hardware issues lately. I'd stay away. Here's something I just picked up and I've never been happier with an Audio Interface: Steinberg UR44 Also see this thread in the forum: http://forum.cakewalk.com/Installing-my-new-UR44-m3279201.aspx
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Bristol_Jonesey
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Re: Recommended Audio Interface for Sonar
2015/09/04 17:10:05
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PilotGav
musichoo
Focusrite is probably the most common among cakewalk forum users. We also have plenty of Roland, steinberg and m-audio users. I am sure have have miss a brand or two.
Focusrite is having HUGE driver and hardware issues lately. I'd stay away.
Here's something I just picked up and I've never been happier with an Audio Interface:
Steinberg UR44
Also see this thread in the forum:
http://forum.cakewalk.com/Installing-my-new-UR44-m3279201.aspx
Not sure where you're getting that from, they are one of only a few manufacturers who have written specific Windows 10 drivers for many of their interfaces. Got a link?
CbB, Platinum, 64 bit throughoutCustom built i7 3930, 32Gb RAM, 2 x 1Tb Internal HDD, 1 x 1TB system SSD (Win 7), 1 x 500Gb system SSD (Win 10), 2 x 1Tb External HDD's, Dual boot Win 7 & Win 10 64 Bit, Saffire Pro 26, ISA One, Adam P11A,
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mettelus
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Re: Recommended Audio Interface for Sonar
2015/09/04 17:51:17
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The only thing I know of Focusrite is the Saffire (FireWire) issue with the VIA chipset.
I am confused by the OP as far as Creative Labs and ASIO (I did not think they had any?) If you are using ASIO4ALL, it is recommended to uninstall that when you have an interface with ASIO drivers specific to it.
ASUS ROG Maximus X Hero (Wi-Fi AC), i7-8700k, 16GB RAM, GTX-1070Ti, Win 10 Pro, Saffire PRO 24 DSP, A-300 PRO, plus numerous gadgets and gizmos that make or manipulate sound in some way.
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Sycraft
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Re: Recommended Audio Interface for Sonar
2015/09/04 17:57:33
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Bristol_Jonesey
Not sure where you're getting that from, they are one of only a few manufacturers who have written specific Windows 10 drivers for many of their interfaces.
Got a link?
Not the guy who posted but to share my experience, I think the new Focusrite drivers have latency issues. I decided to try the beta drivers on my 8.1 system, since release Focusrite drivers are the only thing holding up a Windows 10 upgrade. They installed and worked... but I was getting huge DPC latency spikes. Like 700us. Not all the time, but regular jumps to that level. It was coming from the WFD which is what you get with problematic USB drivers. Went back to the 1.8 release drivers, and DPC latency was back down in the single to double digits. So it would seem their new driver has some kind of issue. Wouldn't necessarily be a big deal but they claim you need the new driver for 10, and they have been in beta for a LONG time with no signs of release. Personally I think I'm going to jettison it for an RME at some point.
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Bristol_Jonesey
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Re: Recommended Audio Interface for Sonar
2015/09/04 18:25:33
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Yeah, 700us is huge!
I'm about to drop the coin on either a Saffire Pro 40 or Liquid Saffire 56
Off to do some reading....
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TheMaartian
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Re: Recommended Audio Interface for Sonar
2015/09/04 18:54:08
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Note that Tascam are not yet claiming Win10 compatibility for the UH-7000. I was happy to see the Win10 update post today for my US-16x08. It's working great! I hope your 7000 isn't far behind.
