Using multiple USB devices (bandwidth)

  • Thread starter Thread starter eoneel
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eoneel

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If I record at most, 2 tracks at a time at 24/44.1, with a USB2.0 soundcard to an external USB2.0 HDD, while using an optical mouse, will I have enough bandwidth? Also, is there a way to find out which USB host controllers are on which ports?
Is it a better option to record to my internal drive instead, and then transfer the projects to the external drive for backup? If someone could shed some light on this I would appreciate it!
 
The answer is Maybe I'm afraid

Streaming 2 channels at 24/44.1 should be no problem for the interface/soundcard but one you throw an external USB HDD into the mix to stream all the data straight back out again then it will really depend on how much system resources you have to start with and how they are allocated

If you already have all of the gear anyway do some testing with some material that you don't need to be best quality and see how far you can push it.

Personally I would go with the internal drive and backup after the fact just to play it safe but if you have a well set up strealined system that allocates and handles USB resources well it could work glitch free
 
Short answer: It depends.

The dirty little secret is that not all computer manufacturer follow the specs EXACTLY and they pinch pennies 'cause most PC users are just hooking up keyboards, mice, cameras and other low-data-bandwidth devices. So the more money they save the more they put in their pockets if no one complains.

This is why you hear inconsistent stories with some people having great results with usb devices and some people posting horror stories getting only a few channels to work at a time.

Same thing with Firewire users - and that's why you have to be careful to only use Texas Instruments firewire chips if you're doing any audio or video (I use a Motu828mkII daisy-chained to a Glyph firewire drive and have zero problem 'cause I got a laptop with built-in TI chips...)

You just gotta try it for yourself and if it works - fine.
 
Thank you for the knowledgable reply's. They are much appreciated. The computer that I am using now is a laptop built for specifically for DAW use so hopefully there's not to much pinching going on. I know that it has onboard TI chipset.
The reason I ask is because I was thinking of picking a USB2.0 interface. I have a glyph drive that I am currently using via firewire/ express card. If I could get rid of the express card without any noticeable decrease in performance by using USB2.0 that's just one less piece of equipment. I guess the only way to truely find out is to test it out like you said. Thanks again!
 
I just realized that I could use a 4 to 6 pin 1394 cable to conect the external Glyph drive, use the USB2.0 for the audio interface! That handles the possible USB resource issue, and getting rid of the express card. I have been running my Glyph drive, and interface both off the express card for so long I forgot the little 4 pin firewire port hiding underneath. I can't believe I completely over looked that, sheesh.:o
 
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