Help me choose an audio interface (the typical newbie post)

[Kineshewa]

I'm wanting to set up a small amateur studio and am having a hard time figuring out what I need. I am using a Windows 7 laptop but am likely going to try using an old Windows XP desktop I have as my workspace. Something that works with either would be nice. I also need something that's USB compatible. I was originally eyeing the Steinberg MR816X or CSX models, but am realizing they're Firewire only? That won't do me any good.

I'm all for anything that's possibly older than 10 years, since they made great music back way even before then, so I can't see being so concerned about not having something recent. Plus if it will be cheaper, especially used, that's a plus.

My main desire is an audio interface where I can have at least three synths hooked up simultaneously. Would be nice if it had MIDI, but if there's a USB port I can just get a cheap enough external midi box for that.

Any suggestions? I'd like to keep it at least $400 and under.

[thecontrolcentre]

Secondhand ... M-Audio Fast Track Ultra is pretty good. 8 in 8 out, works with XP. It has midi and 2 headphone outs too.

[Kineshewa]

Those go for pretty cheap used. At that price I may as well try getting something used that's a little higher quality I'm thinking.

The MOTU 828 mkii seems like it might be a good option, although I can't find a USB one that easily it seems. Only problem is I hear about crackling issues and things that make it sound like a lot of them have broken down due to ageing. Anyone got any opinions? Also taking opinions on anything else, as well.

[RichieWitch]

Another vote for the M-Audio Fast Track Ultra. I had one for awhile and they are the perfect solution because they have six line inputs, which is great for three synths. There's also inserts on inputs 1 and 2, which is great to have and very tough to find on an interface anymore. Multiple line outs too--another great feature. Will cost you about $150 on eBay.

You just have to look for serial numbers with "9" as the sixth character--these are the good ones. Those units with an "F" as the sixth character have a known manufacturer's defect that causes them to intermittently disconnect from the computer over time, progressively getting worse once it starts. As long as you avoid those serial numbers though, it's a great interface.

If you've got more money to spend, a Focusrite 18i6 is another good choice (not the 18i8), because it also has those six line inputs. It's closer to the top of your budget. I found a B-stock unit on Amazon for $200, but normally goes for $400.

[ford442]

Firewire is often a better option. If you have an empty PCI/PCIe slot then you can add a firewire card for like $20. You simply need to choose one built with the 'TI Chipset' for stability. I don't know if I would have gotten anywhere thus far using old USB 2.0 devices. I haven't directly compared, but there is simply less bandwidth on the USB 2 bus and all of the USB interfaces thus far have been cheaper and based around USB 1.1 and 2.0.

[VariKusBrainZ]

If your laptop has a PCMCIA cardbus slot you could get an RME Multiface and Hammerfall PCMCIA card, seen them go for less than $200
They're old but mine is still used everyday after over 15 years and the drivers still get regularly updated.

I recently picked up a 2nd hand spare Rme PCMCIA card (the original flat version) for £30

[fmr]

Firewire is often a better option. If you have an empty PCI/PCIe slot then you can add a firewire card for like $20. You simply need to choose one built with the 'TI Chipset' for stability. I don't know if I would have gotten anywhere thus far using old USB 2.0 devices. I haven't directly compared, but there is simply less bandwidth on the USB 2 bus and all of the USB interfaces thus far have been cheaper and based around USB 1.1 and 2.0.

USB 2.0 has basically the same bandwidth as FW 400, and allows an interface of 8 x 8 without any bandwidth problems. Plus, USB has the advantage of being compatible with pretty much everything, out of the box, while FW is not. FW is a dead platform.

[fluffy_little_something]

Is USB 3.x gaining momentum? I don't have anything yet that supports it. Everything still seems to be made for USB 2...

[chk071]

Is USB 3.x gaining momentum? I don't have anything yet that supports it.

About every data stick, or external hard drive sold today is USB3, because of the higher data rates. For an audio interface, it shouldn't be too relevant, because you won't need such a high data rate (or higher powered USB ports), i guess.

[fluffy_little_something]

Really? My new 4G surf stick is still USB 2.
What do you mean by data stick? Flash drive?

[chk071]

Yeah, those... USB stick things.

[fluffy_little_something]

I think I will get the Steinberg UR12. It only has USB 2, but that should be enough for my humble needs

[Apratim]

i bought the rme dsp 9632 when it was cheap in India (now i might be around 500$) with an expansion card for one of my machine and i think it will meet all of your needs and believe me it will never fail you ever

[e@rs]

I think I will get the Steinberg UR12. It only has USB 2, but that should be enough for my humble needs

Test it first! I got a UR22mk2 recently and I get signal drops every time I load DUNE 2 or Breeze (no idea why only with these; they're not even the most demanding stuff I load: U-He stuff is more intense but works smooth).
There's a thread (actually a continuation of an older thread) on Steinberg forum full of people complaining of signal drops on various systems. Some are very severe. The dev still hasn't been able to solve it. Be warned!

[fluffy_little_something]

Oh, really Strange, I have read recommendations repeatedly. But thanks for telling me, will opt for another brand then