Buying a new audio interface, but I have a few questions

[Dreadfunk]

Right now I'm using a TASCAM US-100, which is a USB interface for guitars (i think). It has really terrible latency issues, and has no drivers so it just uses DirectX, or ASIO4ALL which locks down the sound in any other app (which is bloody annoying).

I was looking at PCI interfaces, because I'd assume they would be faster and better quality, but I see two problems:

1. No volume knob within reach
2. No headphone Jack

Both of which are features I enjoy from the TASCAM. Even PCI models with a breakout box seem to lack both of those things.

Can anyone recommend a model that would have these? Or should I be looking into USB? If so, which USB models are worth looking at? I looked at the thread in the bible, but it's hard to sift through the info. I really want a Headphone Jack and volume knob. 2in/2out is sufficient.

Thanks for the help.

[Ezzcal]

USB 2.0 and firewire are pretty close on quality (firewire might be better atm i think) get a RME soundcard , cant go wrong with RME

[Dreadfunk]

Anyone know anything about the M-AUDIO FASTTRACKPRO USB?

[Bazzle09]

I had the same requests as you, was stuck with a PCI and wanted a PHYSICAL volume pot and some ins/outs that are in arms reach.

Went for the NI Audio kontrol 1 and still got it. Its gone up in price since its come out, and not sure if its in your budget.

Look out for the focusrite stuff too, alot off peeps use them.




I wouldn't bother with the Fasttrackpro. Not very stable at all people say.

[Dreadfunk]

I was looking at the KONTROL1, it's not really out of my budget, but it seems to have a lot of stuff I don't need, like MIDI (who the hell uses actual MIDI plugs anymore?).

I don't really wanna pay for stuff I'm not gonna use.

Is there a big difference in audio quality between different interfaces? I really want to make the right choice here.

[Bazzle09]

I was looking at the KONTROL1, it's not really out of my budget, but it seems to have a lot of stuff I don't need, like MIDI (who the hell uses actual MIDI plugs anymore?).

I don't really wanna pay for stuff I'm not gonna use.

Is there a big difference in audio quality between different interfaces? I really want to make the right choice here.

They all come with MIDI man, its just the way it is.

The quality of audio comes down to the AD/DA converters, and the NI one has "Cirrus" converters which, iv been told, are pretty high end. I didnt need the ins and outs when i brought it, i didnt have anything to plug into the fuckers, but since i got it, i have brought a little 1U compressor and an effects rack which i use quite often.
Its got phantom powered mic input and 4 outs which is all good for bedroom use.

Im not trying to sell the thing but its a solid bit of kit and it got me buying hardware units so...

[Dreadfunk]

Well, I said fuck it and went out and bought the KONTROL1. I've always been happy with NI products, and I read good things about the sound quality. I also got some midi cables for my keyboard. Might as well run it through the KONTROL. Might help input latency? Now to wait for ze mail to arrive.

Anyone know if you can daisy chain midi devices? Like if i plug my keyboard into midi IN on the KONTROL, can I plug my Korg pad into the midi IN on my keyboard and have them all run from the KONTROL?

[NRHc]

It's a good thing you didn't buy that fast track pro,somebody gave me one brand new for free and I sold it cause it's so shit.a/d converters and preamps are the worst I've heard in a long time.

[my_war]

presonus interfaces are worth a look!

[Bazzle09]

Not sure bout the daisy chaining, but wouldn't usb be just as good?

Just out of interest, what monitors/speakers you using?

[Dreadfunk]

Yorkville YSM2P-II. It's a Canadian company.

I'm pretty happy with them, but they are my first pair of monitors so i don't really have anything to compare them to.

[hifi]

I have no idea what your question is but I am just going to answer bluntly.

Apogee Duet.

[Bazzle09]

They look sweet, but the lows only go to 70. Do you have a sub? If not you're gonna want one i think.

[gravity]

Well, I said fuck it and went out and bought the KONTROL1. I've always been happy with NI products, and I read good things about the sound quality. I also got some midi cables for my keyboard. Might as well run it through the KONTROL. Might help input latency? Now to wait for ze mail to arrive.

Anyone know if you can daisy chain midi devices? Like if i plug my keyboard into midi IN on the KONTROL, can I plug my Korg pad into the midi IN on my keyboard and have them all run from the KONTROL?

whatever is in the middle will need a Thru port, then it will send any midi signals through that device as well, and into the next one. generally if you are working like this you will want to set up some of your devices to receive midi on different channels from one another. its usually pretty straightforward, but it is a pain in the ass.

ive been looking into getting a proper midi interface like this: http://www.motu.com/products/midi/128 then you get proper control of all the ins and outs from your daw, and theres less pissing about. not worth it unless you use a lot of outboard though.

[NRHc]

I have no idea what your question is but I am just going to answer bluntly.

Apogee Duet.

Yep that's what I have now and I will never regret buying this

[hifi]

same here. well it's my dads but he never uses it.

[Dreadfunk]

They look sweet, but the lows only go to 70. Do you have a sub? If not you're gonna want one i think.

Yea, I have the YSS2 sub that's supposed to be matched to them. I noticed they have 8" monitors now, I wonder what they sound like :0

[terrible1fi]

I have no idea what your question is but I am just going to answer bluntly.

Apogee Duet.

Yep that's what I have now and I will never regret buying this

[paravrais]

Anyone know anything about the M-AUDIO FASTTRACKPRO USB?

Piece. Of. Shit.

XD

You have no idea how big a bullet you dodged by not getting one of those!

[hifi]

Anyone know anything about the M-AUDIO FASTTRACKPRO USB?

Piece. Of. Shit.

XD

You have no idea how big a bullet you dodged by not getting one of those!