Intel i7 3.4GHz, 16 GB RAM, 2 TB HD Win10 Home 64-bit Tascam US-16x08 Studio One 4 Pro Notion 6 Melodyne 4 Studio Acoustica 7 Guitar Pro 7 PreSonus FaderPort Nektar P6 M-Audio BX8 D2 Beyerdynamic DT 880 Pro NI K9U XLN AK, AD2 AAS VS-2, GS-2, VA-2, EP-4, CP-2, OD Toontrack SD3, EZK
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Sycraft
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Re: Recommended Audio Interface for Sonar
2015/09/04 18:57:20
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Particularly on my system. Generally it sits in the 8-15us range. Spikes to about 50-80us occasionally for graphics or network, but that's about it. It is nice n' low latency all around with the 1.8 drivers. But man, those 1.9 betas seem to cause issues. Dunno if I am just unlucky or if I did something wrong or what, but that makes them pretty unusable. Particularly since they do it even when I'm no in pro software using the interface, meaning they'll cause potential rendering hitches in games.
I've been looking in to getting a new interface anyhow, one that can handle both my consumer and pro needs (so it has to have surround support) and this is just accelerating that. The RME UFX is probably going to be the winner. Their drivers seem low latency, they have official Windows 10 support, and it looks like I can do bass management via their mixer/DSP.
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Zargg
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Re: Recommended Audio Interface for Sonar
2015/09/04 20:13:51
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I can only speak good of RME ( after getting one).
But I think there are more budget friendly options.
Focusrite being one of them.
Only OP can tell which in the right territory...
Best of luck.
Ken Nilsen ZarggBBZWin 10 Pro X64, Cakewalk by Bandlab, SPlat X64, AMD AM3+ fx-8320, 16Gb RAM, RME Ucx (+ ARC), Tascam FW 1884, M-Audio Keystation 61es, *AKAI MPK Pro 25, *Softube Console1, Alesis DM6 USB, Maschine MkII Laptop setup: Win 10 X64, i5 2.4ghz, 8gb RAM, 320gb 7200 RPM HD, Focusrite Solo, + *
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Re: Recommended Audio Interface for Sonar
2015/09/04 20:26:08
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http://tascam.com/product/us-2x2/ Why? Cuz it is one of the newest designs using some of the newest chips. Hence less expensive. If yous got the bux, get the 4 channel. If you got extra inputs you will find uses. Such as multiple mics in the for the guitar. Fur shure all the rest are good.
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Sycraft
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Re: Recommended Audio Interface for Sonar
2015/09/04 21:33:55
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Looks like you do indeed need the beta Focusrite drivers for Windows 10. Hooked my Scarlett up to the laptop and it all installs fine with the release, and you can see audio playing in the mixer, but the interface itself produces no sound, just a high pitched squeal out of all the outputs. I'm going to test the beta drivers on 10 but since they are literally downloading at about 5k/sec it is going to be an hour. :P
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Jesse G
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Re: Recommended Audio Interface for Sonar
2015/09/04 22:23:12
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Think about this for a moment. Cakewalk Sonar is owned by Roland now. Wouldn't it make sense to get a Roland audio interface like ..... The Roland Octa-Capture .. YEA!!!!!! it's about $499 and it works great. The interface is already set to work with Windows 10 without downloading and installing additional drivers ifyou upgrade your previous OS to Win 10 - 8 x premium VS PREAMP mic preamps (XLR combo)
- AUTO-SENS function intelligently sets optimal input levels for all preamps
- Extremely stable low-latency VS STREAMING driver
- 4 x independent software-controlled Direct Mixers for creating custom monitor mixes
- Internal 40-bit DSP processing for cue mixing
- Supports most major DAW platforms on Mac or PC, including OSX 10.6 and Windows 7-10 through ASIO 2.0/WDM (Windows) and Core Audio (Mac) drivers
- Includes Cakewalk Production Plus Pack and custom rack ears for rack mounting
- Dimensions: 11-3/16" x 6-1/4" x 2"
- Weight: 2.9 lbs.
