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  3. audio interface for virtual instruments only

  • audio interface for virtual instruments only

    D
    D

    Hi everybody,

    I'm just starting out with VSL and I've been trying to find out which audio interface would be most suited to my needs but without much success so far.

    Here are the parmameters that I think are relevant:

    - Windows 7

    - input via notation software and midi keyboard

    - Only VSL virtual instruments (no mics or analog input required)

    - full orchestra (I take it the number of instruments is directly proportional(or equal) to the number of midi channels required

    - Cubase 6.5

    - preferably USB 2.0 or 3.0

    - Price: up to about 500 euros

    I was thinking of the RME Babyface but it seems to offer lots of functionality I wouldn't need. I'd be grateful for any (concrete) suggestions. If I've omitted any relevant parameters please let me know.

    Thanks,

    Duncan
  • BillB
    BillB

     Perhaps something like this?

    http://www.m-audio.com/products/en_us/FastTrack.html

    BTW, with virtual instruments, hardware MIDI channels are irrelevant...

    Dorico, Notion, Sibelius, StudioOne, Cubase, Staffpad VE Pro, Synchon, VI, Kontakt Win11 x64, 64GB RAM, Focusrite Scarlett 18i20, August Forster 190
  • M
    M

    Duncan,

    The RME Babyface is a great choice. As a portable unit, it has world class sound quality.

    Also, that functionality you don't need today, may serve you well tomorrow.

    If you want to keep it simple then Bill's Fast Track suggestion will work, but the Fast Track

    is normally not in the same conversation, and doesn't have the sound or build quality of the Babyface.

    If you have good monitors (YOU WILL HEAR THE DIFFERENCE).
  • M
    M

    HI,

    Check out the Steinberg UR28M or its bigger brother UR824.
  • D
    D

     Thanks Bill, Mike and Mazeka for taking to trouble to reply and for your helpful suggestions. I haven't quite made my mind up yet. I need to consider the question of monitors as well. I don't think my budget will extend to buying good monitors at the moment!

    Duncan
  • M
    M

    Good Monitors or not, The RME Babyface is still my suggestion.

    Again, you will hopefully someday, need the additional functionality; and when you do get good monitors, you'll already have a great interface.
  • M
    M

    For almost the same price the UR has 2 adat out,8 trs out for surround or different monitors, 8 really good pres, on boad dsp for good 0 latency montoring, the reverb is really good, and u can use the dsp as insert as vst, two head phones jacks :) drivers are excelent .

    Good luck
  • D
    D

     Thanks, Mike and Mazeka, for your additional input. I finally decided on the Babyface, not because I can say it's better than the UR, but mainly because they actually had it in stock at a store near me.

    Thanks again and all the best,

    Duncan
  • M
    M

    That's a good choice Duncan...