Audio Interface that doesn't run via USB???

  • Thread starter Thread starter Dale Robinson
  • Start date Start date
D

Dale Robinson

New member
Hey, so I recently had a band practice where I use a mixer to generate a feedback loop whilst also using a sample pad plugged into the same mixer. The problem is when I use the samples it cuts out my feedback noises and just sounds bad in general.

At home I use a Focusrite Saffire 2i2 so that my sampler is plugged into a completely different unit and therefore doesn't interfere with my noise/feedback stuff. The issue with this is that in runs off of a USB into my laptop and I really can't take my laptop with me every time we perform.

My question is: Are there any audio interfaces similar to the saffire 2i2 that can just be plugged into a socket?

Thanks in advance,
Dale
 
Dale, couple of things but first to answer your question. Yes, they are called portastudios. DP32 by Tascam is a pretty good choice, Zoom makes a nice one as well, these are all multi-channel (8 channels) then bounce them to another track and keep recording. Then when you are done you either mix on them or you import the tracks to your DAW and finish mixing. There are others, just do a search to narrow down what your requirements are, then you can come back and ask what others think about your selection.

There are many who use the portastudios on the board. I went a different route and just purchased a cheap laptop for tracking and then mix when I am done (I use a desktop at home). If the laptop dies or get's messed up, for the money I paid, not a big deal. You could even think about an older laptop, as stated just for tracking.

Hope this gives you some ideas.
 
I am confused (not hard! Old, meds.....)
Do you just need to power the sampler? If so you can buy wall rat USB power units. Or do you want an AI that can be rat powered and run "stand alone"?
If the latter the venerable M-A fast track pro can do this. My son actually used his as a local mic pre amp and sent the signal off to a mixer>PA.

My Scarlet 8i6 cab also do it (pretty sure, but have not investigated fully) Beware however...JUST because an AI sports a power socket does NOT mean it can work stand alone.

Dave.
 
Yea, Maybe I miss understood. USB charger should do the trick. (Assuming that is where it gets its power).
 
ecc83 said:
I am confused (not hard! Old, meds.....)
Do you just need to power the sampler? If so you can buy wall rat USB power units. Or do you want an AI that can be rat powered and run "stand alone"?
If the latter the venerable M-A fast track pro can do this. My son actually used his as a local mic pre amp and sent the signal off to a mixer>PA.

My Scarlet 8i6 cab also do it (pretty sure, but have not investigated fully) Beware however...JUST because an AI sports a power socket does NOT mean it can work stand alone.

Dave.
Click to expand...

No the sampler is just plugged in to the socket. The issue arose when I put my sampler into my behringer mixer and saw it was being affected by another channel on the mixer (the one with my feedback loop, technically named a "Zoothorn"). When I used the sampler in my saffire input (which I guess is like plugging it into a completely separate amp) there were no issues. I guess I'm just looking for anything cheap that can allow me to connect my sampler to a completely separate input.

The guy who replied first suggested some things that would definitely work, it's just super pricey and I really don't need all the bells and whistles.

Sorry it's a pretty confusing situation
 
So you're just trying to plug your sampler into your amp or PA system? It's not clear to me what you're doing with the existing mixer, but it appears its not your primary PA mixer?
 
mjbphotos said:
So you're just trying to plug your sampler into your amp or PA system? It's not clear to me what you're doing with the existing mixer, but it appears its not your primary PA mixer?
Click to expand...

My mixer is basically another instrument entirely (noise artists use it to create feedback noises which is great for ambience and white noise).

The sampler and mixer conflict with eachother if I just plug the sampler into my mixer. By plugging the mixer into one input in my focusrite and then the sampler into the second input they no longer conflict - whilst this is exactly what I want, the saffire can only work when plugged into a laptop which I am not comfortable with....there must be something cheap I can get to replicate it.

I should do some quick video to show you guys how they conflict so you can get a better understanding anyways :)
 
What mixer (model #)? How are things connected (what source to what input)? Without that info it's all just guessing.
 
arcaxis said:
A cheap second mixer with one input channel as the "Zoothorn" and the second input channel for the sample pad. This way they are kept separate and shouldn't have an affect on each other.

Mixer #1 (Zoothorn) >>>>>> Ch1 Mixer #2

Sample Pad >>>>>>>>>>>>> Ch2 Mixer #2

I was confused as well with what you were doing, but now that I see the Zoothorn mixer is an instrument unto itself I can see why you were having issues.
Click to expand...

Guess I was being super paranoid that the mixer #1 would interfere with mixer #2. I think you're right though, it should be fine. Thanks everyone.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top