US-428 for overdubbing over USB

[wavtracks]

I'm confused about what the 428 can do. Will it allow me to overdub multiple tracks at once (like drums to separate tracks) over a USB (1)? So zero latency is key, and at least 4 tracks at once while monitoring thru the device. Stated differenly, does this act like having multiple sound cards?

What about PCI - is that an option with this unit?

Backgrnd Info: I'm on win XP, Use SAW software but will prob switch to Sonar, do wavs, might add midi later.

I might go in the direction of a Layla or M-Audio card/breakout box but I like the idea of the phsyical control surface. thanks for any info on what to do here.

[Chris Shaeffer]

Hi wavtracks, welcome aboard!

I've used a 428 for about 2 years, now. It works the way you want it to.

You can record all four tracks while playing back as many as your computer and software will allow- up to the limits of your hard drive and computer.

It acts sort of like having multiple soundscards, as you said, but better in that you don't have the problems associated with multiple cards. The feature you are describing (simultaneous record and play) is called "Full Duplex." The 428 is full duplex.

PCI is not an option for it. Its only USB 1. If you want to go PCI, you can probably get a LOT more bang for the buck than the 428, but I don't know of any with integrated control surfaces.

There is a minimal latency when you are trying to use digital effects on the tracks you are recording- 22 to 58 ms. You can also set it in Zero Latency monitor mode where it bypasses the digital effects and you have zero latency monitoring. Regardless, the system plays back all the tracks in perfect time- the latency is only in monitoring. I was able to play in perfect time with no problems at 22ms, but as the session filled up I had to bump the buffers up and that increased the latency.

You have to use the ASIO drivers to get that low a latency, though. Check with your software to see if they support ASIO.

Take care,
Chris

[crosstudio]

i also use the 428 with a dell insprion 8100 laptop using winXp. make sure you get service pack 1 for XP because there is a bug in windows that causes pops and clicks for USB.

the direct monitoring of the inputs works just dandy so you can hear what you are recording while listening to what has already been tracked.

for my desktop, I have the frontier design wavecenter/tango24 which has 8 in/outs but no tactical mixer. this is the same company that makes the us-428 for tascam.

if you decide you want PCI, look their way.