Choice of interface for new Windows XP machine

[Codmate]

Hi all,

I'm looking for a new interface for a WindowsXP SP2 machine I have put together, as I'm having some compatibility issues with my long-serving M-Audio Delta66 and my new mainboard.

The mainboard is an ASUS P5K Deluxe/WiFi-AP, which runs the new Intel P35 chipset.

It has an Agere® FW322 IEEE 1394a controller, based on a Lucent chip, as well as PCI, USB and all the usual connectors.

The machine is a general purpose PC, so I need maximum compatibility with WDM drivers, as well as ASIO.

I've heard that MOTU interfaces are pretty solid, but it would be good if people could advise as to what interface would provide the best compatibility with my system.

As long as I have all the functionality that my M-Audio Delta66 & OmniStudio currently provide, then I will be happy.

The MOTU ULTRALITE looks as though it would suit my purposes - but I'm worried about what would happen if my machine tried to play back at a sample rate it doesn't support. I read that it doesn't support sample-rates under 44k, and many Windows apps (such as web-plug-ins) play back sounds at lower rates.

Would it automatically upsample, or would I get garbage out of my speakers?

I'm also interested in the 8Pre and the 828 MKII USB.

I'm staying away from PCI interfaces for the moment, as I think IRQ sharing between the only PCI interface I can access on my mainboard (the first one is covered by my huge VGA card) and my graphics card may be causing my Delta66 problems.

I will be using the interface with Cubase SL3.

Many thanks for your suggestions.

[Hard2Hear]

One thing is that you've chosen a motherboard, and more importantly a chipset, that really hasnt been tested very much by professionals yet. You'll never find production studios who make their living off of professional audio using something so new that its not tested and proven to be reliable. Though we build 6-700 DAWs a year, I havent even tested that chipset yet because Ive been busy with Vista 64 testing and Santa Rosa notebook testing, and the 975 chipset works so great right now anyways.

What all this means is that very few if any really qualified people will be able to tell you about compatability or incompatability with that because its not had time out there yet.

[BradLyons]

When recording in the studio, I stress "get it as good as you can at the source" because the more you do with your choice of mic and the placement, the better the end result can be. Likewise I might use a Royer SF12 on acoustic guitar because I feel it's about the best stereo mic money can buy, but if I tried it on electric guitar cabinet because it's the best--well, it wouldn't be pretty (the SF is not the same as the R series). My points are this....... When it comes to audio on WindowsXP machines, you have to go by what's tried and true--not the latest/greatest/most bestestestest options out there which is what MANY PC users wish to do. You just can't do it and expect everything to be fine. Likewise, you can't just go for "budget" either to do the job or general purpose use for every function. GET IT RIGHT at the source.... if one interface isn't working, that doesn't mean another one will.

Likewise when you are then using that computer for general computer use AND you want to use it for digital audio, your stability and efficiency has decreased significantly. If you can, get two machines.... if you can't, understand you may have issues. That motherboard just isn't one I'd use and in fact whenever you read "DELUXE" when it comes to motherboards...those are usually signs of "DON'T BUY ME FOR AUDIO"

I agree with Hard2Hear, we too build several hundred turnkey systems per month, we see the common problems---the choice of motherboard is a HUGE issue. I'm not saying of upgrading your motherboard to a known compatable one for audio is the answer--but it would be the best place to start.

[harrison]

Hi all,

I'm looking for a new interface for a WindowsXP SP2 machine I have put together, as I'm having some compatibility issues with my long-serving M-Audio Delta66 and my new mainboard.

The mainboard is an ASUS P5K Deluxe/WiFi-AP, which runs the new Intel P35 chipset.

It has an Agere® FW322 IEEE 1394a controller, based on a Lucent chip, as well as PCI, USB and all the usual connectors.

The machine is a general purpose PC, so I need maximum compatibility with WDM drivers, as well as ASIO.

I've heard that MOTU interfaces are pretty solid, but it would be good if people could advise as to what interface would provide the best compatibility with my system.

As long as I have all the functionality that my M-Audio Delta66 & OmniStudio currently provide, then I will be happy.

The MOTU ULTRALITE looks as though it would suit my purposes - but I'm worried about what would happen if my machine tried to play back at a sample rate it doesn't support. I read that it doesn't support sample-rates under 44k, and many Windows apps (such as web-plug-ins) play back sounds at lower rates.

Would it automatically upsample, or would I get garbage out of my speakers?

I'm also interested in the 8Pre and the 828 MKII USB.

I'm staying away from PCI interfaces for the moment, as I think IRQ sharing between the only PCI interface I can access on my mainboard (the first one is covered by my huge VGA card) and my graphics card may be causing my Delta66 problems.

I will be using the interface with Cubase SL3.

Many thanks for your suggestions.

For what it's worth... I am not a pro. I have lots of computer experience but not in the audio world (3 years recording). I have P5K deluxe and an 8Pre. Get rid of the wifi card and upgrade to the latest bios and you will be as stable as you can be given that the board has no experience in the industry yet. I've had mine for a week and have finally got it stabilized in my mind.

The biggest headache is with the ASIO drivers in any system (this has been my headache). The 8pre work well with XP. My Firepod worked will with XP. No troble recoding all 8 inputs at the same time and no trouble with effects and Izotope with 16 tracks (the most I've needed so far).

If you are half serious and you get a recommendation on a board that is solid, get that board. Am I confident to go in the field and do a live session with this setup? Hell no. I have a 975 board that I am building up as a stable backup until I can verify that this works.