USB for audio - any good?

Unknown soldier · 31st July 2004

I just got a new computer with windows XP, and want to use the USB port to bring in mixdowns to soundforge. Just two tracks obviously...Need a USB interface with spdif coaxil I/O.

I'm hearing that USB is not as good an interface as PCI cards. Is it still an immature technology? Is a 24 bit transfer via USB the same as a 24 bit transfer with via PCI?

I've been out of the computer audio game for a little while and need refreshing.....thanks

logiclust · 3rd August 2004

i've found usb to be nothing but a headache, especially in windows. every usb audio interface i've tried, including an apogee mini me, is flacky. some sound fine but are a pain in the but... i think it's just the nature of usb. i've sncountered the same sorts of problems with printers and scanners, keyboards and mice....

my suggestion is to get at least a firewire card. it's nice to have the a/d outside of the computer and there are many great firewire interfaces...

Agli · 4th August 2004

I tested an USB interface from eMagic (emi26) and no matter what I did it always picked up some high frequency noise that you could hear turning the volume up. Then they sent me a power supply for it but that never worked (as in the computer didnt recognise the unit unless it was USB powered).

I've never had problems with firewire or PCI.

hmurchison · 4th August 2004

USB sucks for anything that requires good isochronous data ie Audio. Plus it's host based so in essence it's a "dumb" protocol.

Thank Intel, Lord of "half baked Tech" for making USB ubiquitious.

Dr Gruv · 4th August 2004

they have other more expensive card options if you need more ins / outs

this is definitely a pro card - broadcast quality sound.

read the reviews of sound card by arny krueger

http://www.pcavtech.com/soundcards/

-best
mike

remo · 4th August 2004

I've read (and believe) its bad to have any usb devices on a DAW (mice, keyboards etc stuff you use while recording) Better to go PS2 for the mouse and keyboard to avoid and noise other HF problems.

31st July 2004	#1
Unknown soldier Lives for gear Joined: Mar 2003 Location: solar system Posts: 887 Thread Starter	USB for audio - any good? I just got a new computer with windows XP, and want to use the USB port to bring in mixdowns to soundforge. Just two tracks obviously...Need a USB interface with spdif coaxil I/O. I'm hearing that USB is not as good an interface as PCI cards. Is it still an immature technology? Is a 24 bit transfer via USB the same as a 24 bit transfer with via PCI? I've been out of the computer audio game for a little while and need refreshing.....thanks

4th August 2004	#4
hmurchison Lives for gear Joined: Jul 2002 Location: Seattle Posts: 577	USB sucks for anything that requires good isochronous data ie Audio. Plus it's host based so in essence it's a "dumb" protocol. Thank Intel, Lord of "half baked Tech" for making USB ubiquitious. __________________ http://hmurchison.blogspot.com/ highly opinionated ramblings free of charge

4th August 2004	#5
Dr Gruv Lives for gear Joined: Dec 2003 Posts: 535	Go for the L22 by Lynxstudio they have other more expensive card options if you need more ins / outs this is definitely a pro card - broadcast quality sound. read the reviews of sound card by arny krueger http://www.pcavtech.com/soundcards/ -best mike

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
M-Audio USB and Cubase SX	Pippin83	Music computers	1	21st August 2006 12:14 PM
can anyone recommend a good powered usb hub with more than 5 ports?	joshelevator	Music computers	0	28th April 2006 08:20 PM
What's a good USB Hub that's Digidesign compatible?	The MPCist	Music computers	0	28th May 2005 08:48 AM
Edirol USB mixer -- any good or not???	dmag	Music computers	3	27th April 2005 11:55 PM

3rd August 2004	#2
logiclust Gear maniac Joined: Jul 2004 Posts: 150	i've found usb to be nothing but a headache, especially in windows. every usb audio interface i've tried, including an apogee mini me, is flacky. some sound fine but are a pain in the but... i think it's just the nature of usb. i've sncountered the same sorts of problems with printers and scanners, keyboards and mice.... my suggestion is to get at least a firewire card. it's nice to have the a/d outside of the computer and there are many great firewire interfaces...

4th August 2004	#3
Agli Gear maniac Joined: Jun 2004 Posts: 259	I tested an USB interface from eMagic (emi26) and no matter what I did it always picked up some high frequency noise that you could hear turning the volume up. Then they sent me a power supply for it but that never worked (as in the computer didnt recognise the unit unless it was USB powered). I've never had problems with firewire or PCI.

4th August 2004	#6
remo Lives for gear Joined: Feb 2004 Location: Melbourne Posts: 548	I've read (and believe) its bad to have any usb devices on a DAW (mice, keyboards etc stuff you use while recording) Better to go PS2 for the mouse and keyboard to avoid and noise other HF problems.