Multiple Channel Output Devices

[Kingofswing]

Would like to get a working list of the multiple channel output devices that SCS can control. Trying to find one amongst the different manufacturers is a daunting task since they seem to be called so many different things. The M-Audio 410 is listed as a Mobile Recording Interface, whereas the Roland UA-100 is listed as an Audio Capture device.

I'm doing a project in a theater that has no built-in multi-channel system, so I am wanting to purchase a device for my edition of SCS and my laptop. A USB device would be preferable, but a firewire would also work. I'm looking for something that isn't going to break my already lean budget but will give me 6-10 potential outputs. I've seen in previous posts of people's reaction to the M-Audio 410 or the Roland UA-100, but I'd like to see what all can be controlled by SCS so I can fit something into my budget. Thank you in advance for any information.

[theatretech]

Well, this may not be of any halp, but you can use any device that Windows supports. I purchased a Creative Sound Blaster, and would not do that again. I will be switching to a Firewire interface.

[Mike Daniell]

A list of audio interface equipment being used by SCS users would be very helpful, so I welcome further replies to this topic. Generally speaking I find that if one product of a certain manufacturer works well with SCS then other products by the same manufacturer will work equally well. That's understandable since the underlying driver code is likely to be common throughout their product range.

Terminology can be confusing. M-Audio have Mobile Recording Interaces where 'Mobile' seems to mean that they connect to a laptop, ie they use USB or Firewire as opposed to a PCI card, and I guess 'Recording' is used because that's what they expect most customers to be their primary requirement. However, equipment like the FireWire 410 can be used equally well for just playback functionality.

Roland Edirol includes 'Audio Interface' products and basically any of these should be OK. The FA... models are FireWire Audio Interfaces and the UA... models are USB Audio Interfaces.

A brand I haven't heard much about recently is Echo Audio. I have an Echo Audio Gina 24 which works well with SCS. That discontinued device is a PCI-based device with breakout box, but Echo do also have a good range of FireWire devices as shown here. Like M-Audio, Echo call these 'Recording' systems. Echo Audio do not list any USB devices.

[jmgordon]

I have the M-Audio FireWire 410, which has worked well for me. I don't use it for recording, playback only. Your choice of interface may be partly dictated by how many outputs you need, and whether you require them balanced or can accept unbalanced.

Mike may be better placed to comment on the relative performance advantages of USB2 and FireWire. With USB it is worth remembering always to use the interface with the same USB socket on the computer, or Windows may want to reinstall the drivers.

FireWire has some issues with some interfaces and some FireWire chips. For information see this thread. It is obviously worth checking before you make a purchase.

Malcolm

[Graham Elliott]

I use both the Layla and Gina (3G) units from Echo, although these are both PCI based.

As Mike mentions, Echo do their AudioFire range, which is firewire based. They seem to be almost identical to the Layla and Gina products, but with a firewire interface. I have used the (PCI) Echo products for a number of years and for the money they are pretty reasonable (all balanced in and outs, sturdy construction) and a quick Google search revealed that you can get the 6 In / 6 Out AudioFire 4 for about £270, or a PCI version for £230.

I had originally decided to purchase a laptop and go down the firewire route, but decided that, financially, it made more sense to get a standard PC and TFT screen.

Most of the shows I do are long running 7 - 14 days, and I am much happier leaving a PC in situ as it is far less attractive to a thief! Additionally I tend to leave the base unit hidden away and use a Video /Keyboard / Mouse extension to the control position. This also means fan noise is not a problem and you don't need to spend extra money on a 'super silent' case. I guess it comes down to how portable you need the system to be, but for me thats not a big problem.

Hope that gives you something to think about!



Graham Elliott

[Mark Peters]

I just tried out a Presonus Firebox with an HP laptop (nx7400). It worked great.

Regarding USB, you had better be careful about the available offerings as you might not be able to get the number of channels that you would want (USB typically has a limited throughput, especially if not USB 2.0).

[Nick]

We use the MOTU range (specifically the 828 MkII, which is available as either USB2 or Firewire) and the Ultralite. These give you up to 10 analog outputs (for the 828) plus more in the digital world. You can even address the headphone socket separately from SCS. They run just fine, as long as you check the "use legacy drivers" checkbox in the MOTU audio driver control panel. If you dont, you will only see two channels.

Of course they have a lot of features that are not required for simple SCS playback use - but could come in handy for track recording and preparation with other software.

They are the best solution price vs performance I have found.

nick