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Title: Options for audio USB playback interface
Post by: LeVan Moxley on February 12, 2018, 09:40:12 AM
I'm looking for options for playback interfaces for audio.  What i'm looking for is an interface that plugs into USB and will give me balanced outputs (XLR or TRS).  I am familiar with the Peavey USB-P.  I have also seen the Radial USB-Pro.  I was just curious of any recommendations of other interfaces.  I did a search on here and found a thread from 2011 about this.  Considering that was 7 years ago I thought there may be better options now.  Thanks.
Title: Re: Options for audio USB playback interface
Post by: Erik Jerde on February 12, 2018, 10:05:26 AM
I'm looking for options for playback interfaces for audio.  What i'm looking for is an interface that plugs into USB and will give me balanced outputs (XLR or TRS).  I am familiar with the Peavey USB-P.  I have also seen the Radial USB-Pro.  I was just curious for any recommendations of other interfaces.  I did a search on here and found a thread from 2011 about this.  Considering that was 7 years ago I thought there may be better options now.  Thanks.

What are you looking for that the above mentioned products don't give you?
Title: Re: Options for audio USB playback interface
Post by: Jason Joseph on February 12, 2018, 10:07:18 AM
Nope pretty much the same..

Behringer U-PHORIA UMC202HD
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2
Steinberg UR22mkII
Title: Re: Options for audio USB playback interface
Post by: LeVan Moxley on February 12, 2018, 10:19:02 AM
What are you looking for that the above mentioned products don't give you?

I've had some problems with a Peavey and have only read about the Radial, but have not used one.  I have seen the Peavey mentioned in multiple write-ups.  I understand it's appeal for it's inexpensive price point.  I don't doubt that the Radial is probably excellent build quality and would work great.  I was just hoping to get recommendations of other interfaces that people have had success with. 
Title: Re: Options for audio USB playback interface
Post by: Keith Broughton on February 12, 2018, 10:23:02 AM
I've had some problems with a Peavey and have only read about the Radial, but have not used one.  I have seen the Peavey mentioned in multiple write-ups.  I understand it's appeal for it's inexpensive price point.  I don't doubt that the Radial is probably excellent build quality and would work great.  I was just hoping to get recommendations of other interfaces that people have had success with.
What kind of problems with the Peavey?
I have been using one for quite a few years and no issues.
Hard to beat for the price.
Title: Re: Options for audio USB playback interface
Post by: LeVan Moxley on February 12, 2018, 10:54:26 AM
What kind of problems with the Peavey?
I have been using one for quite a few years and no issues.
Hard to beat for the price.

Audio cutting in and out.  I've had the Peavey about 3 years.  Running it on a Mac Mini.  I started to get dropped audio.  The player still shows output, but intermittent output from the interface.  I can switch to headphone jack output with no drops.  I changed the usb cable from the Peavey to the Mac, no difference, still dropping.  I tried an old Tascam 122 and it works fine with no drops. I've checked my audio cables, no problems.   Since the audio outputs fine to the analog headphone jack and it outputs fine to the 122 I don't believe it to be a software problem.  This Mac Mini is used exclusively for music playback, nothing else.  Rebooted computer, no change.  The only thing I'm left with is the interface.  I thought I would purchase another interface and see if that fixes this problem.  That'a why I'm looking for recommendations.
Title: Re: Options for audio USB playback interface
Post by: RaySoly on February 12, 2018, 11:20:03 AM
I'm looking for options for playback interfaces for audio.  What i'm looking for is an interface that plugs into USB and will give me balanced outputs (XLR or TRS).  I am familiar with the Peavey USB-P.  I have also seen the Radial USB-Pro.  I was just curious of any recommendations of other interfaces.  I did a search on here and found a thread from 2011 about this.  Considering that was 7 years ago I thought there may be better options now.  Thanks.

After a similar search and trial of several products suggested in that same thread,  I purchased the Radial... ground lift , iso transformers ,master volume and headphone amp have been invaluable, it all just works and it's virtually indestructible, highly recommended.....


