Suggestions for USB-powered interface?

DrNewcenstein

DrNewcenstein

He Did the Monster Mash
I'm looking for ideas on a USB-powered, compact interface (small enough to carry with my laptop in the bag), that will also allow Audition to run without a "no suitable sound device found" error at startup. Physical or software-based Input level controls would be nice, but as long as it can take a 1/4" guitar input, I'd assume the preamp would be sufficient.

I've used my MOTU AudioExpress with it, and it fits in the bag, but I'd prefer to leave that at home hooked up to my desktop. Not really looking to change my DAW, either.

Not trying to turn my laptop into a mobile Pro-level recording studio, just something to scratchpad and tweak with when away from my main system.

New or used, and would like to keep it under $200 if I can. I've already got Amplitube and other similar VSTs, and get suitable sounds from it (can add modulation and time FX in Audition) so not in need of POD Farm or other price-hiking software. Just need an interface similar in quality to the MOTU A/E, but in a smaller form.
 
Re: Suggestions for USB-powered interface?

I've got a Behringer UMC404HD on its way to me. I know, it's Behringer, and that's usually my reaction, too. However, every thing I've read from somebody who actually owns one and has used it is positive. The only negative I've read is that that one guy had an intermittent pop every so often, and we're not talking in a session, we're talking like a couple weeks between pops.

If you haven't bought anything by the time I get mine (should be shipping 2-12) I'll let you know how it's working for me. There's smaller versions with different levels of features (the 202HD and 204HD) which would be smaller than that MOTU unit you've got now.
 
Re: Suggestions for USB-powered interface?

Thanks. Only Behringer unit I looked at so far was the Guitar Link UGC102, which has a few negative reviews at MF, particularly pointing out how it's sorely outdated.

Not looking to buy tonight, so no hurry. I can lug my A/E in a pinch, but for a long-term solution I'd prefer to have a unit for each computer. Easier, less wear and tear on each one, etc.
 
Re: Suggestions for USB-powered interface?

DrNewcenstein said:
Thanks. Only Behringer unit I looked at so far was the Guitar Link UGC102, which has a few negative reviews at MF, particularly pointing out how it's sorely outdated.

Not looking to buy tonight, so no hurry. I can lug my A/E in a pinch, but for a long-term solution I'd prefer to have a unit for each computer. Easier, less wear and tear on each one, etc.
Click to expand...

Yeah, the UCG102 isn't the best from what I hear.

The UMC404HD is this guy:

BEHRINGER+UMC+404+HD.JPG


The UMC202HD and 204HD look like this, which might make them a bit more portable for your needs.

UMC202HD_P0BJZ_Front_XL.png


behringer-uphoria-umc204hd-19210.jpg


24630_856.jpg
 
Re: Suggestions for USB-powered interface?

Considering stability very few can reach MOTU. Take a look at their tinies, Track16 or MicroBook. I'm not sure about the $200 threshold but any plus $$$ pays off greatly as these are just as bomb-proof as their big brothers.

Other than that, I live happily with a number of Focusrite interfaces. The 2i4 seems to accept powerful guitar signals nicely (2i2 preamp seemed to be a little too shy). The audio quality is really nice. They can hiccup more than a MOTU or an RME unit but it is not a heavy issue.
 
Re: Suggestions for USB-powered interface?

DrNewcenstein said:
Thanks Necro :beerchug:
Click to expand...

Glad to help, mate :)

Lazarus1140 said:
http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/Scarlett2i2
Click to expand...

Usually that would be a no-brainer, still, as I've said this little sister has oversensitive preamps so it is super easy to overload the input with dynamic guitar playing (also true for recording drums of a heavy-handed drummer). This issue has already been fixed in its bigger Scarlett brother, the 2i4 (still under the $200 mark) as it has an effective pad switch. Other than that, I'd start to mix an album in-da-box with a 2i2 without hesitation. Aw, what? I've already done.
 
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Re: Suggestions for USB-powered interface?

NecroPolo said:
Glad to help, mate :)



Usually that would be a no-brainer, still, as I've said this little sister has oversensitive preamps so it is super easy to overload the input with dynamic guitar playing (also true for recording drums of a heavy-handed drummer). This issue has already been fixed in its bigger Scarlett brother, the 2i4 (still under the $200 mark) as it has an effective pad switch. Other than that, I'd start to mix an album in-da-box with a 2i2 without hesitation. Aw, what? I've already done.
Click to expand...

Somehow I missed your post before mine, and while I was about to write that I've never experienced the overloading you mentioned I noticed that my interface is the 2i4!
 
Re: Suggestions for USB-powered interface?

