I think of USB as being the same as "direct connect".

Yes, you can set up folders.

Yes, the SONY has built-in speaker for playback, and of course a headphone jack, and also a line-out jack. It's more expensive than some alternatives but it's been a great unit for me for several years.


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.