|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,610
Veteran
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,610 |
Hi, folks... been searching and searching and can't seem to find anything that's not confusing to me. As the subject states, I need an external (USB 3, preferably - the blue slots, right?)sound interface for my Windows 8 machine.
Any recommendations you may have would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks a bunch.
Cheers, Mike My Music * Asus ROG Strix G15CF 32 GB DDR4 4TB HDD + 1 TB SSD NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 8GB Win 11 AKAI EIE PRO Sound Interface. BIAB/RB 2024 UltraPak Build - Latest
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,913
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,913 |
Why does it have to be USB3?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,506
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,506 |
Right, USB3 is a partly blue slot, at least the ones I've seen. But I don't know of any USB3 sound cards yet. From what I've read, the speed of USB2 is ample for the job. If you decide to buy something using USB3, let us know how it works.
BIAB 2026 Win Audiophile. Software: Fender Studio One 8, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Presonus Quantom HD8 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,610
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,610 |
Why does it have to be USB3? Of course, I could go with USB 2... ran out of open slots. If I have to use 2.0, I'll just have to keep unplugging one of my external devices. Thanks.
Cheers, Mike My Music * Asus ROG Strix G15CF 32 GB DDR4 4TB HDD + 1 TB SSD NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 8GB Win 11 AKAI EIE PRO Sound Interface. BIAB/RB 2024 UltraPak Build - Latest
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,610
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,610 |
Thanks, Matt. I can't seem to find anything USB 3 and might have to go with USB 2... as mentioned above, ran out of open slots.
At any rate... anything to worry about compatibilty with Win 8?
Thanks again.
Cheers, Mike My Music * Asus ROG Strix G15CF 32 GB DDR4 4TB HDD + 1 TB SSD NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 8GB Win 11 AKAI EIE PRO Sound Interface. BIAB/RB 2024 UltraPak Build - Latest
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,506
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,506 |
We're at 8.1 if you updated, and yes, there are some devices whose drivers do not work (or require workarounds to install) so check for compatibility before purchase.
BIAB 2026 Win Audiophile. Software: Fender Studio One 8, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Presonus Quantom HD8 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,926
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,926 |
Mike, you might consider getting a USB2 hub for certain peripherals, and giving the interface a dedicated port on the PC itself. I learned the hard way that moving an interface from port to port sometimes messes with functionality. I moved my Presonus AudioBox USB and found that certain programs no longer recognized it.
The only fly in the ointment I've found with the AudioBox is that there is no uninstall utility for its drivers; you have to go into the registry and manually delete things. Ridiculous, if you ask me, but that's what it takes to get it working again. From now on I'll make certain it gets plugged in to the same port every time.
Your mileage, of course, may vary, but that's how it is over here.
R.
"My primary musical instrument is the personal computer."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502 |
Why does it have to be USB3? Of course, I could go with USB 2... ran out of open slots. If I have to use 2.0, I'll just have to keep unplugging one of my external devices. Thanks. Hi MikeK, The best of the USB audio devices for recording purposes are actually USB 1.1 and there is a good reason for that. USB 1.1 coding is fully mature and offers some features sorely needed for multitrack audio recording that are not found in the later USB offerings. Also, there is really no gain to be had as far as the amount of bandwidth for audio multitracking anyway. The 1.1 can do the trick and does it well and is robust at it. Attempts by some of the best mfrs to use USB 3 have been iffy to nonworking. That said, you can plug any good quality sound device that uses USB 1.1 into those USB 2 ports. FOCUSRITE Check them out, known for excellent hardware and very good drivers. And the DRIVERS and how well they are written and supported are the key to success in this instance. There are other brands, of course. Focusrite seems to be enjoying a good track record all around, though. --Mac
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,610
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,610 |
All great info, guys! I think I've decided on one that will work. I understand what you are saying about USB 1.1, Mac, but I can't imagine that USB 2 will make such a huge difference... if I am wrong, please correct me, Sir. But I will take a look at FOCUSRITE, before I make my final decision. Richard: yeah - good advice. I'll get one. Here's what I have in mind, Win 8 compatible guaranteed. http://www.rolandus.com/products/details/1166It's only $269 ... so, not too bad for all its features. Whatcha think?
