Audio Interfaces...Again...

[BoxDJ]

I was about to buy a MOTU Ultralite for my laptop which is running Windows 7 but then I saw something about Echo audio interfaces. Any information on that? They seem pretty nice.

Also, a very dumb question but, could someone explain to me direct monitoring and non direct monitoring? I know what they are, but I don't know when to use them.

**EDIT**
And of course, it has to be low latency because I'm trigger clips, playing drums, and synths.

[LoopStationZebra]

WHY are you AGONIZING. lol.

Get the fucking Ultralite.

[squelcht]

WHY are you AGONIZING. lol.

Get the fucking Ultralite.

+3.14

[RonaldDumsfeld]

Ultralite was an obvious buy for Mac users but you might want to wait a while if you are a Windows user and expect to connect via USB2.

Firewire works fine provided you have the right chipset but there is some concern regarding USB and Windows.

People have reported getting relatively old 32 bit XP systems with ICH8 controllers tp perform as per spec but there is still confusion as regards Vista/7 and 64 bit and/or ICH9 and 10 controllers. It's still up in the air and no one onlike has so far gotten a reply to requests for tech support from MOTU. The new Hybrid has only been out six weeks or so and no major publisher has printed a review although they carry ads.

Might be wise to hang fire - depending on circumstances.

[loydb]

I'm lusting after the Saffire with the two Liquid Pres, personally.

That said, my Firebox is the best interface I've ever owned.

[continuous]

My Traveler has been super solid... invisible even. But I don't play out or anything.

If you're feeling nervy maybe check the MOTUNATION Forums?

http://www.motunation.com/forum/index.php

[leedsquietman]

Echo make great audio interfaces. The Audiofire 4 and 8 are very good interfaces. The Audiofire 8 PRE has some great pres on it too (plus 8 XLRS and 8 analog ins via adat input)

The point about firewire is true though, PC laptop firewire isn't great due to cheap integrated chipsets.

The new Ultralite HYBRID has an advantage here in that it has USB 2 and firewire connectivity. Although sometimes, MOTUs PC drivers don't stack up to their Mac drivers and this is a new product, so it might take a while for the drivers to mature to be giving great low latency performance over both USB 2 and FW.

The best USB 2.0 interface is the RME Fireface UC, but you're looking at $1400 for it and very few places offering discounts with it being a newish product. People in Europe for once seem to be getting a slightly better deal on this German made product compared to North Americans, a rare thing.

[SubFunk]

i am with leeds on this one, it depends on if you are either on windows or osx, if you are on osx i say motu is great, but they do have problems here and there under windows, yes i know that some have no problems with windows and motu (we had problems galore, none under osx, though... ), but the chances are higher, and even if they run flawless you usually get a little less performance in respect to latency out of them under windows, companies like RME, Presonus and echo are known for a good driver development for both platforms. and make all very decent cards in respect to the money you pay for them.

[BoxDJ]

So would echo be the way to go in my case?

[BoxDJ]

I know firewire can be jerky to use but I own a Lenovo T400 (yes not the best for DAW work but its all I've got) which I'm hoping will work with the Echo Audiofire 8. Any opinions on that?

[wehkah]

@BoxDJ:

firewire interfaces on notebooks have compatibiliuty issues in some cases, i recommend to use a usb device. i have a m-audio fasttrack pro and it working fine under xp & win7 on my hp notebook.

cheers
T

[BoxDJ]

So MOTU is still the way to go in my situation?

[rikhyray]

So MOTU is still the way to go in my situation?

Lenovo and Motu? Hell no, perhaps with XP but not with Vista or 7, Echo is safer bet for you, or new Presonus Mobile which on paper seems like great deal but so far nobody here tried it . If you want to save yourself headaches, have something that is reliable, low latency - pc and mac, get RME.

[BoxDJ]

So MOTU is still the way to go in my situation?

Lenovo and Motu? Hell no, perhaps with XP but not with Vista or 7, Echo is safer bet for you, or new Presonus Mobile which on paper seems like great deal but so far nobody here tried it . If you want to save yourself headaches, have something that is reliable, low latency - pc and mac, get RME.

Will the firewire chip in the T400 work well with the soundcard? Keep in mind I am performing live with this.

[rikhyray]

Be sure to have return option, or take your notebook to the shop. Lenovo uses Ricoh AFAIK and that is not good thing , kind of lottery might work OK with one card and not with other. Next time get a Macbook or if you want to stick to pc - Sony Vaio, at least till now they kept using TI chips. I am note starting Mac vs pc just that there are only 3-4 Mac models so easier to know while pc you have hundreds brands, models, configurations and even same model, same brand might have different components.
Why dont you go for Echo DJx or IOx express card? They can give really good latency (0.35ms on decent notebook) on Vista or 7.