- Sound is Awesome
Check it out https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4-FLHEPSgwE Tech SpecsComputer Connectivity USB 2.0Form FactorDesktop Simultaneous I/O12 x 10A/D Resolution24-bit/192kHz Built In DSP/FXYes Analog Inputs 2 x Combo (Mic/Hi-Z), 6 x Combo (Mic/Line) Analog Outputs 2 x TRS (Main), 6 x TRS, 1 x TRS (Headphones) Digital Inputs1 x S/PDIF (Coax) Digital Outputs1 x S/PDIF (Coax) Number of Preamps 8 Phantom Power Yes MIDI I/O In/Out Depth 6.25 Width 11.1 Height 2" Weight2.94 lbs.
post edited by Jesse G - 2015/09/04 22:49:55
Peace,Jesse G.  A fisher of men <>< ==============================Cakewalk and I are going places together!
Cakewalk By Bandlab, Windows 10 Pro- 64 bit, Gigabyte GA-Z97X-SLI, Intel Core i5-4460 Haswell Processor, Crucial Ballistix 32 GB Ram, PNY GeForce GTX 750, Roland Octa-Capture, Mackie Big Knob, Mackie Universal Controller (MCU), KRK V4's, KRK Rockit 6, Korg TR-61 Workstation, M-Audio Code 49 MIDI keyboard controller.[/
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InstrEd
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Re: Recommended Audio Interface for Sonar
2015/09/04 22:27:23
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Jesse where you been. Roland sold Cakewalk to Gibson.
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Jesse G
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Re: Recommended Audio Interface for Sonar
2015/09/04 22:37:49
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Darn!!!!!! LOL  Well it's still a great I/O
Peace,Jesse G. A fisher of men <>< ==============================Cakewalk and I are going places together!
Cakewalk By Bandlab, Windows 10 Pro- 64 bit, Gigabyte GA-Z97X-SLI, Intel Core i5-4460 Haswell Processor, Crucial Ballistix 32 GB Ram, PNY GeForce GTX 750, Roland Octa-Capture, Mackie Big Knob, Mackie Universal Controller (MCU), KRK V4's, KRK Rockit 6, Korg TR-61 Workstation, M-Audio Code 49 MIDI keyboard controller.[/
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kitekrazy1
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Re: Recommended Audio Interface for Sonar
2015/09/05 11:30:19
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rickidoo
I have a creative labs x-fi card that is operates in ASIO mode. Is this what I should be using for music recording and mixing in sonar? What other low latency audio interfaces would anyone recommend... this whole hardware question is confusing to me.
I record just myself, at most two mics and/or other inputs.
All thoughts appreciated.
Ir should I just stay with what I have?
I have a Win 10 machine, 16gig, and Sonar Platinum. And I have a mixing board.
Rick
Image Line uses a Creative card on their test machines. Despite being expensive RME devices are of great quality and most of their devices do not become doorstops. My do not buy list includes Tascam, Yamaha, and M-Audio.
Sonar Platinum, W7 Pro 32GB Ram, Intel i7 4790, AsRock Z97 Pro 4, NVidia 750ti, AP2496 Sonar Platinum, W7 Pro, 16GB Ram, AMD FX 6300, Gigabyte GA 970 -UD3 P, nVidia 9800GT, Guitar Port, Terratec EWX 2496
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kitekrazy1
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Re: Recommended Audio Interface for Sonar
2015/09/05 11:37:15
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streckfus
(To clarify, the Claretts aren't really zero-latency of course, but they boast really zippy performance.)
I think zero latency is impossible because it involves the CPU. It's probably a marketing phrase if a unit can produce 0.5 ms.
Sonar Platinum, W7 Pro 32GB Ram, Intel i7 4790, AsRock Z97 Pro 4, NVidia 750ti, AP2496 Sonar Platinum, W7 Pro, 16GB Ram, AMD FX 6300, Gigabyte GA 970 -UD3 P, nVidia 9800GT, Guitar Port, Terratec EWX 2496
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tenfoot
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Re: Recommended Audio Interface for Sonar
2015/09/05 11:54:49
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kitekrazy1
streckfus
(To clarify, the Claretts aren't really zero-latency of course, but they boast really zippy performance.)
I think zero latency is impossible because it involves the CPU. It's probably a marketing phrase if a unit can produce 0.5 ms.