Cheers, Mike My Music * Asus ROG Strix G15CF 32 GB DDR4 4TB HDD + 1 TB SSD NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 8GB Win 11 AKAI EIE PRO Sound Interface. BIAB/RB 2024 UltraPak Build - Latest
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,610
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,610 |
Thanks, Bob. I actually looked at that one earlier, since Mac mentioned that brand. Looks pretty good and would probably do just what I need it for. Choices, choices  Still trying to make up my mind and I have until February to do so... that's when I buy an interface along with the latest BIAB/RB version (bonus time) Appreciate your input, Sir
Cheers, Mike My Music * Asus ROG Strix G15CF 32 GB DDR4 4TB HDD + 1 TB SSD NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 8GB Win 11 AKAI EIE PRO Sound Interface. BIAB/RB 2024 UltraPak Build - Latest
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,913
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,913 |
Mike, Once you get into more than just a couple of channels, you will find that most manufacturers are using USB 2.0, at least that is my unscientific analysis of the situation. I quickly perused ye good olde Sweetwater Catalog - which has a really nice interface comparison chart in it - I would recommend getting this catalog JUST for this one chart. In the Winter 2013 catalog it's on page 349. It can help you to weed out stuff you aren't interested in. M-Audio are another company rather well known for keeping up their drivers. The Fast Track Pro was a great interface that is now legacy and supported by AVID only. However, it has Win8 drivers on the AVID site. I did learn something today, M-Audio is no longer affiliated with Avid and they have a new product lineup that is separate from the old M-Audio product lineup. I did have one issue with my Presonus FireBox - there was bleed from the on-board headphone circuit into the analog input stage. You can actually hear this at the 3:55 and following fade out of this song where the click track pokes it's way into the recording: https://soundcloud.com/rockstar_not/scott-lake-rest-ye-orionNote, I was not using any mics in this song, so if you immediately suspected headphone speaker bleed into a mic - that was not happening. It happened internally inside the FireBox. I had it ruin more than one recording. There was also a high pitched whine that would happen on high input signal gains (no not feedback) now and then. I found out about both of these issues after my 1-year warranty expired. PreSonus did not want to replace or repair my unit.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,540
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,540 |
Your USB 3 connection should work for a USB 2 device, backwards compatible. "In USB 3.0, dual-bus architecture is used to allow both USB 2.0 (Full Speed, Low Speed, or High Speed) and USB 3.0 (Super Speed) operations to take place simultaneously, thus providing backward compatibility." http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USB_3.0
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 1,151
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 1,151 |
I recently purchased an Avid Eleven Rack bundled with Pro Tools 11 that seems to be working fine with my Windows 8.1. Of course, I just got it and haven't really used it a LOT, but so far haven't had any problems. Realize, though, that could change and any moment, lol.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,610
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,610 |
Mike,
Once you get into more than just a couple of channels, you will find that most manufacturers are using USB 2.0, at least that is my unscientific analysis of the situation. I quickly perused ye good olde Sweetwater Catalog - which has a really nice interface comparison chart in it - I would recommend getting this catalog JUST for this one chart. In the Winter 2013 catalog it's on page 349. It can help you to weed out stuff you aren't interested in. Oh boy, how am I going to explain my setup... it's quite unconventional LOL! On my previous machine, I had a FireWire card installed. Not possible on this new machine, because I don't have a slot for it. The way I had my old machine set up: I had/have a Roland FireWire FA-101 interface. Initially, I just used that for my recording purposes and that worked just fine. Still with the old machine: I bought a PreSounus Studiolive 16.4.2 ... also a FireWire product. I wasn't happy with the sound levels and clarity of the sound, hooking up the Studiolive directly into my FireWire card. So, here comes the funky setup: I kept using my FA-101, however: I hooked up the XLR outputs from the Studiolive to my FA-101's two XLR front inputs. Then I had the main out (L/R) going to my speaker, while my FA-101 was still hooked up to the FireWire port of my computer. Results where fantastic. So, what I am attempting to achieve with the USB interface is the same setup as I had it with my FA-101, hoping, I get the same results in sound quality. That's it in a nutshell. Under the old configuration, I've had live guests in my home studio, them hooking up to the Studiolive whatever they needed to perform (mics/instruments). I would air my radio shows via the internet that way and again, results were outstanding. Got to get creative, I guess! LOL! Thanks for your great input, though
Last edited by MikeK; 11/21/13 03:58 PM.
Cheers, Mike My Music * Asus ROG Strix G15CF 32 GB DDR4 4TB HDD + 1 TB SSD NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 8GB Win 11 AKAI EIE PRO Sound Interface. BIAB/RB 2024 UltraPak Build - Latest
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,610
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,610 |
I recently purchased an Avid Eleven Rack bundled with Pro Tools 11 that seems to be working fine with my Windows 8.1. Of course, I just got it and haven't really used it a LOT, but so far haven't had any problems. Realize, though, that could change and any moment, lol. LOL - keep me up to date, please
Cheers, Mike My Music * Asus ROG Strix G15CF 32 GB DDR4 4TB HDD + 1 TB SSD NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 8GB Win 11 AKAI EIE PRO Sound Interface. BIAB/RB 2024 UltraPak Build - Latest
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,610
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,610 |
Appreciate your input, Jim. But, as I explained above, that's what I'm looking for. Basically an interface, interfacing with my StudioLive 12.4.2. And, really, I have not worked with MIDI in countless years. So, that's not even a concern to me. Appreciate the input, though. Thanks!
