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Audio Interface

Posted: Mon Aug 23, 2021 4:18 pm
by PeterMount
I need an audio interface to work with SCS so I can send audio outputs to separate speakers - one back stage, another in the back of the auditorium, plus the main auditorium speakers. Please could you advise makes and models that will work with SCS to achieve this. Our budget is not vast so I'm not going for top end kit.
Many thanks.

Re: Audio Interface

Posted: Mon Aug 23, 2021 4:48 pm
by Boswell

Re: Audio Interface

Posted: Tue Aug 24, 2021 1:06 am
by Buyaicia
For Audio cues we use Focusrite Scarlet 18i8 in one venue and 18i20 in other venue.
But any sound device, internal or external with ASIO drivers should allow you to use more than 2 outputs.
And provably any other sound card with asio4all driver should work too.

As far as I know, with video cues you can only use the default windows device, it is not possible to use a multichannel device.

Regards,
Lluís

Re: Audio Interface

Posted: Tue Aug 24, 2021 1:21 am
by PeterMount
Thanks Boswell and Lluis.
I'm working at a lowly level on knowledge of all this. The tech who taught me supplied an audio interface which I just used without knowing quite how it worked, but she's gone now, and it's been many months since SCS was gunned up. Planning for an Xmas extravagansa so back into the tech seat again!
I'm looking at the Roland Rubix 24 - 2in/4out. Does that make sense? (I see from posts that Mike Daniels says all the Roland kit works with SCS).We only ever have a couple of separate single speakers in addition to the main two over the stage. And I assume I can just run those two from the computer straight audio out into the mixer and its amp, leaving two of the forur outputs for other speakers when needed.
Many thanks for your help.

Re: Audio Interface

Posted: Tue Aug 24, 2021 2:25 am
by Boswell
This will give you 2 stereo pairs into your mixer (or 4 mono) or straight into the amps, personally I'd look for a USB sound card with a couple more outputs to allow for expansion, we use a Roland UA101, 10 in/10 out (discontinued) but available used for around £120. It has been rock steady with SCS for years. Up to you, only you know your requirements and budget.
There are plenty of USB sound cards around, have a search then ask on here.
You could also get an additional stereo pair out by using the computer headphone out but this is prone to crackles/earth loop hums etc

HTH

Re: Audio Interface

Posted: Tue Aug 24, 2021 11:09 am
by Mike Daniell
Just a warning about using multiple audio output connections:

If you are going to play individual cues to multiple outputs (eg front and rear speakers) then do not split the outputs across different physical interfaces. For example, do not send the output to the front speakers through a USB interface and the output to the rear speakers through the headphone output. If you use different interfaces then your rear speakers will probably be slightly out of sync with your front speakers due to different latencies in the respective audio drivers. This is obviously not an issue if all your cues are to either front or rear but not to both.

Re: Audio Interface

Posted: Tue Aug 24, 2021 4:28 pm
by PeterMount
Thanks all for the comments and help. And noted the delay between different output sources.
We're a small amdram group in South West Wales (though our smallness and location don't stop us going for quality productions).
SCS has been a revelation for me, being brought up on Revox A77s with the loud clunking every time a sound was run and when the clear tape clunked it to a halt, and kodak slide projecors clunking along aswell, while the junior-8s overheated the control box!
Now I can mix light and sound and image in a glorious way.
Thanks.

Re: Audio Interface

Posted: Fri Aug 27, 2021 1:35 am
by PhilVale
Peter,

I use a PreSonus 68c for stuff that I do with my touring drama group - I route output 1/2 to FOH 3/4 to onstage speakers.

https://www.presonus.com/products/Studio-68c

I bought mine as b stock from Thomann in Germany for around £180

In SCS to give me flexability I declare

Front - Stereo 1 & 2
Front Right - Mono 1
Front Left - Mono 2
On Stage Stereo 3 & 4
On Right Mono 3
On Left Mono 4

I can then easily choose where I want to send any given effect to - even cross from front to onstage or Left to Right.

Plug it in and install the driver and SCS sees it straight away.

I also use a similar device from Focusrite for stuff that I do in our local church for streaming. Focusrite have a reconditioned section to their website and are similar in terms of price.

https://store.focusrite.com/en-gb/produ ... MOSC0026DM


Other similar devices are about and most digital mixing desks have a USB interface option.

Phil.