KVR Audio

theEmbark · Post by **theEmbark** » Sat Jul 16, 2016 11:17 pm

Hey all,

I haven't been around much lately. Been busy with a lot of things! If I get some time I will post some results of my hackintosh Sr-2 build in a new thread. Ironically I'm moving back towards Windows. Moved to Cubase and a Samsung phone

Anyways,
Anyone try using an interface plugged into a network USB hub?

So my setup is my main work station but then I have my laptop too. I'd love to be able to access my Safire pro 40 thru both machines at the same time. Even if it's just to use my monitors which are connected to. Anyone use USB over a network for this? Or have another solution?

Thanks,
Kevin

whyterabbyt · Post by **whyterabbyt** » Sun Jul 17, 2016 12:45 am

USB over IP? Try a pi.

https://www.virtualhere.com/

BertKoor · Post by **BertKoor** » Sun Jul 17, 2016 9:54 am

It's not really the Saffire you want to use, but the monitoring speakers. Either a small mixer or a passive input switch would work.

theEmbark · Post by **theEmbark** » Sun Jul 17, 2016 11:29 am

whyterabbyt wrote:USB over IP? Try a pi.

https://www.virtualhere.com/

Thanks for the link! A little more then what I need in this case but going to look into that more for another project I have cooking.

BertKoor wrote:It's not really the Saffire you want to use, but the monitoring speakers. Either a small mixer or a passive input switch would work.

Thanks Bert,

You've the idea. I just need the speakers. Any thoughts on an A/B USB switch?
As far as a passive input switch. I'm trying to imagine what you are thinking here. Like an a/v selector type thing? If so how would my chain look?

Maybe something like this. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B006Z0Q2SI/re ... Ixb5VTEGZK

Just hoping it doesn't cause any issues with signaling. If I could find a 4 way switch I could add my midi devices to both as well.

Thanks,
Kevin

BertKoor · Post by **BertKoor** » Sun Jul 17, 2016 5:50 pm

No, don't switch digital USB but merely analog audio.
This is advanced stuff, but very simple switches with RCA also exist:
http://www.smproaudio.com/index.php/en/ ... patch-plus

sprnva · Post by **sprnva** » Sun Jul 17, 2016 6:07 pm

How about WiFi audio? Something like Airfoil.

You can try the demo and see if it works.

theEmbark · Post by **theEmbark** » Sun Jul 17, 2016 6:09 pm

BertKoor wrote:It's not really the Saffire you want to use, but the monitoring speakers. Either a small mixer or a passive input switch would work.

Aw I think I've got you now.

So my workstation doesn't change. My chain would still be USB to interface but I would add the passive switch on the backend?

I'm a bit confused lol. Such a simple concept but I'm missing something.

Also I'm in the US so doesn't look like that's available at least not from the site. Same concept here? http://www.jblpro.com/www/products/reco ... 4vI-F_3bCQ reccomend a certain brand?

Thanks,
Kevin

theEmbark · Post by **theEmbark** » Sun Jul 17, 2016 6:11 pm

sprnva wrote:How about WiFi audio? Something like Airfoil.

You can try the demo and see if it works.

I thought about that and may look into it a bit more. Thanks for the link!

Kaine · Post by **Kaine** » Mon Jul 18, 2016 1:23 pm

theEmbark wrote: Also I'm in the US so doesn't look like that's available at least not from the site. Same concept here? http://www.jblpro.com/www/products/reco ... 4vI-F_3bCQ reccomend a certain brand?

The SMPro switcher range got absorbed into JBL after SM Pro was bought out last year, so yeah same box, different badge.

theEmbark · Post by **theEmbark** » Mon Jul 18, 2016 2:05 pm

Kaine wrote:
theEmbark wrote: Also I'm in the US so doesn't look like that's available at least not from the site. Same concept here? http://www.jblpro.com/www/products/reco ... 4vI-F_3bCQ reccomend a certain brand?
The SMPro switcher range got absorbed into JBL after SM Pro was bought out last year, so yeah same box, different badge.

Thanks Kaine,

Can you clarify how my signal chain would look?

Would it be:
Computer 1 --> interface --> switch --> monitors

Then:
Computer 2 --> switch

Thanks,
Kevin

BertKoor · Post by **BertKoor** » Mon Jul 18, 2016 2:25 pm

That's the idea indeed. If you want the headphone amp, that JBL box is good. If not, it's a bit overkill. You can get a 3-input RCA audio switch for less than $20. Something like this:
http://www.cables4all.co.uk/2-port-rca- ... 1377-p.asp

Would be a great DIY project btw. All that's required is some RCA chassis parts, a 2-pole selector switch, a project box to fit all in, some audio wire, a solder iron and a drill for some holes in the box.

theEmbark · Post by **theEmbark** » Mon Jul 18, 2016 2:44 pm

Thanks Bert,

Any downsides to using RCA instead of balanced trs?

My monitors don't even have RCA but I'm sure there's an adapter out there.

Thanks,
Kevin

BertKoor · Post by **BertKoor** » Mon Jul 18, 2016 3:08 pm

Well, RCA is unbalanced. So in case of a ground loop you cannot lift the ground and thus cut the loop. Balanced has better RF rejection, but in a typical home studio that's not something to worry about.

What looks nice about that JBL M-Patch 2 is it has balanced outputs and both a set of balanced & unbalanced inputs, even with 3.5mm connector. So that's ideal to connect to the output of your second system, without using any adapters.

Kaine · Post by **Kaine** » Mon Jul 18, 2016 4:27 pm

theEmbark wrote:
Thanks Kaine,

Can you clarify how my signal chain would look?

Would it be:
Computer 1 --> interface --> switch --> monitors

Then:
Computer 2 --> switch

Yep, just as as Bert also mentioned above.

2 stereo inputs and you have a button to choose which source you wish to use.
2 stereo outputs either or both of them can be switched on at any given time.

I've been using that M-Patch in it's SMpro shape for about 5 years, great unit and nothing much touches it at the price point.

theEmbark · Post by **theEmbark** » Mon Jul 18, 2016 4:42 pm

Thanks guys,

That's the solution then. Going to hook up sharing via network for now (ew). But next month I will pick up one of those. Good price all considering

Thanks,
Kevin