RE; USB AUDIO INTERFACES THAT ARE MULTICLIENT> (mc).
1..Note , this list is not complete i’m sure and ymmv , and i recommend renting any interface for a month to see how well any interface works with your rig. Before buying…cos There are so many configs of pc’s. Here is mc defined >>>
2..Heres an example of how pg user ‘mountainside/jeff’ uses mc in pracrice to quote him >>> “In practice, I am typically using BIAB, RB and Cakewalk all at the same time, transferring tracks back and forth. One thing I have found is that you have to be careful with how your sound cards and USB ports are set up. Never checkmark to allow anything to have "exclusive" control of anything.” << nice jeff.
3..Heres a list so far in no particular order >>> ..audient ..rme ..behringer umc ..ssl ..motu 828MK3 and micro Lite (what bout m.2//m.4?) ..focusrite generation 3 ..native instruments komplete i believe << check on this. ..now please add your own mc device.
if your unsure if your device is mc capable email the manufacturer of your device.
4..AS I SAID THIS LIST IS NOT FINALISED AS THE INDUSTRY IS ALWAYS CHANGEING WITH NEW PRODUCTS ALL THE TIME !
best om ps to pg...make this a sticky that can be amended over time ??
Last edited by justanoldmuso; 06/01/2209:59 AM.
my songs....mixed for good earbuds...(fyi..my vocs on all songs..) https://soundcloud.com/alfsongs (90 songs created useing bb/rb) (lots of tips of mine in pg tips forum.)
here is a very interesting comparison done by julian krause..who does very detailed technical analyses of usb audio interfaces. at the link below at 10mins or so is a very interesting table // technical analysis of various interfaces.
dotted thru the vid are various technical other tables.
i would suggest anyone in the market for an interface check out julians vids on YT which impress me and are very detailed.
i'm trying to get info currently on more interfaces also that are multi client.
i suggest as always renting an interface for a few days to see if its copacetic with ones recording rig.
best/ymmv
om
Last edited by justanoldmuso; 07/12/2201:28 PM.
my songs....mixed for good earbuds...(fyi..my vocs on all songs..) https://soundcloud.com/alfsongs (90 songs created useing bb/rb) (lots of tips of mine in pg tips forum.)
note..i recommend renting before buying to see if the interface works with your particular rig and win version OR contact the interfaces manufacturer if more clarification needed.
ive found out the following asio interfaces also support multi client asio.
1. motu m4 and m2. (looks like m2 is MClient asio..but no blend feature.) 2. ssl 2/2+ interfaces.
as usual ymmv etc etc.blah blah lol.
heres a sweetwater shootout tween various usb interfaces with live instruments n' vocs. (note all might not be MClient). personally i found its a tad of a wash listening to the various live examples....but you form your own opinions...
NOTE >> if you anticipate using a dynamic mic like a sm7b that requires lots of mic pre gain you might assess if the usb interface your thinking of buying has a powerfull enough mic pre..OR use something like a front end booster eg a cloudlifter or for budget in line booster i understand klark teknik make one.
btw if anyone knows any win usb audio mixers that are asio multi client ..it might be of interest to pg users. so far with the most in depth googling i'm having great difficulty finding this info.
happiness.
om
Last edited by justanoldmuso; 01/27/2306:18 AM.
my songs....mixed for good earbuds...(fyi..my vocs on all songs..) https://soundcloud.com/alfsongs (90 songs created useing bb/rb) (lots of tips of mine in pg tips forum.)
as always try/rent before buying as so many pc configs. see user manual on above site for further info/specs etc.
happiness.
om
Last edited by justanoldmuso; 02/04/2304:57 AM.
my songs....mixed for good earbuds...(fyi..my vocs on all songs..) https://soundcloud.com/alfsongs (90 songs created useing bb/rb) (lots of tips of mine in pg tips forum.)
some cheaper usb audio interfaces dont have mic preamps with enough gain to drive some dynamic mics. i recommend googling in line mic booster. ive been testing out a fethead with an older interface. works great and results in me not haveing to put the interface gain up as high. rather impressed. but as always ymmv blah blah.
in summary if you find you have to really crank the gain on the interface mic pre you might look at a fethead or equivalent if your getting problems.
