Guys, I need your help with some electronics advice. First of all, keep in mind that I have a 2012 win 10 hp p7-1451 desktop (upgraded from win 8) with 7 USB ports (4 are usb 3). I don't have a mac.

I've been looking at audio interfaces while waiting on my new emu usb power supply to arrive. Just in case it still doesn't work right and I need to get a new one. I've found most in the $200 range either don't come close to my Emu's specs/features or have windows driver problems. I looked at several Focusrite Scarlett, (the Clarett is out of my price range), but they have so many windows driver complaints it seems they are better suited to macs over pcs.

The one I'm considering is the new Motu M4. It won't give me all the features of my Emu but the specs are some of the closest I've found plus the price is great. https://motu.com/products/m-series/m4/

The thing is it's usb only with no power supply. So I'm a little paranoid because it's a new product so there's no long term owner reviews. But what I'm most concerned about is usb power alone enough to run such an important piece of gear on my computer. Is it going to stress my computer? The JBL LSR 308s running through it will have their own plugs. I'd have biab hard drive also running on usb. I would at times be using phantom power for a mic. Then whatever else on usb I might have.

I read around on gearslutz and online that modern usb ports are made to handle the power these devices require but I'm still antsy and too ignorant on this stuff. Especially since my computer is 2012 - so is that modern enough to use a usb-C to A? And I'd need a longer cord for sure.

I know many of you guys are terrific with electronics and sound and have lots of knowledge about this kind of thing so I'd really appreciate your thoughts. Is this a realistic option for my setup or should I keep looking for one with usb connection plus a power supply.

Thank you so much for your helpful thoughts.
Josie

Hi. USB supplies only 5 volts, so using a bus-powered audio interface is absolutely nothing to worry about on a desktop computer. If you had a laptop, it would drain the battery only slightly faster than not using it.

I would keep the USB cord at 12 feet or less.

I know what you've read about Focusrite drivers. I have used six Focusrite units; still have two in service (one on my production machine, one on my backup). I have had no problem with the hardware. Most of the complaints are about the software being confusing on how to set up inputs and outputs. On that, the comments are right. But once you figure it out, they work fine.

I'm not familiar with that model MOTU, but in general, there isn't any semi-pro hardware out there with a better reputation. The unit you have in the link has really nice meters. I like that it uses TRS balanced I/O. No digital connections, but that would be unusual in this level of an interface.

Have no fear about you power requirements as your computer will handle that just fine. Also it is one less power supply to worry about. Even the headphone output on a lot of these smaller interfaces only use about a watt.

As far as that Moto goes that is one impressive unit. It has very low latency and great specs. I would not think you would go wrong there if you have to upgrade.

This looks to be a really good interface. The HP PC will have no issues handling it. I’ve had several USB audio interfaces on various PCs including HP and have had no issues. Also several USB driven MIDI controllers and all has been fine if not better with USB powered devices.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you all.

Tony

You guys are great! What a relief. I'd only be losing the two spdif on the Emu which I have never used so probably wouldn't miss those.

Thank you for your help.

Josie

Focusrite have some of the most stable windows drivers of any brand on the market.

Thanks Scott. I agree they are stable, as is the hardware. I just think the mixer is hard to understand.

I use Focusrite on my Windows PC with no problems. I built this PC on 2013, though, so I think it's the same age with yours. Just use any USB interface you will be fine. Hope this helps.

The mixer applet from Focusrite is terribly complicated - it would be nice if it had a virtual 'routing diagram'; which it does not.

Thankfully I have a couple of setups that I have saved as presets, so I haven't had to deal with the frustration of it for a few years now.

-Scott

I like the Focusrite mixer much better than the Delta 1010, way less complicated IMO.
Everything is on one screen for one thing. The 1010 tabs made it much more confusing.

Personally, I tend to avoid things that are brand new to the market. Let others test them and then the company can work out the bugs.

You can't go wrong with a Focusrite interface. You know enough about what you want.... but just to recap.... you need phantom power and nice built in preamps. Both are standard with the Focusrite line. I've never had any issues with mine and I'd buy it again if it dies. Perhaps a different model but certainly a Focusrite.

I think I had the Emu brand on my first DAW. The Focusrite beats it hands down. And yeah, if it has a feature you never use, do you really need it on the replacement? I think not.

I was hesitant for a few weeks to recommend the Focusrite brand.
But I do now.
Story below (in case you want to skip it)

I had a Focusrite 2i2 that worked fine for many years (something small and easy to take somewhere was why I got it).
I also had a couple Delta 1010s for many years, right up until I got the Focusrite 18i20 recently.

