Novation nio - Thoughts? USB 1.0 an Issue? Latency?

contakt321 · Post by **contakt321** » Fri Feb 13, 2009 5:08 pm

Hey folks,

I did a search on all the threads but just wanted some newer feedback since most are 6 months old.

nio owners, are you happy with your purchase?

More specifically:

- Is the USB 1.0 thing an issue?
- How is the latency?
- Is it stable or are there any sync issues?
- Any issues that I should know about?

I am selling me PreSonus Firebox on Ebay today. I have had enough of its sync-ing and un-syncing. Not sure if it's the Firewire chipset in my MacBook (its one of the "bad" ones) or the Firebox or whatever but at this point I have had enough. The stupid thing syncs and un-syncs intermittently and makes it impossible for me to use in a reliable fashion.

So I am looking into a USB interface that's 2 in/4 out to record my MPC, SP1200, turntables, etc and to DJ with. Seems like the Novation nio may be be good, or I am considering the M-Audio Fasttrack (I know, I know - but the price is right). Seems like those are my two best options for my price range $200-250ish.

PS: I know these wont have pristine sound quality but at the moment this is all I am willing to spend.
PPS: I am sticking w/ USB b/c of Apple's removal of Firewire, and issues w/ chipset in my Macbook.

Thanks in advance for your thoughts!

rompling · Post by **rompling** » Fri Feb 13, 2009 5:21 pm

Got an mpc and nio and love it for the price - diddn`t even know that it was usb 1

No probs at all and use it to record off my zero 8 for my traktor skratch sets - way better than there crappy recorder

NapalmBob · Post by **NapalmBob** » Fri Feb 13, 2009 8:32 pm

I haven't had any issues with mine (apart from it disagreeing with my laptops webcam driver, which I just uninstalled).

I do love the immediacy of the interface, everything is right there, on the box. The only time you have to bring up the software driver control is when you want to change the sample rate.

I haven't used the effects rack software it comes with yet (some distortion emus, some Supernova effects and Focusrite processors), nut I do adore the two output channels (A & B) which make DJing or cueing out of Ableton a breeze.

I strongly suggest getting one.

dphouse84 · Post by **dphouse84** » Fri Feb 13, 2009 9:17 pm

never had any problems with mine

tw1nstates · Post by **tw1nstates** » Fri Feb 13, 2009 11:27 pm

mate check out the Mackie onyx satellite,

They very cheap and sound really good.

I had one for ages until i needed a load more outputs. . .

tw1nstates · Post by **tw1nstates** » Fri Feb 13, 2009 11:28 pm

£114 at absolute music

tw1nstates · Post by **tw1nstates** » Fri Feb 13, 2009 11:30 pm

oops it's firewire,

Sorry dude.

contakt321 · Post by **contakt321** » Sat Feb 14, 2009 5:14 am

Thanks for the feedback guys. Sold my Firebox already and bought the nio!

abletoon · Post by **abletoon** » Sat Feb 14, 2009 5:44 am

the Nio is great for djing (we sync up two nio together no probs)
i can get the latency as low as 10ms before it start cracking up.
one thing ive found however is the output level isnt very high. i have to crank mine up full to get a decent level.