If you want to get really pedantic absolute zero latency is impossible in the real wold using your ears due to the laws of physics. Best we don't go there:)
Bruce. Sonar Platinum 2017-09, Studio One 3.5.3, Win 10 x64, Quad core i7, RME Fireface, Behringer X32 Producer, Behringer X32 Rack, Presonus Faderport, Lemure Software Controller (Android), Enttec DMXIS VST lighting controller, Xtempo POK.
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reburgmusic
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Re: Recommended Audio Interface for Sonar
2015/09/05 12:07:18
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Of course there is quantum physics.
post edited by reburgmusic - 2015/09/05 12:31:04
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Cactus Music
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Re: Recommended Audio Interface for Sonar
2015/09/05 12:14:13
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Some iffy stuff posted with dated information. The OP has wandered off anyhow. Plus this belongs in the hardware forum along with the other 1,000 threads asking this same question and the other 3,000 answers. Lets clear up some miss information first... Tascam = Gibson = Cakewalk. All of us who suffered bad Tascam drivers are now happy because they have fixed this issue and are now solid and performing well. Tascam would be on my short list. Focusrite Scarlett series work very well but there will always be 1 person in 100 with issues. I personaly have had excellent service and customer support. Focusrite would also be on my short list. Creative Labs does supply what they call ASIO drivers with their sound cards. Close inspection will find they are in the same lowly place asio4all and really a WDM wrapper so don't work with Sonar very well. I have a CL Audigy II so speak from experiance. Creative Labs would not even make my long list. Since advice on purchasing an audio interface becomes more a matter of what you need and not what someone else bought I made a document you can read over where I list all the features one should think about. http://www.cactusmusic.ca...0Interface%20blurb.rtf
post edited by Cactus Music - 2015/09/05 12:23:58
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Cactus Music
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Re: Recommended Audio Interface for Sonar
2015/09/05 12:18:04
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☄ Helpfulby tlw 2015/09/05 17:05:28
For those who are rightfully cautious about downloading documents heres the blurb in text:
There is a lot of choices.
Make a list of your requirements first.
.
What kind of connectivity do you require? and how many of each.
These are some of the options:
XLR, 1/4", Combi jacks, RCA, ¼” line level, ¼” Instrument level ,MIDI, SPDIF, ADAT,MADI
How many ins and outs do you think you'll need now and in the future?
Are they accessible? Front or rear panel?
Are all ¼” jacks Balanced?
Is there a true stereo pair? Some don’t have a matched set of inputs.
Pre Amps will fall under the “you get what you pay for” rule, but check out the reviews anyhow.
A/D convertors will also fall under the same rule and generally all are good these days.
Are there peak level meters or just a little LED for each input?
Are there channel Insert jacks?
Are there separate controls for Monitor level and headphone level?
Is there a blend control for mixing Source with Computer ( DAW) ?
How many Headphone jacks? A level for each?
Are the input pads or line / Instrument toggle switches on the front, back or software controlled?
Is it a metal box or cheap plastic? Is it light and portable or large and bulky, Rack mountable?
Does it have an on / off switch?
Does it use Buss power or a power supply? Buss power can have issues with noise and Phantom power. Look for at least an optional power supply.
Does it have DSP effects built in?
Does it use a GUI mixer? Having a software (GUI) mixer adds more options.
Can it be used as stand alone? Some interfaces are also handy as a small mixer.
What are the Round Trip Latency (RTL) specs? Do you need low RTL for real time processing?
Low RTL is going to be at a higher price point. A $200 interface will have hidden buffers etc.
Zero Latency monitoring is not the same as RTL. All interfaces have some latency.
Zero latency is just marketing hype for monitoring directly from the interface.
And most important of all, Does it have top notch drivers for your OS.
What is the word on support from the company?
Does it come with free software, An LE version of a DAW you would like to try?
Everyone will recommend the interface they have chosen, that doesn't mean it is the right one for you.
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