Suggestions for USB interface box?

[turnstyle]

Hi all,

I'm looking for a USB computer interface, ideally something small enough to sit on top of the Stage (in the space next to the Stage's master volume knob).

I also need to be able to freely attach/detach my laptop (so it needs to work with or without a computer, and it needs to not make any loud pop when attaching/detaching the laptop).

Any obvious suggestions?

I assume there is no way to get digital audio out via the Stage USB?

Thanks, -Scott

[mjbrands]

I'm looking for a USB computer interface, ideally something small enough to sit on top of the Stage (in the space next to the Stage's master volume knob).

I also need to be able to freely attach/detach my laptop (so it needs to work with or without a computer, and it needs to not make any loud pop when attaching/detaching the laptop).

If properly designed and implemented, the digital side should not make sound when you disconnect the laptop; switching from powered by USB to power by something else (external power supply, batteries) might cause a pop though. Since you want something that would work stand-alone, you'd want something that can run on an external power supply (though it wouldn't hurt if it could run from a single USB port). But what would you want it to do stand-alone? Would you want it to function like a mixer? If so, a small mixer with a built-in USB audio interface (Behringer has several and I think Mackie and Allen & Heath have something in that categorie too).

There are a number of audio interfaces with a built-in DSP mixer that can run without a computer attached, in which case the DSP will just keep doing what you configured it to do (including applying effects, if it has that option). Most of then are not exactly small though. The MOTU Ultralite mk3 is one that comes to mind, though it is fairly expensive and maybe has too much ports.

If you're just looking for a small, decent audio interface that might be able to fit in the space you mention, the Focusrite 2i2 (or the slightly bigger 2i4) or the Mackie Blackjack might be options; the Blackjack and the 2i2 have practically identical specs and are similarly priced. Both are small and have a sturdy metal housing but require a computer to be connected. Did I mention the 2i2 is nice and red?

I assume there is no way to get digital audio out via the Stage USB?

Not unless you start soldering in the guts of it, so no. If you want to run the signal over longer distances without interference, a decent DI box which converts the Stage's unbalanced to a balanced signal would probably be the way to go.

[turnstyle]

But what would you want it to do stand-alone? Would you want it to function like a mixer? If so, a small mixer with a built-in USB audio interface (Behringer has several and I think Mackie and Allen & Heath have something in that categorie too).

Basically I want a simple way of attaching my laptop when I want to record and/or use my PC for accompaniment (eg, Ableton) -- but I also want to be able to use the keyboard without needing a computer -- with a minimal amount of fiddling with wires.

So those Behringer/Mackie/Allen & Heath mixers also route computer audio back out? Are there any particular models you think I should look at first?

Thanks!

[mjbrands]

Basically I want a simple way of attaching my laptop when I want to record and/or use my PC for accompaniment (eg, Ableton) -- but I also want to be able to use the keyboard without needing a computer -- with a minimal amount of fiddling with wires.

Okay, makes sense. An interface with a built-in DSP could do that, but if the PC isn't on you can't change a lot of settings. A small mixer would be more flexible.

This one is as cheap/small as you probably can get: http://www.behringer.com/EN/Products/302USB.aspx

Behringer is quite good bang for the buck, but since this isn't a lot of bucks (probably around 45 euro/35 pounds/55 dollar), I don't know how good it is. It seems to be getting fairly decent reviews.

[youtube][/youtube]

You could connect the Stage to the 2-track input (since the Stage has it's own handy EQ and volume knobs). You could then connect the remaining line-in to some other instrument, or press a button and use it for the audio coming from your PC. You can record the output of the mixer via USB as a 16-bit 48 KHz (pretty basic).

If you already have a decent audio interface, you could combine it with a small mixer without a USB interface. The advantage of a mixer is that it's nice and hands-on, just like a Nord. 3 channels, like the one I linked, isn't a whole lot though. Still, you could connect a microphone and your Stage.

So those Behringer/Mackie/Allen & Heath mixers also route computer audio back out? Are there any particular models you think I should look at first?

They can route it out, yeah. If cheap and simple is good enough, the Behringer 302 might be the ticket. Still, more money will get you better quality (and a bigger box).

Edit: As Dave Jones (eevblog) always says: "Don't turn it on, take it apart!" -

Edit 2: since you either need to choose between connecting the USB connector to your PC or to the power supply, it might be an alternative to plug it into a powered USB hub and then into the PC. That way the USB hub will power the mixer (even if the PC is off).

[turnstyle]

Ah, the idea of using a powered USB hub is interesting (though, really, I'd prefer a single self-contained box).

I had previously considered, then rejected the follow (also because it's only USB-powered):
http://us.focusrite.com/scarlett-2i4

But if the USB hub idea works, then that might solve the problem for all of these USB-powered interfaces.

I guess I'm looking for something like these, but self-powered...

[mjbrands]

I had previously considered, then rejected the follow (also because it's only USB-powered):
http://us.focusrite.com/scarlett-2i4

But if the USB hub idea works, then that might solve the problem for all of these USB-powered interfaces.

What would be the use of a power hub when using the 2i4? The outputs only play back what the computer is sending to them; with the computer turned off, there will be nothing coming out of those outputs.

On interfaces with a built-in DSP mixer, you could configure it so the DSP takes the input signal and sends it out the outputs, so in that case it would work. If you want (for example) to have the speakers connected to the outputs and have the speakers produce sound even if you turn the computer off, I only see three options:

1. mixer with built-in audio interface (like the Behringer)
2. audio interface with built-in DSP mixer (such as the M-Audio C600)
3. regular, small mixer with the speakers connected to the main output and a separate audio interface connected to the control room outputs (or vice versa)

Another option might be something like the Mackie Big Knob: http://mackie.com/products/bigknob/

I have the KRK Ergo room equalization device. It is meant for getting rid of room-induced distortion of the sound produced by your speakers (up to 500 Hz). It has a built-in firewire audio interface, has two sets of inputs (one set of balanced inputs, one digital) and balanced outputs for running to your monitors. It is either powered from the firewire interface or from the included power supply). It should work for what you want to do (and as a side effect it improves the sound as you'll hear it in your listening/playing spot), but it's not cheap and likely overkill in this situation.

http://www.krksys.com/krk-ergo.html

[turnstyle]

I guess I was hoping the 2i4 could still monitor when not connected to a computer.

The C600 looks interesting (though I wish it were smaller so it could just sit on top of the Stage).

I'm surprised there isn't an obvious box to get!

[turnstyle]

fwiw, just heard back from Behringer: "The 302USB does need to be connected to the computer directly for it to function properly." (I asked about the hub.)

[mjbrands]

fwiw, just heard back from Behringer: "The 302USB does need to be connected to the computer directly for it to function properly."

I know, that's why I mentioned it

[turnstyle]

fwiw, just heard back from Behringer: "The 302USB does need to be connected to the computer directly for it to function properly."

I know, that's why I mentioned it

Sorry if I was unclear -- that means I can't use it. But it turns out there's a new Q502USB (not yet available) that still works without a computer.