Audio Interface for Heavy VST + Midi Keyboard user?

[JohnRick]

The most important thing for low latency performance will still be the computer. After that the interface with DA/AD-converters, preamps, drivers etc. Lowest latency will still be via PCI - then firewire - then USB. Although the difference between the last two ones are not that big anymore. I would look into RME Hammerfall PCI-card or similar. Good brand and PCI.
If not - babyface would probably be suitable for your needs.

[ionvortex]

Originally Posted by JohnRick

The most important thing for low latency performance will still be the computer. After that the interface with DA/AD-converters, preamps, drivers etc. Lowest latency will still be via PCI - then firewire - then USB. Although the difference between the last two ones are not that big anymore. I would look into RME Hammerfall PCI-card or similar. Good brand and PCI.
If not - babyface would probably be suitable for your needs.

Thanks for writing back. Although my computer specs aren't BEAST, I would think that a quad core cpu, 8 gb of ram, and a solid state drive would't be holding back vst latency...although maybe I am wrong?

I've consider an RME pci card, although with the price of the card/interface it almost just makes sense to get a babyface that i can also use live. I guess my question would be, will I be disappointed with the babyface vs a pci card, and are there any other USB interfaces with windows 7 drivers and latency comparable to the babyface?

[Psychlist1972]

Originally Posted by ionvortex

Thanks for writing back. Although my computer specs aren't BEAST, I would think that a quad core cpu, 8 gb of ram, and a solid state drive would't be holding back vst latency...although maybe I am wrong?

I've consider an RME pci card, although with the price of the card/interface it almost just makes sense to get a babyface that i can also use live. I guess my question would be, will I be disappointed with the babyface vs a pci card, and are there any other USB interfaces with windows 7 drivers and latency comparable to the babyface?

You're probably getting decent perf from that system, but I'd go for tweaking it before getting a new audio interface.

Depending on who spec'd it, a lot of vendors cheap out when it comes to memory. You may have a great processor with slow memory. There are memory tests you can find to check perf, and there's always overclocking if your bios supports it.

Figure out how much memory your typical work session really wants, and bump up your memory if necessary and possible.

On the software side, Make sure all the unnecessary apps and services are shut down. Make sure you're using the best ASIO driver for your device. Networking (especially wifi) is always a big contributor to latency. Disable what you don't need.

Then, once you've gotten the system down to the level of perf you're comfortable with (and that level will be different if it's a multi-use machine and not just for DAW) then consider a PCI interface. I wouldn't go USB if you have much else on there. If you do go USB, some motherboards have multiple controllers: figure out which USB ports go to which controllers and see what's fastest and least loaded down.

If this is all stuff you already know, consider this post something for noobs who stumble upon your thread

Pete

[ionvortex]

Originally Posted by Psychlist1972

You're probably getting decent perf from that system, but I'd go for tweaking it before getting a new audio interface.

Depending on who spec'd it, a lot of vendors cheap out when it comes to memory. You may have a great processor with slow memory. There are memory tests you can find to check perf, and there's always overclocking if your bios supports it.

Figure out how much memory your typical work session really wants, and bump up your memory if necessary and possible.

On the software side, Make sure all the unnecessary apps and services are shut down. Make sure you're using the best ASIO driver for your device. Networking (especially wifi) is always a big contributor to latency. Disable what you don't need.

Then, once you've gotten the system down to the level of perf you're comfortable with (and that level will be different if it's a multi-use machine and not just for DAW) then consider a PCI interface. I wouldn't go USB if you have much else on there. If you do go USB, some motherboards have multiple controllers: figure out which USB ports go to which controllers and see what's fastest and least loaded down.

If this is all stuff you already know, consider this post something for noobs who stumble upon your thread

Pete

Thank you, I do have most of my settings optimized for audio. I've used these same vsts on a much older system with a creative sound card many years ago, so I really think my issue is just bad drivers for windows 7 64 bit on the desktop konnekt

I will probably end up coming the RME route, but it did seem odd that there weren't too many options for PCI cards that arent RME or m-audio. Also, it would be nice to have an interface i can also use on my laptop, that only has usb.

If anyone has any good experiences with this sort of work load and a usb interface, let me know!

[ionvortex]

anyone else?

[chevybusa]

Hey dude...I'm not sure if this would fit your needs exactly, but it will definitely be WAY underbudget and fit your needs of only one or 2 mic inputs...

I'd recommend getting a Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 for the audio side of things when you need it...a buddy ofmine got one so I could record him singing and playing acoustic guitar then I could add strings, horns, keys, bass, percussion, etc. all with softies and VSTis and mix and master it with plugs in Logic Pro 9, and I've gotta say I'm amazed at the quality for the price, and everyone I've ever seen post that has one or experience with one absolutely loves it, and it comes with some great plugs...

I would also suggest an M-Audio UNO MIDISport or some other dedicated MIDI to USB connector...I've used one since it came out years ago and I have no problems with latency at all....

[ionvortex]

Originally Posted by chevybusa

Hey dude...I'm not sure if this would fit your needs exactly, but it will definitely be WAY underbudget and fit your needs of only one or 2 mic inputs...

I'd recommend getting a Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 for the audio side of things when you need it...a buddy ofmine got one so I could record him singing and playing acoustic guitar then I could add strings, horns, keys, bass, percussion, etc. all with softies and VSTis and mix and master it with plugs in Logic Pro 9, and I've gotta say I'm amazed at the quality for the price, and everyone I've ever seen post that has one or experience with one absolutely loves it, and it comes with some great plugs...

I would also suggest an M-Audio UNO MIDISport or some other dedicated MIDI to USB connector...I've used one since it came out years ago and I have no problems with latency at all....

That focusrite interface seems like an awesome recommendation actually. my budget is a bit higher than it but I only want what I need, and it seems that driver quality for windows 7 64 bit is the biggest concern, thanks

also, so are you saying that a midi/usb connector would cut latency? I have several of the m-audio keyboards that are usb to usb, I wasn't aware that might be slower than midi to usb

thanks!

[chevybusa]

Right on man!!! Yeah like I said I really can't say enough good things about the 2i2, however I'm on a Mac and don't know anything about the drivers for Windows 7 64 bit, I would definitely do more research on that and find someone who has had experience with that...

As for the MIDI/USB cutting latency, I honestly have no idea if it is slower than USB to USB, all I konw is that I use one with no latencey issues at all...I would assume that USB would actually be faster, maybe there is a problem with the way you have it setup? What are you using for a DAW? I know for Reason and Logic there are ways you can set the latency, maybe somewhere you have something set up that is causing the latency issue? Definitely check all the settings and read the manuals for all your gear AND softies/VSTi's and your DAW concerning this issue, hopefully you'll be able to find the source of the problem. Good luck man!!!!