USB soundcard/audio interface

self77 · Post by **self77** » Wed Jan 07, 2009 6:29 pm

This has been asked before, I'm sure, but I'm (a) new here; and (b) too lazy to trawl through the whole forum. Sorry. Anyway...

I was very fond of my old emagic A62m USB soundcard. But I've upgraded my laptop for Live-ing purposes and it won't work with Vista. I don't want to mess around downgrading Vista (for similar reasons to the above above).

So, what should I get that does what my old a62m did, only newer and more so, i.e.:

lets me plug my digital turntable into it (and my mixer output, if I get the right cables);

lets me plug a CD player and CD deck in;

lets me plug a mic in;

lets me plug in other USB things (e.g. controllers, external drives, normal peripherals) and other random stuff that I haven't thought of yet; and

works reliably and nicely (low/no latency, lots of Hz) via USB 2.0

I'm not after something guitar or proper instrument/band-oriented - it's just me and my stuff, in my room, sampling and producing good quality noise.

Ta!

cosmosuave · Post by **cosmosuave** » Wed Jan 07, 2009 6:34 pm

Just got this after having a FW410.... As recommended by Nebulae... I have yet to hear it in action but it has a midi assignable jog wheel, and 3 buttons to control software... Allows you to control up to 10 parametrs with only 4 controls... Build quality is nice too... SOS gave it a good review..

http://www.native-instruments.com/index ... 692dd96cf3

mkelly · Post by **mkelly** » Wed Jan 07, 2009 6:46 pm

self77 wrote:This has been asked before, I'm sure, but I'm (a) new here; and (b) too lazy to trawl through the whole forum. Sorry. Anyway...

I was very fond of my old emagic A62m USB soundcard. But I've upgraded my laptop for Live-ing purposes and it won't work with Vista. I don't want to mess around downgrading Vista (for similar reasons to the above above).

So, what should I get that does what my old a62m did, only newer and more so, i.e.:

lets me plug my digital turntable into it (and my mixer output, if I get the right cables);

lets me plug a CD player and CD deck in;

lets me plug a mic in;

lets me plug in other USB things (e.g. controllers, external drives, normal peripherals) and other random stuff that I haven't thought of yet; and

works reliably and nicely (low/no latency, lots of Hz) via USB 2.0

I'm not after something guitar or proper instrument/band-oriented - it's just me and my stuff, in my room, sampling and producing good quality noise.

Ta!

While I love the AK1 that cosmosuave recommended, it might not suit you.

Firstly it only has the two inputs, so it won't support everything you mention at once - i count about 9 inputs assumign stereo for most devices. It also has no RCA input jacks - so you would need RCA to jack converters. I'm assuming your digital turntable has line level output as the AK1 has no phono level input.

You might actually be better with the NI Audio 8 DJ instead: http://www.dv247.com/invt/38321/

Of course, if you can live with just two ins, then the AK1 is great.

crumhorn · Post by **crumhorn** » Wed Jan 07, 2009 7:10 pm

Have you tried it with ASIO4ALL?

4.33 · Post by **4.33** » Thu Jan 08, 2009 3:20 am

crumhorn wrote:Have you tried it with ASIO4ALL?

what? ak1? why?

another vote for ak1

mkelly · Post by **mkelly** » Thu Jan 08, 2009 8:14 am

crumhorn wrote:Have you tried it with ASIO4ALL?

With global economies crumbling I can't believe you'd be so irresponsible as to suggest getting the old hardware to work instead of buying all new stuff.

The Mechanic · Post by **The Mechanic** » Thu Jan 08, 2009 8:53 am

I too am in need of a new interface. We have a very limited selection of retailers on the island so it's rare that I actually get to see something before I buy it. I love to hear some thoughts on a new device. I am in the market for a new mixer as well and have been thinking the Korg zero 8 or 4 might serve all my purposes.

mkelly · Post by **mkelly** » Thu Jan 08, 2009 9:12 am

The Mechanic wrote:I too am in need of a new interface. We have a very limited selection of retailers on the island so it's rare that I actually get to see something before I buy it. I love to hear some thoughts on a new device. I am in the market for a new mixer as well and have been thinking the Korg zero 8 or 4 might serve all my purposes.

If you stated your needs with a bit more detail it would make it easier to recommend devices to you. Check the original post - there's some info about what he wants to connect to it etc.

The Mechanic · Post by **The Mechanic** » Thu Jan 08, 2009 8:46 pm

Right! I apologize for not being more clear. I use ableton exclusively for djing and live noise. Breaks, live electronics, and whatever the performers are singing to is what I play usually. I actually need a new mixer and a new interface. Interface wise all I have currently is Tascam FireOne not very good for what I need to do. I need something with multiple outs obviously a dedicated cue or monitor channel and a couple of mics. I have a monthly show that incorporates myself djing and getting random with live and also showcases some singers. We sometimes run the singers mics through seperate mixer at larger venues but for the smaller ones it's way easier to route their mics through the interface into ableton and back out to my mixer.

That being said about the mics a couple of dedicated midi channels would be nice kaoss pad and or keyboard.

So I was thinking of something small like the echo sound card for my straight dj gigs when there are no singers but the 1/8th in out thing seems a little lite. Then a friend suggested the Korg Zero series mixer which looks great and sounds great in theory any way.

I currently use the Fire One and old analog mixer that is dying for connectivity to the sound system and control of it, an x-session pro, a key station 49 e, a kaoss pad and a home made device or two. Obviously the m-audio gear I have connects via usb my home made stuff does as well.

The computer I use does have a mini fire wire port and 4 usbs. So interface wise I'd like to use the fire wire port as oposed to taking up a precious usb port. I was finally convinced into getting a trigger finger so that is on the way as well.

My thought on the korg zero series mixer as a interface is get rid of the x session, fire one, kaoss pad and analog mixer for my gigs. And use it along with another device such as one of my bastard children devices or the trigger finger ya digg?

Travel is an issue as going anywhere means getting on a plane. So I'd like to trim it down a little.

Hope that sheds a little more light and thanks in advance

self77 · Post by **self77** » Wed Jan 14, 2009 10:35 pm

Many thanks for the replies so far.

Anyone used this:

M-Audio Fast Track Ultra
http://www.dolphinmusic.co.uk/shop/flyp ... t_id/34490

Seems to have all the inputs I'll ever need (and maybe more) but not that ultra-cheap and online reviews aren't exactly unequivocal, so not sure about taking the plunge.

Any views?

mkelly · Post by **mkelly** » Thu Jan 15, 2009 8:21 am

self77 wrote:Many thanks for the replies so far.

Anyone used this:

M-Audio Fast Track Ultra
http://www.dolphinmusic.co.uk/shop/flyp ... t_id/34490

Seems to have all the inputs I'll ever need (and maybe more) but not that ultra-cheap and online reviews aren't exactly unequivocal, so not sure about taking the plunge.

Any views?

It's M-Audio - opinions are divided about M-Audio products - usually based on opinion of company as a whole and not so much on the individual product. If you can try the stuff out then I recommend that you do so. Some stores will allow you to return a product with X days of purchase if you don't like it. Why not try it out.

USB soundcard/audio interface

USB soundcard/audio interface

Re: USB soundcard/audio interface

Thanks for the souncard/audio interface tips

Re: Thanks for the souncard/audio interface tips