Using 2 different audio interface (not linking them) for it's individual strength.

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tomixornot
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2012/05/13 11:45:26 (permalink)

Using 2 different audio interface (not linking them) for it's individual strength.


I'm dropping my original plan to have 2 units of Octa Capture stacked up for 16 inputs.

Instead, I'm planning for a single Quad capture which mainly enables me to record/play soft synth and audio (recording bass/guitar with vst effects) at lowest possible latency.

For live/band recording, I'll go for a Phonic Helix board, for up to 16 mic/line input (both firewire/usb). 

http://www.phonic.com/en/...oard-24-universal.html

Latency for audio monitoring will not be an issue here with Phonic Helix, since I can use the mixer feature for direct monitoring. No soft synth is involved for live recording.

I've been using the Phonic Firefly 303 audio interface for about a year now without any issue. With the Firefly 303, the total round trip latency is 17.1 ms, I can lowered this setting, but not much. My computer is i7 2600k, intel motherboard, 16gb memory. I'm trying to improve the latency with the Quad capture.

Price comparison
2x Octa Capture 700/= x2
Total 1,400/=

Quad Capture (270/=)
Phonic Helix 24 (870/=)
Total 1,140/=

I don't have to get the Phonic yet, only when required. The total saving is not much, but I get 16 input with the Helix board without worrying 2x Octa Capture stacked up might not work (with latest firmware installed, as reported by a forum member).

I just need to switch between these 2 units as required, but it won't be that regular. But I've only got a pair of monitor, so I'm not sure how the switching will go yet.

What do you think of this configuration, or a better alternative ?

Thanks in advance.
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    tomixornot
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    Re:Using 2 different audio interface (not linking them) for it's individual strength. 2012/05/14 04:51:13 (permalink)
    For 700/= I can also go for the new Tascam DP 24, which is more portable for live recording. Not sure if 2 units of DP 24 can be linked via midi (I've heard the older Neo 2488 can be linked via midi for doubling the inputs).
    #2
    Cactus Music
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    Re:Using 2 different audio interface (not linking them) for it's individual strength. 2012/05/14 21:11:16 (permalink)
    Tascam us 1800= 16 inputs @ $300.

    Johnny V  
    Cakelab  
    Focusrite 6i61st - Tascam us1641. 
    3 Desktops and 3 Laptops W7 and W10
     http://www.cactusmusic.ca/
     
     
    #3
    tomixornot
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    Re:Using 2 different audio interface (not linking them) for it's individual strength. 2012/05/14 22:35:27 (permalink)
    Cactus, thanks for the suggestion. I didn't pay attention to this unit till you suggested.. I'm very keen on the zero latency monitoring feature (for audio input I suppose).

    Just curious what is the round trip latency for soft synth. If it's good, then I'll do away with the Quad capture all together and just get this one. There is also a new US2000 model. Not sure if it's in the market yet.. Sweetwater list it as arriving soon.

    Thanks again!
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    JazzSinger
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    Re:Using 2 different audio interface (not linking them) for it's individual strength. 2012/05/17 05:21:02 (permalink)
    Tascam US-1800 = 14 audio inputs for full band,

    PreSonus AudioBox 22VSL = USB-Powered with built-in reverb for vocals afterwards. 
    #5
    JazzSinger
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    Re:Using 2 different audio interface (not linking them) for it's individual strength. 2012/05/17 05:30:05 (permalink)
    The US-2000 is an expensive version of the 1800. It adds front-panel LED meters, but you lose MIDI I/O.

    Latency on these units is not great, but I would not want to lug my US-1800 around to play softsynths live anyway.

    I had the QuadCapture for a few days and I found the low latency solved only part of the problem. Each soft synth has a latency of its own which can be greater than that of my interface.
    post edited by JazzSinger - 2012/05/17 05:38:53
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