Topic: Usb audio interface . Which One ?

I need an Usb audio interface from 100 - 150 Euro.

The usage would be in 2 different flat`s, that

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Re: Usb audio interface . Which One ?

For making digital mixes iyou need have 2 stereo outs (one for headphones and one for master out, so make sure the interface has this, or an independent headphone out), and if you don't plan to record any hardware instruments or vocals, don't waste money on interfaces with quality preamps.
Also it's quite useful if the interface has a separate power supply with no grounding - sometimes grounding makes noise in the signal and then you have to isolate it, but if you use usb power, then you have to isolate the whole computer, which is not really dangerous, but still, why do it if you can avoid it.

I'm a fan of Emu, so I'd go for that, and I'd stay away from M audio - I had bad experiences with their interfaces in the past.
I use an old Edirol for live, and it works fine - it survived about 80+ gigs, sand, rain, falling from different heights and all it takes to repair it is a bit of contact spray smile I think the make good interfaces, but crappy midi controllers.
I think Emu sounds better.
Terratec also sounds nice for the money, but I had some trouble with drivers on WinXP

But this is only my personal experience, completely subjective.

Re: Usb audio interface . Which One ?

@3apkob

thx for the reply.

Ok, a little summary if i got it right.

I need 2 stereo outs, and a seperate power supply may also be useful. No M audio.

I found two products on the website from Emu.
The one for 100 Euro has no powersupply (http://www.thomann.de/de/emu_0202_usb.htm),
and the one for 150 Euro( http://www.thomann.de/de/emu_tracker_pre.htm )has the preamps you talked about, and no info about power supply or not.
Edirol is a way to expensive.

That

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Re: Usb audio interface . Which One ?

now you got me a bit confused here

do you want to mix mp3s or just record your mixes onto a computer?

cuz' if you just want to record, you don't need 2 stereo outs, one will do quite nicely for you.
which means all you need is the cheap Emu 0202. The left and right inputs are different on this interface, but don't let that confuse you - they work as a stereo line input together, or a mic/guitar inputs separately. (or 2 mono line inputs, of course)

i saw some test results and 0202 has very good specs compared to other interfaces in that price range

hmm... i'm not on Emu payroll, although it may seem that way wink
honestly

5 (edited by Echolot 2009-03-03 18:44:40)

Re: Usb audio interface . Which One ?

@Mr. Sat: but the emus you listed don't have midi in/out wich you need if you want to use a midi keyboard.
what you need is basically something with at least 2 linelevel suited inputs (for stereo, here you plug the output of your vestax) and also two outputs. (to go to the speakers), and then midi input/output for the keyboard.

search for something with the same specs as e.g the esi juli@, just as standalone with usb, not for building in the pc.

there are also combis where you have midikeyboard and audiointerface all in once, but don't know if they are any good.

Re: Usb audio interface . Which One ?

3apkob wrote:

now you got me a bit confused here

do you want to mix mp3s or just record your mixes onto a computer?

I want to record vinyl

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Re: Usb audio interface . Which One ?

I used the NI Audio Kontrol 1 for a while.  four outs / 2 ins  / midi in and out.

Re: Usb audio interface . Which One ?

if you want to order from thoman, these two seem to be the only usb interfaces in the range from 100-150e that can do all you need:
http://www.thomann.de/de/tascam_us122_l.htm
http://www.thomann.de/de/lexicon_lambda_studio.htm

Re: Usb audio interface . Which One ?

Most new midi cotrollers/keyboards have USB, so midi in/out is not necessary, unless you plan to use an older keyboard or a synth.

And regarding the combo devices issue, in my experience it's either a good interface with crappy keys and knobs or the other way round. If there are any good ones, I would like to find out about them, because I like the idea.

Re: Usb audio interface . Which One ?

3apkob wrote:

Most new midi cotrollers/keyboards have USB, so midi in/out is not necessary,

of course you're right there... but

3apkob wrote:

unless you plan to use an older keyboard or a synth.

so maybe wouldn't hurt to have either...

3apkob wrote:

And regarding the combo devices issue, in my experience it's either a good interface with crappy keys and knobs or the other way round. If there are any good ones, I would like to find out about them, because I like the idea.

was thinking that too, but never used one of these to be honestly. but i'm anyways more a fan of dedicated devices rather than all in one solutions.. like you said one part always seems to be not good. just wanted to throw it in the discussion..

Re: Usb audio interface . Which One ?

@Echolot
did you see the Line 6 Pod Studio KB37?
It has good sound, decent keys, quality preamps, great design, everything's ok on that machine, it even has amp modeling for guitar, but (and it's a big but) it runs slow on asio drivers and has a big latency. there's always something..

It would be great to have a decent combo device for performing live, nothing fancy, just a few knobs, small keyboard and a low latency interface. I'm using an old Edirol PCRa30 for gigs, but the keys died on me a long time ago (and new board is 80 euro from the Roland distributor). The interface itself, on the other hand, works perfectly after many accidents, I just clean it maybe once a year.

Re: Usb audio interface . Which One ?

Big Thx to the helping robots.

Device ordered smile

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