Ray
Title: Re: Options for audio USB playback interface
Post by: Woody Nuss on February 12, 2018, 01:53:34 PM
This lil gizmo works well

https://www.amazon.com/StageMASTER-SMA-USB-XLRM-Channel-Studio-Recorder/dp/B01MTPE2R7(http://www.fast-and-wide.com/images/stories/Gear/2017_q3/SMA-USB-XLRM.gif)
Title: Re: Options for audio USB playback interface
Post by: Rob Spence on February 12, 2018, 02:52:47 PM
Audio cutting in and out.  I've had the Peavey about 3 years.  Running it on a Mac Mini.  I started to get dropped audio.  The player still shows output, but intermittent output from the interface.  I can switch to headphone jack output with no drops.  I changed the usb cable from the Peavey to the Mac, no difference, still dropping.  I tried an old Tascam 122 and it works fine with no drops. I've checked my audio cables, no problems.   Since the audio outputs fine to the analog headphone jack and it outputs fine to the 122 I don't believe it to be a software problem.  This Mac Mini is used exclusively for music playback, nothing else.  Rebooted computer, no change.  The only thing I'm left with is the interface.  I thought I would purchase another interface and see if that fixes this problem.  That'a why I'm looking for recommendations.

Check that the xlr cables don’t have pin 1 connected to the shell. .?


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Pro
Title: Re: Options for audio USB playback interface
Post by: Ade Stuart on February 12, 2018, 03:11:06 PM
The Radial is well built, as you'd expect, but be aware that the volume pot affects the headphone and XLR outputs and don't be surprised if you get RFI on these. Finally, the USB and XLR connectors are on opposite sides which makes cable management a bit messy. Almost a great product but not quite.

Edit - removed mic level comment
Title: Re: Options for audio USB playback interface
Post by: Keith Broughton on February 12, 2018, 03:34:47 PM
This lil gizmo works well

https://www.amazon.com/StageMASTER-SMA-USB-XLRM-Channel-Studio-Recorder/dp/B01MTPE2R7(http://www.fast-and-wide.com/images/stories/Gear/2017_q3/SMA-USB-XLRM.gif)
I suspect no transformer isolation.
Title: Re: Options for audio USB playback interface
Post by: LeVan Moxley on February 12, 2018, 03:48:48 PM
Thanks for all the responses.  Anyone have any experience with the Whirlwind PCUSB? 

http://whirlwindusa.com/catalog/black-boxes-effects-and-dis/transformers-isolation-devices/pc-usb
Title: Re: Options for audio USB playback interface
Post by: LeVan Moxley on February 12, 2018, 03:52:20 PM
I suspect no transformer isolation.

I need it to be 2 channel or stereo.  This single channel will not work for me.  Thanks.
Title: Re: Options for audio USB playback interface
Post by: David Pedd on February 12, 2018, 04:05:56 PM
This lil gizmo works well

https://www.amazon.com/StageMASTER-SMA-USB-XLRM-Channel-Studio-Recorder/dp/B01MTPE2R7(http://www.fast-and-wide.com/images/stories/Gear/2017_q3/SMA-USB-XLRM.gif)

LOL!   Will you be the first to review it?
Title: Re: Options for audio USB playback interface
Post by: RaySoly on February 12, 2018, 04:37:48 PM
The Radial is well built, as you'd expect, but be aware that the volume pot affects the headphone and XLR outputs. The XLR outputs are also mic level - don't be surprised if you get RFI on these. Finally, the USB and XLR connectors are on opposite sides which makes cable management a bit messy. Almost a great product but not quite.

I stand by my earlier post, this is a very well built and useful USB box for all the opposite reasons cited by Ade  and no RFI...... from Radial site:


adjust the level  to
7 o'clock (fully counter-clockwise) - OFF
9 to 10 o'clock - MIC LEVEL (Direct box)
12 o'clock – Instrument Level
5 o'clock (fully clockwise) - LINE LEVEL



Ray
Title: Re: Options for audio USB playback interface
Post by: Craig Hauber on February 12, 2018, 05:46:59 PM
This lil gizmo works well

https://www.amazon.com/StageMASTER-SMA-USB-XLRM-Channel-Studio-Recorder/dp/B01MTPE2R7(http://www.fast-and-wide.com/images/stories/Gear/2017_q3/SMA-USB-XLRM.gif)

How does that not just break the USB jacks right off the motherboard?!

