USB interface/breakout

M

Marius Lindaas

Freshman
Oct 22, 2013
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Hi

I have for some time been looking for a simple and easy to use USB interface for my MACbook. Maybe someone can point me in the right direction

I travel with a act that has 8 track multitrack, and i am looking for a box that will give me 8 to 10 balanced XLR output.
As i don`t travel with my own mixer i need to trust a good old XLR connection to the mixer as the mixers and their protocols are different each time.

My need is not so complicated. Today i use a Focusrite Saffire firewire rack mount interface with a lot of functions that i don`t need or want. And it is jack outputs.
I want a small box with usb in and 8 to 10 balanced XLR out and a simple software or something to adjust level/gain. It needs to be small enough to fit in my hand luggage when traveling. Low noise and good quality is self explained.

Does someone know any products like this? Or why i cant find any?
 
Re: USB interface/breakout

Marius Lindaas said:
Hi

I have for some time been looking for a simple and easy to use USB interface for my MACbook. Maybe someone can point me in the right direction

I travel with a act that has 8 track multitrack, and i am looking for a box that will give me 8 to 10 balanced XLR output.
As i don`t travel with my own mixer i need to trust a good old XLR connection to the mixer as the mixers and their protocols are different each time.

My need is not so complicated. Today i use a Focusrite Saffire firewire rack mount interface with a lot of functions that i don`t need or want. And it is jack outputs.
I want a small box with usb in and 8 to 10 balanced XLR out and a simple software or something to adjust level/gain. It needs to be small enough to fit in my hand luggage when traveling. Low noise and good quality is self explained.

Does someone know any products like this? Or why i cant find any?
Click to expand...
AFAIK, none exist. XLR IN, yes, but they're all TRS out.
An alternative would be to rackmount one, then strain-relief a TRS-->XLR subsnake to the rack. Not sure how well that will fit in your luggage, though.

Another alternative would be to purchase a DANTE Virtual Sound Card license for your MacBook, then pick up one of the DANTE Breakout Boxes. Takes a little more know-how, but it'll work.

Or, pick up a USB interface box that has ADAT out, and then get your hands on the Behringer ADA8000. Probably the cheapest option.
 
Re: USB interface/breakout

The MOTU 896mk3 is the only interface I can think of that has XLR outputs, however, it is 2 rack spaces high…might be too big for your luggage though.
 
Re: USB interface/breakout

I don't agree with the importance you're putting on having XLR on the interface. I would keep the interface you're using and carry around a 1/4" to XLR loom or a 1/4-1/4 snake and an 8 channel Radial DI if you're far from the mixer.

If you have to have XLR, I would buy a Dante license and Ro8-D to give you 8 xlr outputs with no extra processing or mess. You would run cat5 from your laptop to the interface instead of USB.
R Series | Interfaces | Products | Yamaha

thomas d.
 
Re: USB interface/breakout

Thomas Dameron said:
I don't agree with the importance you're putting on having XLR on the interface. I would keep the interface you're using and carry around a 1/4" to XLR loom or a 1/4-1/4 snake and an 8 channel Radial DI if you're far from the mixer.

If you have to have XLR, I would buy a Dante license and Ro8-D to give you 8 xlr outputs with no extra processing or mess. You would run cat5 from your laptop to the interface instead of USB.
R Series | Interfaces | Products | Yamaha

thomas d.
Click to expand...
It might be worth mentioning that the 'jack outputs' (OP's term) of most USB boxes are also balanced (TRS). Really, the only thing you gain by having XLR is a locking connector.
 
Re: USB interface/breakout

Right, that's my point. It seems like a lot of trouble and expense to go from one professional connect to another. Yeah, xlr is more durable, but it wasn't so long ago that all of the inserts on our money channels ran through a bunch of 1/4" connectors, among other things.

thomas d.
 
Re: USB interface/breakout

If you feel especially fanciful you could always rack mount and 8 channel interface in a 2U case and then get a knockout panel, install some XLRs, and wire them up inside between the interface TRS and the points on the XLRs.

It's excessive, yes, but it's a good hobby project if you have the time.
 
Re: USB interface/breakout

When Rational was talking about making the Smaart I/O, I pleaded with them to have XLR outputs (2) and Combo inputs, OR XLR inputs that could handle mic and line in. The device is perfect for AV needs. It's plug and play with windows and mac. Unfortunately for you, it's only a 2x2. I would love for them to make an 8x8, but since the Roland Octa-Capture exists, it's probably not likely. If space and money was no issue, you could use 4 of them. I think every "playback pro" rig should have one.
 
Re: USB interface/breakout

The best thing about the smart io is that it runs on USB power so I don't have to search for an outlet or run another power cable.

Sent from my DROID RAZR HD
 
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