The sensitivity issue ONLY affects the 2i2. The only work around is to use a DI, and it's perfectly fine.
I have two 2i2's and an 18i20, as well as an OctoPre.

Otherwise, the 2i2 is a great interface. You just have to be very careful when using it with direct guitars.
 
Re: Suggestions for USB-powered interface?

Since I'll be using just that - guitar straight in, no pre-filtering or DI box - that might be an issue. Is there no way to adjust the input gain? Even in software? Maybe with an internal trim pot?
 
Re: Suggestions for USB-powered interface?

DrNewcenstein said:
Since I'll be using just that - guitar straight in, no pre-filtering or DI box - that might be an issue. Is there no way to adjust the input gain? Even in software? Maybe with an internal trim pot?
Click to expand...

Choose the paddable 2i4 instead. Problem solved :)
 
Re: Suggestions for USB-powered interface?

Nope. Not without a DI. You could also use any gain pedal to pad the input down a notch -- I use a Bogner Harlow, but a clean boost padding the level below unity also works.
But -- the reason I have two is because I have one at my Mac and one at my wife's and I use it for DI guitar and bass ALL the time. I do not use super hot pickups and often use a compressor in front of the interface, but certainly not all the time...
 
Re: Suggestions for USB-powered interface?

TwilightOdyssey said:
The sensitivity issue ONLY affects the 2i2. The only work around is to use a DI, and it's perfectly fine.
I have two 2i2's and an 18i20, as well as an OctoPre.

Otherwise, the 2i2 is a great interface. You just have to be very careful when using it with direct guitars.
Click to expand...

Agreed but a decent DI box$ + 2i2$ > 2i4$ ;)
 
Re: Suggestions for USB-powered interface?

Agreed, but I am deliberately using those colourations from the extra outboard.
A good DI, like you say, adds expense, but also adds a useful dimension if you are looking for that sort of thing ... horses for courses. :)
 
Re: Suggestions for USB-powered interface?

I do appreciate the help, once again.

Primary concerns are quick setup and tear-down, and cost. I'll be using this primarily at work, on break/lunch if I have time, which will not be daily, and that includes time spent getting to/from. Setup will not happen until first break, so the shortest time spent there, the better. I need to be plugged in and warming up while I wait for Windows to load. Then there's the time it takes Audition to actually open and load a Session I may work on (and all the tracks for it).

Given that it all has to fit in my laptop bag, it must be no larger than the AudioExpress, preferably smaller, since that unit has a fair amount of weight to it, especially when added to an already-loaded bag on your shoulder, which is also carrying a guitar, even in a gig bag. This is most definitely not an AirBook/Pad, it's a 17" laptop with physical drives. The 2i4 is only 1" wider than the 2i2, but that inch makes a difference when everything's combined. The MOTU A/E 6x6 is 7" wide, same as the 2i2.

I would prefer USB-powered for simplicity's sake (one cable vs cable and wall-wart, nothing underfoot, etc), but external power is do-able. The laptop will be plugged in, so I'd prefer to keep down the cable clutter.

As this will be a traveling rig for occasional use, and all my "main gear" is at home, I don't need a SansAmp or other worth-the-price DI that will not see use beyond this application (I got amps, I got racks, I got everything at home for sound, and I need one more preamp like I need another cranial cavity).

One thing about the 2i2's reported "overly hot input" may be that they've targeted it towards the acoustic crowd, at least according to what I'm seeing in their product overview videos. 2 inputs (electro-acoustic and vocal mic, or 2 mics), makes sense to me. However, it does have a Gain knob. Did that not work well? Or was it jumpy: going from too much to too little in one notch? That'd be a PITA.


A unit with as few knobs and other protrusions as possible is also preferred, since "things happen" in the front pocket of a laptop bag that also contains a mouse, a Kensington lock, and various other necessities. Lastly, as I said, it has to serve as a "suitable audio device" for Audition 3 to load. While I'm not exactly sure what Au is looking for, I'm sure it's more than an ASIO driver. ASIO4ALL doesn't appear to be enough.
 
Re: Suggestions for USB-powered interface?

The gain on the 2i2 is very smooth across its entire range. The issue is that when you select Instrument level input, even with the gain at minimum, if you are playing hard or if your pickups are hot, you can push it into clipping ... trace amounts of clipping are acceptable, of course -- but if you are slamming it into the red, you will definitely hear the clipping as a nasty distortion. One of the issues, also, is most people's obsession with tracking their instruments waaaay too hot ... like I said, I go straight in all the time, and as long as I'm not kerrang'ing it into constant red, and the occasional peak is benign, I have yet to have an issue.
 
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