an update on my audient interface. ..not one prob ever. ..great drivers. ..latency of 4 millisecs reported and i could get lower but dont bother. one tech review i saw on the net mentioned the audients low 0.6 millisecs internal latency. i believe it as ive not had latency issues. but note my new mini pc has one of the lowest dpc latencies for a pc. one major problem is that some people arent aware of the importance of useing preferably a low microseconds dpc pc for music production. if the reader of this is thinking about a new pc a great resource that checks out dpc latencies of lots of pc's is notebook check. just google notebook check dpc latency and the resulting display will show a table of dpc latencies from high to low. ..one thing i really like about the audient is it has 48v switches on each channel via a small app. some gear doesnt have such a feature but just a global 48v for all channels. ..imho the audient mic pres are impressive when i compare them to songs i once did in commercial studios.
ps...i forgot to mention..another thing that has impressed me re audient is how quickly they got back to me when a couple of times i needed clarification on something.
happiness.
om
Last edited by justanoldmuso; 11/07/2309:16 AM.
my songs....mixed for good earbuds...(fyi..my vocs on all songs..) https://soundcloud.com/alfsongs (90 songs created useing bb/rb) (lots of tips of mine in pg tips forum.)
RME is mentioned. What I don't see is focus on it's four outstanding features. This should absolutely be one of the first products you check out.
1. Most audio manufacturers buy 'packaged' audio device drivers from various software companies. RME writes it's own drivers permitting recording latency down to 3.2 milliseconds and 32 sample buffer ... even on USB 2. Their high end units have both Thunder Bolt and USB ... but there is no difference in performance.
2. RME's digital mixer, TotalMix, is the most comprehensive imaginable permitting every hardware and/ or software input to be routed to any output individually or combined.
Google Barry Johns Studio Talk 'RME - Simply The Best' on YouTube and his multi-part introduction to TotalMix.
3. RME includes a 'real time' audio analyzer app, DIGICheck, with programmable options for full frequency range, Peak and RMS metering and phase coherency.
4. RME has never abandoned a product due to ongoing Operating System changes, i.e., Win 7 to 10 to 11, etc.
And disclaimer, I have no association with RME other than having been a satisfied customer for over 15 years.
Just learned I can't edit a post on this forum ... which I would have done if I could have!
Here's a recent video demonstrating RME across their line features and setting up a unit that functions 100% as a stand alone recorder if not connected to your computer. Very good demonstration of RME TotalMix.
without a doubt rme and drivers are superb. but the music industry has a problem...viz lots of people have meagre earnings from the music biz.
eg a slew of plays paying 10 bucks to a muso. in summary thus small project studios just dont often have the budget.
in my case...and im sure lots of musos are in a similar situation..much as i would like various gear..i have family responsibilities. actually im happy with my chosen budget interface cos i get only 4ms latency and its multi client. the songs in my sig used it..now maybe you will think the songs are junk...lol..but ive had various likes and messages from net people i dont know. sweetwater.com has a section with audio examples of various interfaces for various budgets. i had trouble telling the difference frankly.
to summarise i think more musos would like to buy high end gear if they had income from their songs.
re the interface market its interesting to note well known big studio audio console manufacturers have started offering interfaces....from my marketing background i suspect this is because the market for these lovely consoles has shrunk.
happy new year.
om
my songs....mixed for good earbuds...(fyi..my vocs on all songs..) https://soundcloud.com/alfsongs (90 songs created useing bb/rb) (lots of tips of mine in pg tips forum.)
OM ... I want to thank you for bringing the issue of multiclient asio to the forum's attention. I sincerely hope I've not offended nor been insensitive or in anyway disdainful of other multiclient asio interfaces. It's true that even RME's entry level Baby Face is several times the cost of many very good 2 channel interfaces ... and that the overall industry continues to bring forward better products at ever better prices on a regular basis.
It is also true that 'you get what you pay for,' and it is often difficult to get in the weeds and truly understand what it actually is you've paid for. As someone who had purchased four or five interfaces my studio outgrew for one reason or another before I happened across RME, I just wanted to share here my experience for others to consider when they investigate purchasing a multiclient asio interface.
sincerely i appreciate your comments. you are obviously very knowledgeable. let me say one problem im always faceing in purchasing new gear is how quickly tech gets obsolete. the fact that older rme gear is still supported from what ive read is impressive.
frankly my current interface was what i call a temporary buy as i expect further interesting developments re usb interfaces. but frankly its surprised me day in and out nary a problem and no driver issues....just works.
fyi ive made more than a few suggestions to manufacturers of interfaces. it will be interesting to see what namm brings.
i wish you a great happy new year
om
Last edited by justanoldmuso; 01/02/2411:12 AM.
my songs....mixed for good earbuds...(fyi..my vocs on all songs..) https://soundcloud.com/alfsongs (90 songs created useing bb/rb) (lots of tips of mine in pg tips forum.)
another interesting interface ive found. sterling audio h224....80 bucks. see you tube for more info. looks like big bang for the buck. but global 48v phantom i believe ? not per channel ?
i havent used it so do your own review.. but lots of nice features. if anyone knows if its drivers are multi client please post back....as icant find this info.
happiness
om
my songs....mixed for good earbuds...(fyi..my vocs on all songs..) https://soundcloud.com/alfsongs (90 songs created useing bb/rb) (lots of tips of mine in pg tips forum.)
