USB Auio Interfaces?

[kr236rk]

Hi,

What are the best USB audio interfaces for Windows 10 DAWs please?

Have been using dedicated interfaces like M-Audio M-Track, but I am aware that there are usb mixers out there, which can function as the pc's soundcard.

Many thanks.

[Rolling Estonian]

There is no best, there is difference in quality depending on your budget and that's dependent on what you want to do. If you're just guitar and singing you can get along with a 2 I/O device for pretty cheap. If you're trying to record multiple channels simultaneously the price goes up.

M

[kr236rk]

Thanks. I'd heard though that some interfaces have issues like "a real pain to get it working correctly on my Windows 10 PC"

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/customer-re ... B07QR6Z1JB

[Rolling Estonian]

That's one review 4 and 5 stars is %90, it's a great unit.

M

[kr236rk]

May go with this though - it has confirmed Windows 10 compatibility from the seller.

PreSonus AudioBox iOne 2x2 USB/iPad Audio Interface

[cactus-head]

Are you looking for a mixing board that doubles as an audio interface?

[kr236rk]

Thanks, just looking at all usb interface options really.

Since the Choral software I'm looking at works okay as a VST in Mixcraft, I ought to go for a full interface, one I can plug musical instruments into, allowing me to interact with the software.

[Drdish007]

Hi,
I use a Scarlett 18i20 second gen. and have not had any issues. It gives me 8 mic/line inputs, and adat expandability. I can record 8 separate tracks at one time. If used with ADAT I can record those extra channels plus the first 8.
Some USB mixers only have a stereo output. This would only allow you only 2 tracks at a time when recording. I have 10 line level outputs, 2 for monitor out, and 2 headphone outputs which can have different mixes. The line outputs are TRS balanced. These outputs allow me to use external processors.
The new Scarlett is third gen.. Focusrite has good service for their products.
Hope this helps.

- Myran

[kr236rk]

Thanks - will update

[cactus-head]

Hi,

I use an RME Babyface Pro fs. You can find the detailed specs online. I'll sum it up:

12 inputs (consider 8 of those as an optical input from an ADAT if you have a separate machine or interface - 8 tracks)
12 outputs - see above

outside of the digital/optical inputs and outputs, there are 2 unbalanced 1/4 inch inputs for instruments (guitar, bass, keyboards, etc.) and two balanced XLR inputs for mics and the like.

There are two XLR outputs and two headphone outputs: 1/4 inch and 1/8 inch . I've used the 1/8 inch out and the XLR outs to drive my monitors at different times.

The unit is portable - it can run off of your USB alone. You can put it in it's supplied container and take it with you whereever. However, some mics require phantom power so it's a good idea to use a power adapter plugged into the Babyface(not included) when using such a mic. I believe it will still function but for worriless operation, use an adapter when using phantom power.

You can control everything from the top of the unit or through the Totalmix FX software.

Soundwise: you'll find tons of rave reviews online. I'll say the sound is crystal clear. No Noise. However, with the phantom power on and the gain turned up 100% on the mic I can see a signal coming through at -55 dB on the XLR input vu. That's without the mic plugged in. That could be a bit of noise coming through the USB or even the power supply or from the unit itself. Obviously you won't find that when the gain isn't turned up that high. I would never turn the gain up that high in a real life situation but I had to test.

You can achieve zero latency because all routing can be through the unit itself for monitoring. Even if you route through software, it's easy to achieve 3 to 4ms of latency which is unnoticeable.

Sampling up to 192000hz

It's a bit on the expensive side but I could confidently say you wouldn't have any regrets

[kr236rk]

Thanks,

It looks like a neat piece of hardware

But it's probably OTT for what I need at the moment: I'm trialling a new software, so i just need a basic music usb soundcard/interface for a Windows pc which hasn't been used for music production until now.

[TrevsAudio]

Totally happy with Focusrite Scarlett. Common knowledge they have great pre-amps.
I use a 2i2 as my main interface as I'm mainly a one-man-band and record one instrument at a time. I could have also settled for the cheaper Scarlett Solo.
I also have an 18i8 for more channels if I want to record live drums.

[Thomas]

Also check out the BEHRINGER UMC202HD, UMC204HD, and UMC404HD. Acoustica Greg uses one of these, the 204, IIRC.

[Ranibe]

Hello,I use a Behringer UMC404HD with which I record several tracks without any problem with the Asio drivers it works great and it is not expensive to buy.cordially

[Acoustica Greg]

Check the download page for any interface you're considering to see whether it has its own audio driver, or whether it uses ASIO4All. As a rule of thumb, skip the ones that only offer ASIO4All.