Thanks for all of the input.

I think what I'm going to do is call my guy at Sweetwater.  I've worked with them for 20 years or so.  I'll explain my concerns and even though it might cost a little more money, I believe they would take back any unit that wasn't working for me.

I'm reticent to continue Firewire--I think it might be a dying technology.  And, yeah--my Firebox might have issues with Windows 8 drivers anyway.

I'm having trouble believing that some usb2 devices don't work properly in a usb3 port. Someone's not doing their homework, again.

Mainly a problem with 3rd-party USB3 ports
Situation is very similar to using non-TI chipset Firewire controllers

I think what I'm going to do is call my guy at Sweetwater.  I've worked with them for 20 years or so.  I'll explain my concerns and even though it might cost a little more money, I believe they would take back any unit that wasn't working for me.

Their customer support is good... so I'm sure they'll work with you.

Mystic38


This most certainly is an incorrect statement...
 
To the OP:
 
Before you purchase any audio interface, visit the manufacturers site, or user forums and validate that they will interoperate with USB3.0, if you know which USB3.0 chipset is in your new machine, check to see if that operates with USB2.0 audio interfaces.. there have been more than plenty of issues in this area. There has been a rash of USB3.0 driver updates, and driver updates for audio interfaces for USB3.0 support.. do NOT assume any will simply work unless you know for sure.

 
 
garrigus


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.

Scott

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* Author of the Cakewalk Sonar and Sony Sound Forge Power book series: http://garrigus.com/?PowerBooks
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I respectfully disagree. The usb3 specification is fully backward compatible with usb2. Any non-backward compatibility between usb2 devices and usb3 is the result of shoddy drivers and cheaply made chipsets not built to the full usb specification. 

I respectfully disagree. The usb3 specification is fully backward compatible with usb2. Any non-backward compatibility between usb2 devices and usb3 is the result of shoddy drivers and cheaply made chipsets not built to the full usb3 specification. 

I've installed a LOT of USB-2 audio interfaces... and I can tell you that some (ie: FastTrack Ultra 8R) just won't work at all with 3rd-party USB3 controllers... and others will "work" albeit at less that maximum performance (ie: RME Babyface).


This isn't really much of an issue... because most machines have USB2 ports integrated into the chipset.
Running a USB2 device via a USB3 port (even an integrated USB3 port on a Z77 chipset motherboard) results in no performance gain.  So... connect a USB2 audio interface to a USB2 port.  

Since they've been mentioned, I just thought I'd chime in to clarify that all of Focusrite's Scarlett range of USB interfaces are compatible with USB 3 ports providing that you have the latest version of the drivers (currently v2.4) installed.  For the 18i6 and 8i6, all you need is the latest version of Scarlett Mix Control (currently v 1.2).

It seems that some of you are missing the point that Jim has made- Not all USB ports are created equal. So even if your interface say's it supports USB 3.0, You could face issues because the USB 3.0 port in question might not be fully integrated to the MOBO. 
Most likely explanation is that as consumers are now expecting a USB 3.0 port on their new purchases, manufactures are hobbling them together in a hurry to meet the demand. I'm sure you all remember the transition from USB 1 to 2 and the little notification telling you your device will perform faster etc.  

Jim Roseberry

I respectfully disagree. The usb3 specification is fully backward compatible with usb2. Any non-backward compatibility between usb2 devices and usb3 is the result of shoddy drivers and cheaply made chipsets not built to the full usb3 specification. 

I've installed a LOT of USB-2 audio interfaces... and I can tell you that some (ie: FastTrack Ultra 8R) just won't work at all with 3rd-party USB3 controllers... and others will "work" albeit at less that maximum performance (ie: RME Babyface).


This isn't really much of an issue... because most machines have USB2 ports integrated into the chipset.
Running a USB2 device via a USB3 port (even an integrated USB3 port on a Z77 chipset motherboard) results in no performance gain.  So... connect a USB2 audio interface to a USB2 port.  

I understand that there are issues. I just wanted to point out that the usb3 specification allows for stable backward compatibility with usb2 devices. I do not believe there was any intent to provide for enhanced performance of a usb2 device used in a usb3 port. But I have not read the spec so I’m not sure about that. I believe the intent was for usb3 to allow for both usb2 and usb3 communication on the usb3 bus.

This is what Roland says for the Quad Capture and Octa Capture

* Intel chipset recommended.
* QUAD-CAPTURE may not perform to its full specs when used with an added USB 2.0 interface card.
* This product cannot be used with a USB 3.0 port that is not compatible with USB 2.0 specification.
* If this product does not work correctly when connected to a USB 3.0 port, you will need to connect it to a USB 2.0 port.
* Even if connected to a USB 3.0 port, this product will operate as a USB 2.0 device; the performance of the product will not change.
 

Zonno


This is what Roland says for the Quad Capture and Octa Capture

* Intel chipset recommended.
* QUAD-CAPTURE may not perform to its full specs when used with an added USB 2.0 interface card.
* This product cannot be used with a USB 3.0 port that is not compatible with USB 2.0 specification.
* If this product does not work correctly when connected to a USB 3.0 port, you will need to connect it to a USB 2.0 port.
* Even if connected to a USB 3.0 port, this product will operate as a USB 2.0 device; the performance of the product will not change.
 

IMHO the most likely reason people are experiencing an issue is because of corporate strategies utilized by Intel to retain control over required details to implement usb3 for as long as possible. Resulting in less than desirable e.g. inferior chipsets in the market for a short period of time unless you use Intel.