UPDATE FOR LOW GAIN MIC PRE's IN INTERFACES. (MARCH 2024)
i mentioned before how to solve the issue of some sound interfaces not having enough gain in their mic pre's for low output dynamic mics. (i.e. use an in line booster product between the mic and the interface.) but i notice now a trend to actually build the boosters into the dynamic mics themselves. Here's some budget ones to consider. (see you tube for reviews).
..sterling audio p30. about 80 bucks. ..se electronics dynacaster dcm 6. about 200 bucks ? And I believe Logitech has one ? and of course there is now a version for the sm7b.
I heard the p30 on a singer. sounded nice to me. and the dynacaster sounded good too. but do your analysis. didnt have time to hear sm7b or logitech. i heard one of the above either p30 or dcm (forgotten where on you tube) put up against a very expensive mic costing over 3 g's . sounded good to me but do your evaluation. if anyone knows more mics with built in boosters please post back.
another option for low output mics to interfaces is to firstly plug the mic into a mic pre. so mic >> mic pre >> interface idea. eg you could use a cheap art tube mp or another mic pre. (NOTE. please dont yammy on me about the 50 buck art being only for bass players…lol. ive used very high end pre's and compared vocals to the art...if you doubt me further just go on gearspace.com and look for a hilarious thread where an audio engineer posts blind tests audio examples of the art viz other mic pres...and then reveals later which examples were art. its an entertaining thread for one of those rainy days…many people got it wrong…lol.)
Now go make some great vocals.
om
Last edited by justanoldmuso; 03/14/2407:57 AM.
my songs....mixed for good earbuds...(fyi..my vocs on all songs..) https://soundcloud.com/alfsongs (90 songs created useing bb/rb) (lots of tips of mine in pg tips forum.)
There is an interesting video i found comparing on you tube the h224 and focusrite….
It seems the very inexpensive h224 might have several advantages. see the vid…
lots of other videos on you tube too including sound examples.
NOTE…i dont know if it's multi client. but for someone getting into music production not wanting to spend oodles…it might be of interest. The sound examples I heard were impressive.
as always/caveats …ymmv…blah blah..youll have to test one etc. Most gear shops have a 30 day policy.
happiness.
om
my songs....mixed for good earbuds...(fyi..my vocs on all songs..) https://soundcloud.com/alfsongs (90 songs created useing bb/rb) (lots of tips of mine in pg tips forum.)
The included software package is serial numbers for a trial version of Steven Slate plugins, as well as the full versions of Bitwing 8 track DAW and Two Notes Audio Engineering "Torpedo Wall of Sound" speaker and microphone plugin.
1..AN INTERESTING TEST OF HIGH END VERSUS LOW END INTERFACES. Can you hear the diff ?
800 buck interface rig versus 9000k interface rig. (people who might find this interesting are people needing an affordable lots of inputs solution.)
2.FOCUSRITE GEN 4 2i2 versus AUDIENT ID14. plusses and minuses of each. notice the headphone out comments etc.
3..A KRAUSE REVIEW OF THE WELL REGARDED SSL2 INTERFACE. (I love this guy's detailed reviews….notice his comparison charts of various interfaces.)
I'll post more interesting vid links on interfaces as I find them.
happiness
om
Last edited by justanoldmuso; 03/30/2408:18 AM.
my songs....mixed for good earbuds...(fyi..my vocs on all songs..) https://soundcloud.com/alfsongs (90 songs created useing bb/rb) (lots of tips of mine in pg tips forum.)
(way above my pay grade…. but might be of interest to other tech geeks like me…lol)
I can't find out much about these new interfaces except.. ..1073 style high gain mic pres. 70 db gain range i understand. ..on board dsp. ..and apparently in addition to running its own plugins it also will run third party plugins ? ..expandable. ..midi i/o.
note you will need to do your own due diligence re these high end very interesting interfaces. as i said above my pay grade but i get gear lust occasionally…lol.
