MIDI latency and USB interfaces

[xx JPRacer xx]

Do these USB interfaces can only be used with ASIO apps/daws or can they be used with everything in Windows (non-ASIO/Direct-Sound apps)? If I play games on my computer, can I use these interfaces?

I currently have a m-audio 2496 delta pci internal card running through a mixer to control volume to my m-audio BX-5 monitors. The mixer is pretty big and I would like to get rid of it. Would the Steinberg UR242 be comparable to my m-audio 2496?

[rod_zero]

Yes they can be used, just select them as the default device for windows overall or insde your games.

[dsan@mail.com]

There's no need to replace the 2496 card, unless you are just wanting a new interface.

It has outs that you could run direct to your speakers; just remove the mixer and plug the 2496 to the speaker ports.

However, you lose the ability to easily adjust sound since the volume controls of the BX's are on the back. You can though adjust volume via the Windows Sound control app but I think it will not be as precise as you may like.

As for using a sound interface for all sounds, yes, you can use the interface for any programs that send audio out, such as games.

In Windows control panel, set the 2496 as the default playback device. Then, as rod_zero stated, select the device in the game's set-up panel. If it is the default device in Windows you will likely avoid the set up in the game as it should automatically set the default playback device as its own playback device.

HTH

[xx JPRacer xx]

^ Thanks for your reply. Yes, I mainly use the mixer to control the volume, much better, faster and accessible than the volume knob behind the speakers (and to keep good balance).

I already use the 2496 for gaming but I wasn't sure about external USB cards. I'll think about all this (or maybe you know about a device that can control just the volume so I can ditch the mixer?).

[ere2learn]

Palmer Monicon



SM Pro Audio Nano Patch Plus black

[xx JPRacer xx]

How can these things sell for so much? It's possible to have a cheap mixer at those prices...

But thanks for the suggestions!

[dsan@mail.com]

I use the Samson C-Control in my set up. Much more versatile:
http://www.samsontech.com/samson/produc ... /ccontrol/

But it too is around $100. Worth it IMHO and takes up a lot less space than a mixer.

[xx JPRacer xx]

Thanks. But on amazon.ca both the Steinberg UR242 and the C-Control are $235. Think I'll wait and later go with the UR242.

Thanks all for the suggestions!

[Kaine]

How can these things sell for so much? It's possible to have a cheap mixer at those prices...

I used to have the same opinion until I auditioned loads and discovered that unless you spend a resonable amount, they'll all colour the sound to some extent. Not such a problem with the passive ones, but some of the more well known actives ones can be noticeable in the signal chain.

The Drawmer is the cheapest active that I personally rate : http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/apr14/a ... r-mc21.htm although I've been partial to some of the larger SMPros in the past project studio situations, I can certainly tell when one is in the chain in my setup.

Needless to say, if your just running through some budget speakers it won't make a difference, but once you start hitting 4 digit setups, its worth paying attention to everything else before them in the chain.

[xx JPRacer xx]

Ouch, $650 for the Drawmer... Haha, that's clearly not for me. Audio quality is important to me, but not that important! lol But thanks for your post Kaine, at least this give me an overview of what's available on the market.

[lolilol1975]

http://serverfault.com/questions/643386 ... -over-sata