[LAU] In Search of The Unicorn

drew Roberts zotz at 100jamz.com
Mon Nov 8 18:22:02 UTC 2010


On Monday 08 November 2010 11:52:26 Ken Restivo wrote:
> On Mon, Nov 08, 2010 at 02:09:35PM +0100, Hans Wilmers wrote:
> > On 11/08/2010 08:55 AM, Ken Restivo wrote:
> >> A mythical beast, rumored to exist, but never actually seen. Others have
> >> tried,  but failed, to locate it. I now join the search. This beast is:
> >>
> >> 1) USB 1.0 "class compliant"-- NOT USB 2.0 -- and thus works with Linux
> >> 2) Is well and truly supported by ALSA.
> >> 3) Has FOUR outputs and 2-4 inputs, all usable from within JACK, with
> >> good professional quality DAC/ADCs. 4) The outputs and inputs are
> >> balanced and applicable for low or high impedance (probably with a
> >> switch), and have TRS 1/4" jacks or XLR or both.
> >> 5) Does not cost an arm and a leg.
> >>
> >> This does not mean the FastTrack Pro! Sure it SAYS it has 4 channels,
> >> but only two are accessible from JACK. I have one and have used it for
> >> years, but I now need more outputs. And, also, the output of the "other"
> >> 4 channels is just RCAs. I need 4 channels output, USB1.0,
> >> 44.1Khz/24bit. I could use a cheap 5:1 home-theater USB fob type
> >> interface, but the sound  quality would probably suck, and it sure won't
> >> give me balanced outs.
> >>
> >> Does this Unicorn exist? Anyone seen one?
> >
> > No, but if you can live with 48/16 instead of 24 bit, and with
> > RCA-outputs, the (no longer produced) Terratec "Producer Phase24 USB"
> > does the trick. I just tested this. It might just be that the Terratec
> > "DMX 6Fire USB" works the same way, but somebody else should confirm
> > that.
> >
> > Btw.: Did you try the FastTrack Pro with 48/16? Choosing between 48/24
> > and 48/16 also means choosing between 2 or 6 output channels on my USB
> > interface.
>
> I use the FastTrack Pro USB live, currently with 44.1k/16 and get only two
> output channels that JACK can use. The other two channels show up as a
> different ALSA interface, which makes it useless, since JACK can only use
> channels that are all in the same interface. This is why I'm looking for a
> unit that can do 4 channells output ON THE SAME INTERFACE. This is
> important, much moreso than 24 bit support.

Can't you use those alsa modules (alsa-out or whatever - memory is dim atm) to 
bring the other two into the fold?
>
> -ken

all the best,

drew


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