Here's the web site for further info....i dont know if the range are multi client.
also google you tube vids eg... namm 2024 introduction.
happiness.
om
Last edited by justanoldmuso; 03/30/2405:23 PM.
my songs....mixed for good earbuds...(fyi..my vocs on all songs..) https://soundcloud.com/alfsongs (90 songs created useing bb/rb) (lots of tips of mine in pg tips forum.)
2.FOCUSRITE GEN 4 2i2 versus AUDIENT ID14. plusses and minuses of each. notice the headphone out comments etc.
Hmmm, proof that you shouldn't take anything you see on YouTube as gospel.
I have a Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th generation interface and it has more than enough power to drive headphones. I rarely have the volume past the 50% point, anything more than that is too loud. And I'm in my 60s, my ears aren't as good as they used to be
interesting comments...thanks. from my checking it seems it depends on impedence of the headphones being used.? i just checked audioscience review which publishes extensive detailed test charts. maybe your phones match well with the phone out ? but others dont ? julian krause also has reviewed the 2i2 with detailed unbiased charts. i'll post the link after breakfast...!ol
best
om
Last edited by justanoldmuso; 04/04/2405:03 AM.
my songs....mixed for good earbuds...(fyi..my vocs on all songs..) https://soundcloud.com/alfsongs (90 songs created useing bb/rb) (lots of tips of mine in pg tips forum.)
We’ve expanded the Band-in-a-Box® RealTracks library with 202 incredible new RealTracks (in sets 449-467) across Jazz, Blues, Funk, World, Pop, Rock, Country, Americana, and Praise & Worship—featuring your most requested styles!
Jazz, Blues & World (Sets 449–455):
These RealTracks includes “Soul Jazz” with Neil Swainson (bass), Mike Clark (drums), Charles Treadway (organ), Miles Black (piano), and Brent Mason (guitar). Enjoy “Requested ’60s” jazz, classic acoustic blues with Colin Linden, and more of our popular 2-handed piano soloing. Plus, a RealTracks first—Tango with bandoneon, recorded in Argentina!
Rock & Pop (Sets 456–461):
This collection includes Disco, slap bass ‘70s/‘80s pop, modern and ‘80s metal with Andy Wood, and a unique “Songwriter Potpourri” featuring Chinese folk instruments, piano, banjo, and more. You’ll also find a muted electric guitar style (a RealTracks first!) and “Producer Layered Guitar” styles for slick "produced" sound.
Country, Americana & Praise (Sets 462–467):
We’ve added new RealTracks across bro country, Americana, praise & worship, vintage country, and songwriter piano. Highlights include Brent Mason (electric guitar), Eddie Bayers (drums), Doug Jernigan (pedal steel), John Jarvis (piano), Glen Duncan (banjo, mandolin & fiddle), Mike Harrison (electric bass) and more—offering everything from modern sounds to heartfelt Americana styles
And, if you are looking for more, the 2025 49-PAK (for $49) includes an additional 20 RealTracks with exciting new sounds and genre-spanning styles. Enjoy RealTracks firsts like Chinese instruments (guzheng & dizi), the bandoneon in an authentic Argentine tango trio, and the classic “tic-tac” baritone guitar for vintage country.
You’ll also get slick ’80s metal guitar from Andy Wood, modern metal with guitarist Nico Santora, bass player Nick Schendzielos, and drummer Aaron Stechauner, more praise & worship, indie-folk, modern/bro country with Brent Mason, and “Songwriter Americana” with Johnny Hiland.
Plus, enjoy user-requested styles like Soul Jazz RealDrums, fast Celtic Strathspey guitar, and Chill Hop piano & drums!
With your version 2025 for Mac Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, Audiophile Edition or PlusPAK purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons FREE! Or upgrade to the 2025 49-PAK for only $49 to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks!
These PAKs are loaded with additional add-ons to supercharge your Band-in-a-Box®!
This Free Bonus PAK includes:
The 2025 RealCombos Booster PAK:
-For Pro customers, this includes 33 new RealTracks and 65+ new RealStyles.
-For MegaPAK customers, this includes 29 new RealTracks and 45+ new RealStyles.
-For UltraPAK customers, this includes 20 new RealStyles.
Look Ma! More MIDI 13: Country & Americana
Instrumental Studies Set 22: 2-Hand Piano Soloing - Rhythm Changes
MIDI SuperTracks Set 44: Jazz Piano
Artist Performance Set 17: Songs with Vocals 7
Playable RealTracks Set 4
RealDrums Stems Set 7: Jazz with Mike Clark
SynthMaster Sounds and Styles (with audio demos)
128 GM MIDI Patch Audio Demos.
Looking for more great add-ons, then upgrade to the 2025 49-PAK for just $49 and you'll get:
20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums with 20 RealStyles,
FLAC Files (lossless audio files) for the 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums
Look Ma! More MIDI 14: SynthMaster,
Instrumental Studies Set 23: More '80s Hard Rock Soloing,
MIDI SuperTracks Set 45: More SynthMaster
Artist Performance Set 18: Songs with Vocals 8
RealDrums Stems Set 8: Pop, Funk & More with Jerry Roe
New! Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher for Mac!
Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
We're excited to bring you our latest and greatest in the all new Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box! This fresh installment is packed with 200 all-new styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres you've come to expect, as well as the exciting inclusion of electronic styles!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Minimalist Modern Funk, New Wave Synth Pop, Hard Bop Latin Groove, Gospel Country Shuffle, Cinematic Synthwave, '60s Motown, Funky Lo-Fi Bossa, Heavy 1980s Metal, Soft Muted 12-8 Folk, J-Pop Jazz Fusion, and many more!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 20 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 209 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 20 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
New! XPro Styles PAK 9 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and higher for Mac!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 9 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 29 RealTracks/RealDrums!
We've been hard at it to bring you the latest and greatest in this 9th installment of our popular XPro Styles PAK series! Included are 75 styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres (25 styles each) that fans have come to expect, as well as 25 styles in this volume's wildcard genre: funk & R&B!
If you're itching to get a sneak peek at what's included in XPro Styles PAK 9, here is a small helping of what you can look forward to: Funky R&B Horns, Upbeat Celtic Rock, Jazz Fusion Salsa, Gentle Indie Folk, Cool '60s Soul, Funky '70s R&B, Smooth Jazz Hip Hop, Acoustic Rockabilly Swing, Funky Reggae Dub, Dreamy Retro Latin Jazz, Retro Soul-Rock Fusion, and much more!
Special Pricing! Until July 31, 2024, all the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 9 are on sale for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Order now!
XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2025 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
New! Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher for Windows!
Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
We're excited to bring you our latest and greatest in the all new Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box! This fresh installment is packed with 200 all-new styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres you've come to expect, as well as the exciting inclusion of electronic styles!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Minimalist Modern Funk, New Wave Synth Pop, Hard Bop Latin Groove, Gospel Country Shuffle, Cinematic Synthwave, '60s Motown, Funky Lo-Fi Bossa, Heavy 1980s Metal, Soft Muted 12-8 Folk, J-Pop Jazz Fusion, and many more!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 20 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 209 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 20 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
New! XPro Styles PAK 9 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and higher for Windows!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 9 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 29 RealTracks/RealDrums!
We've been hard at it to bring you the latest and greatest in this 9th installment of our popular XPro Styles PAK series! Included are 75 styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres (25 styles each) that fans have come to expect, as well as 25 styles in this volume's wildcard genre: funk & R&B!
If you're itching to get a sneak peek at what's included in XPro Styles PAK 9, here is a small helping of what you can look forward to: Funky R&B Horns, Upbeat Celtic Rock, Jazz Fusion Salsa, Gentle Indie Folk, Cool '60s Soul, Funky '70s R&B, Smooth Jazz Hip Hop, Acoustic Rockabilly Swing, Funky Reggae Dub, Dreamy Retro Latin Jazz, Retro Soul-Rock Fusion, and much more!
Special Pricing! Until July 31, 2024, all the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 9 are on sale for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Order now!
XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2025 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
Video: Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®: VST3 Plugin Support
Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® now includes support for VST3 plugins, alongside VST and AU. Use them with MIDI or audio tracks for even more creative possibilities in your music production.
Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Macs®: VST3 Plugin Support
Video: Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®: Using VST3 Plugins
One of our representatives will be happy to help you over the phone. Our hours of operation are from
6:00AM to 6:00PM PST (GMT -8) Monday thru Friday, and 8:00AM to 4:00PM PST Saturday. We are closed Sunday. You can also send us your questions via email.
One of our representatives will be happy to help you on our Live Chat or by email. Our hours of operation are from
6:00AM to 6:00PM PST (GMT -8) Monday thru Friday; 8:00AM to 4:00PM PST (GMT -8) Saturday; Closed Sunday.