What Audio Interface do you use with your Ekit?

[Enigmatic]

Hello,

I am not sure whether a similar topic exists, but i wasn't able to search any. If not, I am curious on the type of Audio Interfaces you use. I think we should have a repository of the audio interfaces we use in our setup. It may help others who are in similar situation as me.

My Current setup is: Roland TD-30 with M-Audio Delta 44 PCI interface. I will be upgrading my complete DAW to a faster PC, and most likely taking the USB 2.0 route.

Any USB 2.0 interface users here? What is your setup? Are you happy with the Latency on your existing interface?

As for my experience, the M-Audio Delta 44 is able to get as low as 64 samples buffer, with barely any noticible latency, but I wan to move away from PCI or PCIe interface to future proof my system. The few options i pondering on is probably switching to a Motu, Roland or RME USB interface. I know most would recommend RME UCX interface, but has anyone here used other interfaces and happy with it? I need at most 4 ins-outs in my interface. My biggest concern is the latency. If i can get away with cheaper Audio Interfaces, I will. The RME is quiet pricy...

Please share your experiences...

Thank you.

[perceval]

Some of the best interfaces are PCI or PCIe.
Having an external box is just decoration.

Butt, if you are set towards USB... sure, RME is pricier, but the (mostly) lack of headaches and hair-pulling moments is probably worth it. They are usually right on top of things when it comes to hardware/software integrity.

I have a Presonus USB interface, and I would not recommend anything from that line right now. Their drivers are riddled with problems and they know about it, but I have been told by their staff that their workforce has been busy trying to release new products for new costumers, and that fixing issues for existing products will be postponed to an undisclosed future...

[Intruder]

This seems to be the way for all companies anymore. It's sad really! You have to be very careful with what you buy these days.

[Enigmatic]

Thanks Perceval. I purchased a new Dell XPS PC (i7 Core) only to realize it does not even come with PCI. It does have PCIe slots though, and is also USB 3.0. I think USB is the route to take if you want to future-proof your system.

I think you are correct regarding RME, but it's quite pricy compared to most other Interfaces. I was looking at Roland octa-capture, and its about half the price of the RME UCX. I am curious whether anyone here every used any Roland USB interfaces with Roland VDrums? Roalnd probably wont make any shoddy products, dont you think?

Oh well..i am saving up for RME for my primary DAW, but would like a secondary for my laptop or live use. Any cheaper alternative would be great.

[perceval]

Will you use a DAW for live use?
That's a whole new set of factors when venturing out of the studio.

Also, keep in mind that the TD30 is also a sound card (and a fast one judging from posts from other members), as outputs from a DAW can be routed to the outputs of the TD30.

[Enigmatic]

I plan on using the smaller Yamaha DTX for live use with SD2.0, not the TD-30. I will probably try M-Audio Fast Track Ultra with my laptop setup. I will return it if it doesn't work out. Or maybe even the Roland Quad Capture? All else fails, prolly have to go with the RME babyface for a portable setup.

[campster]

don't forget the roland studio capture - it's a very nice piece of hardware with 16 inputs...i'm looking at them at the moment but if anyone already has one, thoughts would be good.

[hairmetal-81]

If a new UCX is too pricey, a used RME Fireface UC (without the 'X', ....it's the predecessor!) or a RME Babyface could be your ticket!

For small applications, I'm using a Zoom H-4n which works fine, the Zoom drivers put alot more strain on my computer, though!

[Enigmatic]

Thanks, HM. The UCX isn't too bad priced. You can easily get it for $1300 if you shop around. Cheaper if you settle for a use UCX. I am also looking at PCIe options, but highly unlikely i will be taking that route.

Unfortunately, most vendors are opting for USB, which is quite understandable.

[hairmetal-81]

I never came across used UCX, only used UC models. At least around my parts!
The UCX is simply too new, to be had used, that's why I mentioned UC and/or Babyface used...

And yes, the USB-option is understandable. Can't put a PCIe card into a laptop, ain't it? ;-)

[Greg The Groove]

I run my TD30/2Box combo into Pro Tools

[angr77]

Hi! I am running a M-Audio FastTrack Ultra 8R soundcard....very nice with 8 outputs and good drivers for Windows 7-8.0. Using it in Windows 8.1 in 24bit and 96KHz the latency ends up at 1.3 ms. Real love even if the card has some years on the market! Check my performance tests in Windows 8: http://powerhell.wordpress.com/about...oft-windows-8/ Angr77

[zgeggy2k]

I have a UA-1G (USB). Works for me.

[EssKayKay]

[perceval]

There are no "cheap" solution in interfaces when it comes to reducing latency. It's the holy grail of interfaces, so expect to pay much higher for lower latency.
So, stay away from the cheap stuff like the Lexicon. Only a reputable and efficient interface, like a RME, will help you there.

The hiss can be anything. Could be some ground loop, and in one computer I had, it was coming from a fan inside my computer. I guess it was introducing some kind of static energy that got picked up by the sound bus on the mainboard. When I disconnected the fan, the hiss went away.

As we mentioned, the new Roland modules work as USB interfaces too. So, your best bet is to use what you have already. Select the TD11 as sound output for your VST / DAW combination. Test latency.

[Peter Warren]

Focusrite Scarlett series are cheap and excellent.