I've been using a Presonus Firebox with a Firewire connection, but my new computer--running Windows 8--only has USB3 ports.

I need the interface to plug in my midi keyboard AND my microphone.  Any recommendations?  (I don't need a lot of inputs and outputs, and wouldn't mind saving a few dollars...)

Thanks in advance.

USB 3 is backwards-compatible. So you don't specifically need a USB 3 interface. Any USB 2 interface will work as well... just so you know.

EDIT: Sorry about that Jerry! I honestly didn't know that there was so much trouble with audio interfaces and USB 3. 

Scott

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There are no USB 3.0 Interfaces available yet that I'm aware of...
Your 3.0 ports should be backwards compatible with 2.0 devices...

Any USB 2.0 Interface will work...

If your devices are both USB then you can use a hub if you only 
have 1 USB port on your laptop..

Need a little more info then you've provided..

If your Keyboard is strictly MIDI and your Mic requires 48v Phantom Power
and is Lo Z....

Then probably the MOST bang for your buck will be the Roland Quad Capture.

They sell for $269 but you can usually find a sale at Guitar Center or one of the big
retailers to get that price down...

Excellent unit for the price..has two VS Preamps and MIDI in and out...built in Compressiion
on the preamps and records up to 192 Khz Sample Rate...and the drivers have extremely 
low latency...

Also the Focusrite 8i6 is a very good unit...$299, but always look for a sale...SAVE MONEY
to buy other goodies..LOL

Thanks, guys!

Be careful. It's not so simple with all devices. The Presonus 1818vsl for example is known to have issues when hooked up to USB3 - I own it and it works fine with USB2. I recommend that for whatever unit you are looking at, you get a users perspective from someone who is using it successfully with USB3.

Brando


Be careful. It's not so simple with all devices. The Presonus 1818vsl for example is known to have issues when hooked up to USB3 - I own it and it works fine with USB2. I recommend that for whatever unit you are looking at, you get a users perspective from someone who is using it successfully with USB3.

Brando is correct. 


Some devices have issues when plugged into USB 3.0 ports...as not all USB 3.0 ports allow backwards compatibility.
The VAST majority do...but not all.  And even some that claim to be backwards compatible have problems.

Focusrite has specific instructions, updated drivers, and software to support USB 3.0 on their website. FWIW - Amazon sells the 8i6 for $216.

I am working from the assumption that you have a laptop which precludes adding a FW expansion card.  If not, then that route is going to be much, much cheaper.  Search the forum, there are good recommendations about which cards are good ones.

cclarry

Brando


Be careful. It's not so simple with all devices. The Presonus 1818vsl for example is known to have issues when hooked up to USB3 - I own it and it works fine with USB2. I recommend that for whatever unit you are looking at, you get a users perspective from someone who is using it successfully with USB3.

Brando is correct. 


Some devices have issues when plugged into USB 3.0 ports...as not all USB 3.0 ports allow backwards compatibility.
The VAST majority do...but not all.  And even some that claim to be backwards compatible have problems.

I agree. I had BSODs (which I hadn't seen in years) when I plugged a Komplete Audio 6 into a USB 3 port. NI has a driver (can't remember if it's still beta or not) which was supposed to address USB3 issues, but it didn't fix it on my system. No such problems using the USB2 port.


-Susan

Unless you are dead set on getting a new audio interface, a USB2 interface is cheaper.

And even some that claim to be backwards compatible have problems.

kevo


Unless you are dead set on getting a new audio interface, a USB2 interface is cheaper.

Compared to what?