looking for usb sound card w/dual outputs

[Armaegis]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hybrys /img/forum/go_quote.gif I've used a Fast Track Pro, and if I recall, it had multiple outputs of the same stream.

Hmm, I'm pretty sure that you can actually activate channels 3/4 as a separate output (your computer treats it as two separate devices). I've used an Echo Indigo DJ which had 8 channel output (so 1/2 and 3/4 pumped out different streams simultaneously, while 5/6 and 7/8 were virtual outputs to be used by software).

But whatever; I just ordered the Saffire to try it out. I'll let you guys know in a couple weeks if it works.


Quote:

As a question, why not just get a second DAC? A nice one for home, and combine them both for work. If you're just using it to cue tracks, why is it so important?

Because I'd rather carry just one device instead of two.

 

[Hybrys]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Armaegis /img/forum/go_quote.gif Hmm, I'm pretty sure that you can actually activate channels 3/4 as a separate output (your computer treats it as two separate devices). I've used an Echo Indigo DJ which had 8 channel output (so 1/2 and 3/4 pumped out different streams simultaneously, while 5/6 and 7/8 were virtual outputs to be used by software). But whatever; I just ordered the Saffire to try it out. I'll let you guys know in a couple weeks if it works.

The Indigo DJ is a different beast - It's not over USB.

I've got a class with the guy who has the M-Audio, I'll see if I can take a second look at it.

Good luck with the Saffire. Looks like a nifty piece of hardware.

 

[Armaegis]

I had the M-Audio Firewire Solo which had 4 channels, although 3/4 were digital out. I could output to both independently and could see the streams from the driver menu, but without a digital receiver had no way to actually listen. I really liked the Solo... when it worked, but the drivers/implementation/whatever were utter junk. I had to reinstall every few weeks, until finally it just stopped working altogether and I gave up and sold the unit (which worked on the buyer's computer... although for how long who knows).

This was the reason I decided to try the more expensive Saffire unit instead.

Do let me know how the Fast Track Pro works for you though. I've been pm'ing with a guy who is very happy with his and says it even competes with systems costing much more, but he too has had intermittent driver/usb issues.

 

[Hybrys]

M-Audio always seems to have weird driver issues.

The guy didn't bring it to class this time, because we started using some weird Educational ProTools USB DAC/ADC boxes. So I didn't get to ask him about it. It's not mine, but, he was really happy with it.

 

[Armaegis]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hybrys /img/forum/go_quote.gif we started using some weird Educational ProTools USB DAC/ADC boxes

The digidesign mbox 2? I saw a bunch of their "educational" packages at the store the other day. It's a smart idea, like how a lot of software has an educational price to hook the students into using their products.

 

[Hybrys]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Armaegis /img/forum/go_quote.gif The digidesign mbox 2? I saw a bunch of their "educational" packages at the store the other day. It's a smart idea, like how a lot of software has an educational price to hook the students into using their products.

Yeah, I think that was it. Didn't play very nice, and you had to plug it in to even install ProTools (What?). I'm actually starting to dislike my digital audio class, because it's not about digital audio, it's more about broadcasting/advertising. >_>

 

[mqvist]

MOTU.com - UltraLite-mk3 Hybrid Overview

Should cover all of the requirements. There is basically a full digital mixer in the box so you have very high flexibility with it.

 

[Armaegis]

That is indeed a sweet looking device. Unfortunately, it's three times the price of the other options I was looking at

 

[Hybrys]

Quote:

Originally Posted by mqvist /img/forum/go_quote.gif MOTU.com - UltraLite-mk3 Hybrid Overview Should cover all of the requirements. There is basically a full digital mixer in the box so you have very high flexibility with it.

Everything about that device is hot except the price tag. Drop Firewire, half the outs, one MIDI, and $200, and that would be a SOLID product for any DJ.

 

[nep]

Quote:

Originally Posted by scompton /img/forum/go_quote.gif The EMU 0404 USB doesn't really have 2 different outputs. It has 2 output jacks but they're tied together.

do both output jacks output simultaneously? ie can i feed two seperate amps by connecting one to the 1/8" output and connect the other to the 1/4" outputs?

 

[Armaegis]

I don't believe the 0404 can do that. You need a card that has at least 4 channels out, such as the M-Audio Fast Track Pro or the Saffire 6 USB.

I just got the Saffire today but haven't had too much time to test it out yet. I will post my impressions in a couple days.