Cheers, Mike My Music * Asus ROG Strix G15CF 32 GB DDR4 4TB HDD + 1 TB SSD NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 8GB Win 11 AKAI EIE PRO Sound Interface. BIAB/RB 2024 UltraPak Build - Latest
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 827
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 827 |
Hi Mike,
I have been using the focusrite scarlet 8i6 through usb3 ports for over a year now with no problems. Usb2 units are compatible with usb3 but usb1.1 units are not. Focusrite are geared up for windows 8 so you shouldn't have problems there.
Chris
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,913
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,913 |
If you are that tied to the Focusrite - understandably so, I think the most reasonable route for you is to go shopping for a music-only desktop, used, where you can install that Firewire card that you used to use.
Any other solution is going to be as kluged together as what you wrote above. Seems kind of an oxymoron to have a great multi-channel recording interface (the Focusrite mixer) sitting there as just a mixer and having to go analog out out of the thing to reconvert A/D into a different device.
I would think you could pick up a capable used desktop machine that will accept the firewire card, for less money than the channel count is going to cost you with a capable USB channel count interface.
Last edited by rockstar_not; 11/22/13 07:14 AM.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ask sales and support questions about Band-in-a-Box using natural language.
ChatPG's knowledge base includes the full Band-in-a-Box User Manual and sales information from the website.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® users: Build 904 now available!
If you're already using Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®, make sure to grab the latest update! Build 904 is now available for download and includes the newest additions and enhancements from our team.
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® users: Build 1237 is now available!
Already a Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows user? Stay up to date and download the build 1237 to get all the latest additions and enhancements.
PowerTracks Pro 2026 for Windows is Here!
PowerTracks 2026 is here—bringing powerful new enhancements designed to make your production workflow faster, smoother, and more intuitive than ever.
The enhanced Mixer now shows Track Type and Instrument icons for instant track recognition, while a new grid option simplifies editing views. Non-floating windows adopt a modern title bar style, replacing the legacy blue bar.
The Master Volume is now applied at the end of the audio chain for consistent levels and full-signal master effects.
Tablature now includes a “Save bends when saving XML” option for improved compatibility with PG Music tools. Plus, you can instantly match all track heights with a simple Ctrl-release after resizing, and Add2 chords from MGU/SGU files are now fully supported... and more!
Get started today—first-time packages start at just $49.
Already using PowerTracks Pro Audio? Upgrade for as little as $29 and enjoy the latest improvements!
Order now!
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows Special Offers End Tomorrow (January 15th, 2026) at 11:59 PM PST!
Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PST on Thursday, January 15, 2026!
We've added many major new features and new content in a redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!
Version 2026 introduces a modernized GUI redesign across the program, with updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, and a new Dark Mode option. There’s also a new side toolbar for quicker access to commonly used windows, and the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, making it easier to customize your workspace.
Another exciting new addition is the new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. You can view the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to process an entire track or focus on specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.
There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
Upgrade your Band-in-a-Box for Windows to save up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade packages!
Plus, when you order your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade during our special, you'll receive a Free Bonus PAK of exciting new add-ons.
If you need any help deciding which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We are here to help!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® Special Offers Extended Until January 15, 2026!
Good news! You still have time to upgrade to the latest version of Band-in-a-Box® for Windows® and save. Our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® special now runs through January 15, 2025!
We've packed Band-in-a-Box® 2026 with major new features, enhancements, and an incredible lineup of new content! The program now sports a sleek, modern GUI redesign across the entire interface, including updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, a new dark mode option, and more. The brand-new side toolbar provides quicker access to key windows, while the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, creating a flexible, clutter-free workspace. We have an amazing new “AI-Notes” feature. This transcribes polyphonic audio into MIDI so you can view it in notation or play it back as MIDI. You can process an entire track (all pitched instruments and drums) or focus on individual parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.
When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PST on January 15th, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® today! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all the purchase options available.
Happy New Year!
Thank you for being part of the Band-in-a-Box® community.
Wishing you and yours a very happy 2026—Happy New Year from all of us at PG Music!
Season's Greetings!
Wishing everyone a happy, healthy holiday season—thanks for being part of our community!
The office will be closed for Christmas Day, but we will be back on Boxing Day (Dec 26th) at 6:00am PST.
Team PG
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics86,060
Posts799,574
Members40,023
| |
Most Online44,367
Mar 4th, 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean