|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,921
Veteran
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,921 |
Still trying to find something that meets the above specs that works under Win 7. I've spent too much time looking and I have yet to get a peep out of my new workstation. What I've come up with are the Tascam US-144 Mk II and the M-Audio Fast Track Pro. I also like the looks of the Lexicon Omega, but I think I was warned off of it earlier, nor am I certain whether it will work under Win 7. Hardware volume and level controls are essential.
My perfectly good Soundblaster A2ZSPP and Tascam US-224 are not usable in the new environment. The last is especially unfortunate because it makes everything else seem like a step backward. Absent that the 144 and the Fast Track look like the best candidates. Opinions please. Is there anything else I should be looking at in the $150 to $200 range?
Thanks as always
"My primary musical instrument is the personal computer."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502 |
Are you talking 64 bit Win7?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,913
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,913 |
Richard, I might hang on just for one hair more time if the Tascam is appealing to you - here's why: http://tascam.com/product/iu2/That is an audio interface that is both USB 2.0 and iOS! It looks like it has the US144 feature set with the additional iOS coolness/flexibility. Not for sale yet. But the manual is there. While my TASCAM US800 drivers are flaky (as they are for everyone), I also have to say that once I got the methodology nailed down, I've made some super clean recordings with all of my microphones with that thing. I don't know if the preamps are the same in this box or not. I don't know if you've joined the iOS generation yet, or not. Some incredibly powerful music making and recording tools in the palm of your hand. -Scott
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 3,311
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 3,311 |
Hi Richard.
Have you checked out the Focusrite Scarlett 816? We've got two of these running at the moment, one under Windows 7 64bit and one under XP Pro SP3. Both run without problems and we're extremely happy with the pre-amps. It might be at the top end of your price range, allowing for the £/$ conversion, but there's some really nice software bundled with it.
ROG.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,921
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,921 |
"My primary musical instrument is the personal computer."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 20,752
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 20,752 |
I would suggest you look at Roland’s Quad-Capture, http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/QuadCaptureeven though it is a little higher priced that your upper limit. I use the Octa-Capture on my 64 bit Win 7 Pro with no problems and I understand that the Quad-Capture is also very good, i.e. great drivers (very low latency), clean preamps etc. My version works great in BiaB/RT with MME drivers and in Sonar with ASIO drivers. Just a thought.
Me, it's not about how many times you fail, it's about how many times you get back up.
Cop, that's not how field sobriety tests work.
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 123
Apprentice
|
|
Apprentice
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 123 |
I'm with ROG, I too have the focusrite & for the price there is nothing that compares to it. The preamps are top quality (of course they are focusrite) & one of the most important things is that focusrite write their own drivers. It is very stable & latency is very low, as I said before, in the same price range, nothing compares
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 5,139
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 5,139 |
Focusrite Saffire 6 USB Audio Interface If you don't need a lot in inputs, you might want to check this unit out. I have one, running Win7, and couldn't be happier. The pres are fantastic - very present with zero artifacts. I'm using a Studio Projects T3 tube with it, and the combination is incredible. It's also within your stated price range, and the specs are impressive at such a price. http://www.musiciansfriend.com/pro-audio/focusrite-saffire-6-usb-audio-interfacep.s. Guitar Satan carries them as well. Regards, Bob
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,921
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,921 |
Thanks for all your suggestions. There's some great stuff out there. Only problem I have with most of it is the front inputs, which will be awkward on my desktop. Well, that and having to buy another interface when I already have two . . . *snivel* *whine* 
"My primary musical instrument is the personal computer."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,021
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,021 |
Quote:
Thanks for all your suggestions. There's some great stuff out there. Only problem I have with most of it is the front inputs, which will be awkward on my desktop. Well, that and having to buy another interface when I already have two . . . *snivel* *whine*
KX drivers will work fine with your present card. It's free & worth giving a go. If you want to try it I'll send you a link that'll really make setup easy.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 2,342
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 2,342 |
I will chip in that M-Audio's Fast Track (and its obnoxious USB drivers and simplistic Session software) is the only M-Audio hardware I've ever had that I dislike. Intensely. I'm using a first-generation Oxygen8 keyboard, StudioPro 3 monitors, and an Audio Buddy interface... but I couldn't uninstall the Fast Track stuff quickly enough.
Best, Tom SmithWin10/64 • i7-8700K • 24 GB RAM BIAB 2024 • Reaper 7 • Izotope MPS AKG C1000S • IK iRig I/O Pro
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502 |
Quote:
KX drivers will work fine with your present card. It's free & worth giving a go. If you want to try it I'll send you a link that'll really make setup easy.
That sounds like it may just solve the thing!
--Mac
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,921
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,921 |
I've given up on trying to use the old kit. Audigy goes back in the old machine, Tascam is used for mobile. Now I have to make a decision on what to use for the new PC. Lotta good stuff out there.
"My primary musical instrument is the personal computer."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 7,298
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 7,298 |
I just jumped in... desktop or laptop?
ANY chance you can, avoid USB. That data bus is just NOT fast enough. For all the convenience a laptop offers, the tradeoffs are many.
I am using the new 1040XTRAEZ form this year. It has just 2 lines.
1. How much did you make in 2023?
2. Send it to us.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 4,250
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 4,250 |
Quote:
I just jumped in... desktop or laptop?
Brand new desktop based largely on the specs of my new one. I'll let Richard post the exact specs, but it should handle about anything you can throw at it.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 21,627
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 21,627 |
Got PCI? http://www.musiciansfriend.com/pro-audio/m-audio-delta-1010-lt-pci-digital-audio-computer-interfaceRock solid on 7/64 in multiple systems here. Even using different driver versions (by chance). Its just a solid workhorse so far. Tons of connections. If not enough, you can hook two together off one clock .. Make sure you have PCI (not PCIe or other variant) before selecting
Make your sound your own!
.. I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 4,250
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 4,250 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 21,627
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 21,627 |
Quote:
1.1 x PCI Express x16 slot, running at x16 (PCIEX16)
* For optimum performance, if only one PCI Express graphics card is to be installed, be sure to install it in the PCIEX16 slot.
2.1 x PCI Express x16 slot, running at x4 (PCIEX4)
* The PCIEX4 slot shares bandwidth with the PCIEX1_2 and PCIEX1_3 slots. When the PCIEX1_2 slot or the PCIEX1_3 slot is populated, the PCIEX4 slot will operate at up to x1 mode.
3.3 x PCI Express x1 slots
(All PCI Express slots conform to PCI Express 2.0 standard.)
4.2 x PCI slots
That made my head hurt.
I do see two PCI slots at bottom of specs, but man ...
Make your sound your own!
.. I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,921
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,921 |
Quote:
Quote:
1.1 x PCI Express x16 slot, running at x16 (PCIEX16)
* For optimum performance, if only one PCI Express graphics card is to be installed, be sure to install it in the PCIEX16 slot.
2.1 x PCI Express x16 slot, running at x4 (PCIEX4)
* The PCIEX4 slot shares bandwidth with the PCIEX1_2 and PCIEX1_3 slots. When the PCIEX1_2 slot or the PCIEX1_3 slot is populated, the PCIEX4 slot will operate at up to x1 mode.
3.3 x PCI Express x1 slots
(All PCI Express slots conform to PCI Express 2.0 standard.)
4.2 x PCI slots
That made my head hurt.
I do see two PCI slots at bottom of specs, but man ...
That is EXACTLY why I let someone else assemble it.
"My primary musical instrument is the personal computer."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,913
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,913 |
To do a better job helping you with a decision, it would help to lay out what is a priority for you. Questions that I would want answered to recommend an interface besides a generic audio/midi description: 1. Do you want mic pre-amps on board - most I/O have at least 1 channel, but gotta ask - one of the cards mentioned in the thread doesn't have this fairly basic function. 2. If the answer to #1 is yes, then it begs a second question of 'How many mic-preamps do you want on board?' 2a. Do you need phantom power for at least one of those pre-amps (to power a condenser mic)? 3. What type of interconnects are important to you? 1/4", XLR, RCA, etc. 4. Will you always work through a mixer at home? (I never have, but seems that most folks work this way even when it is simply adding in a noise source into the situation) 5. Do you want both monitor and headphone output controls independent of each other? etc. That will help narrow things down. Sweetwater has a similar question list http://www.sweetwater.com/shop/computer-audio/audio_interfaces/buying_guide.php and if you look in their print catalogs, they publish a fantastic matrix of the answers to these types of question to help you cross off large piles of interfaces based on your priorities. As evidenced already in this thread, you are gonna get a different answer from every person who replies. I would take a serious inventory of what was important to yourself. Right now, at Sweetwater's site, there are roughly 100 USB interfaces below $300! Some are in the form of mixers, some are co-opted cables, some are plug in the top, plug in the back, etc. etc. etc. If you recall your purchase decision when you bought the US-224, there are even more choices now. That's just in USB land. Choices in the PCI and PC slot-based card world have plummetted in the last 5 years. In my opinion, there's no reason to limit a desktop based DAW to slot-based choices. Some of the really good stuff is no longer available (the EMU xxxxm series for example) There's alot of reason to learn ONE interface that you use both with a desktop and with a laptop. Hopefully food for thought. -Scott
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Update Your PowerTracks Pro Audio 2024 Today!