And no usable specs anywhere on the Amazon listing.  "StageMASTER" is a ProCo name, but nothing like that on their site.
Title: Re: Options for audio USB playback interface
Post by: Ade Stuart on February 12, 2018, 07:08:54 PM
I stand by my earlier post, this is a very well built and useful USB box for all the opposite reasons cited by Ade  and no RFI...... from Radial site:


adjust the level  to
7 o'clock (fully counter-clockwise) - OFF
9 to 10 o'clock - MIC LEVEL (Direct box)
12 o'clock – Instrument Level
5 o'clock (fully clockwise) - LINE LEVEL



Ray

Re the output level, may be my memory is letting me down, I'll reserve comment until I use one again. The RFI is from experience and was from mobile phones, YMMV
Title: Re: Options for audio USB playback interface
Post by: Mike Caldwell on February 12, 2018, 07:48:40 PM
How does that not just break the USB jacks right off the motherboard?!


That was the very first thing I thought of when I saw it.
Title: Re: Options for audio USB playback interface
Post by: Chris Hindle on February 13, 2018, 08:29:15 AM
This lil gizmo works well

https://www.amazon.com/StageMASTER-SMA-USB-XLRM-Channel-Studio-Recorder/dp/B01MTPE2R7(http://www.fast-and-wide.com/images/stories/Gear/2017_q3/SMA-USB-XLRM.gif)
Wow.
Some kind of leverage on your poor little USB jack.....
At the minimum, I'd throw a 6" extension on it.
Chris.
Title: Re: Options for audio USB playback interface
Post by: Keith Broughton on February 13, 2018, 09:30:40 AM
Wow.
Some kind of leverage on your poor little USB jack.....
At the minimum, I'd throw a 6" extension on it.
Chris.
Perhaps useful for an installed computer where cable strain relief can be used?


Back to OP...I still say the USB-P is the best bang for $50
2 ch,mono option,TX balanced iso
Title: Re: Options for audio USB playback interface
Post by: Thomas Le on February 13, 2018, 11:23:08 AM
Thanks for all the responses.  Anyone have any experience with the Whirlwind PCUSB? 

http://whirlwindusa.com/catalog/black-boxes-effects-and-dis/transformers-isolation-devices/pc-usb

Just bought the pcUSB a few weeks ago, works great! Very compact and is transformer isolated (though I had to email whirlwind on this to confirm.)
Title: Re: Options for audio USB playback interface
Post by: Woody Nuss on February 13, 2018, 01:44:04 PM
How does that not just break the USB jacks right off the motherboard?!

And no usable specs anywhere on the Amazon listing.  "StageMASTER" is a ProCo name, but nothing like that on their site.


Here's the site link: http://www.stagemastergear.com/product/140/usb-xlrm-adaptor (http://www.stagemastergear.com/product/140/usb-xlrm-adaptor)

I have been using this for corporate events instead of the headphone output from clients' laptops. I just loop the xlr cable under something to prevent it from falling or placing downward pressure on the laptop.
It has worked very well so far and self-diagnosed every laptop so far. These are typically spoken word or photo shows with backing tracks. I have not investigated its stereo/mono capabilities, I assume it sums to mono like the stereo mini version it replaced.(photo below)
  http://www.rapcohorizon.com/product/223/laptop-blox (http://www.rapcohorizon.com/product/223/laptop-blox)  (https://media.sweetwater.com/api/i/q-82__ha-4a195a333211ccc4__hmac-bf019c772a128cfe0127b3f190b22f461467c06f/images/items/750/LTIBLOX-large.jpg)
Title: Re: Options for audio USB playback interface
Post by: Joris Jans2 on February 21, 2018, 03:08:49 PM
i've used a steinberg UR22 but had problems with audio cutouts, aparently a common problem, see also their own website https://www.steinberg.net/forums/viewtopic.php?f=157&t=96319
besides above problem, i noticed that audio output will distort when master set to anything above 3'o clock.
also have experience with an Focusrite Saffire USB (both USB 1.1 & USB 2.0 models/revisions) but they color the sound too much for me.
after that i bought an Roland Duo Capture EX and very happy with that, works flawless for the last 1.5 yrs, can reccommand it highly
Title: Re: Options for audio USB playback interface
Post by: Keith Broughton on February 21, 2018, 03:24:54 PM
In response to the last 2 posts, the OP requires 2 channel device, not single and doesn't need audio capture, just playback.
Title: Re: Options for audio USB playback interface
Post by: Jordan Wolf on February 21, 2018, 04:07:23 PM
I'm looking for options for playback interfaces for audio.  What i'm looking for is an interface that plugs into USB and will give me balanced outputs (XLR or TRS).  I am familiar with the Peavey USB-P.  I have also seen the Radial USB-Pro.  I was just curious of any recommendations of other interfaces.  I did a search on here and found a thread from 2011 about this.  Considering that was 7 years ago I thought there may be better options now.  Thanks.
The Roland Octacapture (https://www.roland.com/us/products/octa-capture/) is a nice little interface that won't break the bank. It has more features than just outputs, but that may not be a bad thing since it increases the number of ways you can use it.

I own and use the Radial USB DI and have not had any issues with RFI. I wish there was a way to lock the USB connection (sort of like the wire gate you find on some D-plug/IEC connectors ), but some gaff tape usually fixes that issue.
Title: Re: Options for audio USB playback interface
Post by: Riley Casey on February 21, 2018, 04:53:02 PM
All of our Peavy USB DIs simply have the USB cable tie wrapped to the case.  Unplug before transport , wrap the cable around the DI and they stay that way til the USB cable wears out.

I wish there was a way to lock the USB connection (sort of like the wire gate you find on some D-plug/IEC connectors ), but some gaff tape usually fixes that issue.
Title: Re: Options for audio USB playback interface
Post by: John Schalk on February 21, 2018, 04:57:36 PM
....I changed the usb cable from the Peavey to the Mac, no difference, still dropping.  I tried an old Tascam 122 and it works fine with no drops. I've checked my audio cables, no problems.   Since the audio outputs fine to the analog headphone jack and it outputs fine to the 122 I don't believe it to be a software problem.  This Mac Mini is used exclusively for music playback, nothing else.

We have had some issues with the USB ports on our MacBook Pros going bad.  I think they get loose over time and so lose connection to the connected device momentarily.  From your trouble shooting steps, that's probably not your issue, but if you were always plugging into the same USB port on the Mini for audio, perhaps you should try one of the other three?

I have an M-audio Fastrack Pro.  Works fine, but kind of bulky for your use case.  Also, only has 1/4" outputs.  I like it because I can power it with a wall wart and use it as a tiny mixer that has phantom power. 
Title: Re: Options for audio USB playback interface
Post by: Ivan Feder on February 22, 2018, 02:37:58 AM
This is by far the best USB interface i’ve come across: no drivers, transformer balanced outputs:
https://www.fohhn.com/index.php?id=57&L=1&tx_fohhnproducts_pi1%5Bfohhnproducts%5D=667&cHash=a5d2a6066ad458bcd71099d20efd3b99 (https://www.fohhn.com/index.php?id=57&L=1&tx_fohhnproducts_pi1%5Bfohhnproducts%5D=667&cHash=a5d2a6066ad458bcd71099d20efd3b99)
Title: Re: Options for audio USB playback interface
Post by: Pete Erskine on February 22, 2018, 07:37:35 AM
I thought there may be better options now.  Thanks.

My favorites are Blackdog Audio with 2 transformer outputs and
AudioBox with 2 in and 2 out with transformers.  Both use standard drivers and are powered via usb.

http://www.blackdogaudio.net/   $165
http://www.arx.com.au/worldwide/audibox_usb_io.htm   $374.oo