Mind you, the computer I had was still almost as old as the Delta 1010 <grin>
On that system the 18i20 gave me 'crackles'. I could hear them, but I had to kind of focus on it to hear it.

Well, the reason I got the 18i20 was in preparation for a new computer. W7 is going away very soon as far as support.
Good excuse as any to get a newer machine.

So I now have my new system, have re-installed most music related items and am happy to say everything is working nicely and the Focusrite crackling issue went away. I assume it had to do with the USB on the older machine.

To make a long story short (I know, too late) .. I really like the Focusrite line now, and the software mixer part is nice too, so I'm now another happy Focusrite user.

Looks like Sundance got the guidance she asked for.

For anyone else following the thread, I'll toss in my 2 cents.


I'm guessing my experience is not unique.
When I first began to dabble in recording I was hesitant to invest much money.
Even if budget was no object, I didn't know enough to understand what I needed.

Over the past few years, I've upgraded four times and realize that I would have ended up with a much better setup if I would had the foresight to plan where I was going.

All of my upgrades have been driven by my need to add more inputs / outputs.
Even though my personal buying preference is to seek out the highest quality I can afford, I'd tell people even really low cost stuff is pretty good these days.

I've owned two Motu units and was very happy with them.
I currently have two Focusrite Clarett units and would recommend them to anyone.

My advise to anyone shopping for an interface would be to spend some serious time thinking about a where you'll be in your journey a few years down the road.

-How many sources will you want to record simultaneously.
-What are those sources, mics, instruments, synths, drum machines etc...
-Study the ins/outs of signal routing to understand how you might want to route the signal.
-Keep an eye on expand-ability, will you be able to link more in/outputs through SPDIF or ADAT
-Will you ever have the need to use inserts?

<< Over the past few years, I've upgraded four times and realize that I would have ended up with a much better setup if I would had the foresight to plan where I was going.

All of my upgrades have been driven by my need to add more inputs / outputs. >>

coupled with:

-How many sources will you want to record simultaneously.
-What are those sources, mics, instruments, synths, drum machines etc...
-Study the ins/outs of signal routing to understand how you might want to route the signal.
-Keep an eye on expand-ability, will you be able to link more in/outputs through SPDIF or ADAT
-Will you ever have the need to use inserts?


Great points and I'll add many home studio artists overlook an obvious alternative when they buy a replacement interface... When a Mixer can be the ideal solution for their needs.

Once your normal tracking needs exceed 2 channels then it's likely a Mixer will meet your recording needs more cost effectively and efficiently than an audio interface. If your needs exceed 4 tracks, then likely becomes definitely. If for no other reason than the number of pre-amp inputs and routing options. A mixer will do this better than consumer grade audio interfaces at similar cost points. Mixers can be purchased with different quality Pre-amps and the higher quality pre-amps are better than normal audio interface pre-amps and you can always purchase more pre-amps at less cost with a mixer than the same quality and number of pre-amps will cost on an audio interface.

People buy an audio interface to record into a DAW installed on their PC or Mac thinking it's the most viable option. Physical inputs, outputs and routing needs should be the consideration here regardless of what DAW is used. Practically every issue and problem you will have with an audio interface will be due to the interaction of the physical unit, the PC and or DAW connections when you are recording tracks into the DAW. Latency, ram, CPU, USB, Firewire, USB-C, Thunderbolt, ASIO, MME, WAS, MIDI and even OS upgrades all cause continuous and repeatable problems just trying to record an audio or midi track to use in the DAW. Presonus recently obsoleted some VST's with their latest DAW upgrade. Mac OS upgrades have also obsoleted a lot of software programs. Some, are very expensive programs. 32 bit versus 64 bit can be an issue. Hi-Z inputs and phantom power can be an issue with an audio interface.

Digital Multi Track recorders and digital mixers, digital field recorders and the new Hybrid mixers as well as Mixer/Audio interface combo units are all viable and many times better options than a traditional audio interface. For home studio recording, the $400 Tascam DP-24 offers many more benefits than a $400 2 channel audio interface. More benefits and zero issues with any of the audio interface/PC connection issues mentioned and all the other issues I overlooked mentioning.

Heads up, your DAW does not require an audio interface. Tracking is different from editing and mixing. If you research hardware devices for primarily the tracking features you can easily narrow choices to your specific needs and purchase hardware that has features you'll use, and not 26 adat and spdif inputs and outputs you'll never use but paid for, and can't use without the purchase of more expensive pre-amps, fx's, etc and the expensive cables to connect them.

Before upgrading, review your particular tracking workflow and give some thought to if separating tracking from editing and mixing in the DAW will work for you. Your DAW will not care if the input comes from an audio interface, USB or SD card.