The Newest RealBand 2024 Update is Here!
The newest RealBand 2024 Build 5 update is now available!
Download and install this to your RealBand 2024 for updated print options, streamlined loading and saving of .SGU & MGU (BB) files, and to add a number of program adjustments that address user-reported bugs and concerns.
This free update is available to all RealBand 2024 users. To learn more about this update and download it, head to www.pgmusic.com/support.realband.htm#20245
The Band-in-a-Box® Flash Drive Backup Option
Today (April 5) is National Flash Drive Day!
Did you know... not only can you download your Band-in-a-Box® Pro, MegaPAK, or PlusPAK purchase - you can also choose to add a flash drive backup copy with the installation files for only $15? It even comes with a Band-in-a-Box® keychain!
For the larger Band-in-a-Box® packages (UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, Audiophile Edition), the hard drive backup copy is available for only $25. This will include a preinstalled and ready to use program, along with your installation files.
Backup copies are offered during the checkout process on our website.
Already purchased your e-delivery version, and now you wish you had a backup copy? It's not too late! If your purchase was for the current version of Band-in-a-Box®, you can still reach out to our team directly to place your backup copy order!
Note: the Band-in-a-Box® keychain is only included with flash drive backup copies, and cannot be purchased separately.
Handy flash drive tip: Always try plugging in a USB device the wrong way first? If your flash drive (or other USB plug) doesn't have a symbol to indicate which way is up, look for the side with a seam on the metal connector (it only has a line across one side) - that's the side that either faces down or to the left, depending on your port placement.
Update your Band-in-a-Box® 2024 for Windows® Today!
Update your Band-in-a-Box® 2024 for Windows for free with build 1111!
With this update, there's more control when saving images from the Print Preview window, we've added defaults to the MultiPicker for sorting and font size, updated printing options, updated RealTracks and other content, and addressed user-reported issues with the StylePicker, MIDI Soloists, key signature changes, and more!
Learn more about this free update for Band-in-a-Box® 2024 for Windows at www.pgmusic.com/support_windowsupdates.htm#1111
Band-in-a-Box® 2024 Review: 4.75 out of 5 Stars!
If you're looking for a in-depth review of the newest Band-in-a-Box® 2024 for Windows version, you'll definitely find it with Sound-Guy's latest review, Band-in-a-Box® 2024 for Windows Review: Incredible new capabilities to experiment, compose, arrange and mix songs.
A few excerpts:
"The Tracks view is possibly the single most powerful addition in 2024 and opens up a new way to edit and generate accompaniments. Combined with the new MultiPicker Library Window, it makes BIAB nearly perfect as an 'intelligent' composer/arranger program."
"MIDI SuperTracks partial generation showing six variations – each time the section is generated it can be instantly auditioned, re-generated or backed out to a previous generation – and you can do this with any track type. This is MAJOR! This takes musical experimentation and honing an arrangement to a new level, and faster than ever."
"Band in a Box continues to be an expansive musical tool-set for both novice and experienced musicians to experiment, compose, arrange and mix songs, as well as an extensive educational resource. It is huge, with hundreds of functions, more than any one person is likely to ever use. Yet, so is any DAW that I have used. BIAB can do some things that no DAW does, and this year BIAB has more DAW-like functions than ever."
Convenient Ways to Listen to Band-in-a-Box® Songs Created by Program Users!
The User Showcase Forum is an excellent place to share your Band-in-a-Box® songs and listen to songs other program users are creating!
There are other places you can listen to these songs too! Visit our User Showcase page to sort by genre, artist (forum name), song title, and date - each listing will direct you to the forum post for that song.
If you'd rather listen to these songs in one place, head to our Band-in-a-Box® Radio, where you'll have the option to select the genre playlist for your listening pleasure. This page has SoundCloud built in, so it won't redirect you. We've also added the link to the Artists SoundCloud page here, and a link to their forum post.
We hope you find some inspiration from this amazing collection of User Showcase Songs!
Congratulations to the 2023 User Showcase Award Winners!
We've just announced the 2023 User Showcase Award Winners!
There are 45 winners, each receiving a Band-in-a-Box 2024 UltraPAK! Read the official announcement to see if you've won.
Our User Showcase Forum receives more than 50 posts per day, with people sharing their Band-in-a-Box songs and providing feedback for other songs posted.
Thank you to everyone who has contributed!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums66
Topics81,562
Posts734,430
Members38,492
| |
Most Online2,537
Jan 19th, 2020
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean