Hi everyone,
For those who are interrested in getting the USB M-Audio Fast Track
Ultra/Ultra 8R...
It works almost out of the box in Ubuntu 11.04 (kernel 2.6.38) but:
- Alsa needs to be modified to get the Midi recognized. The fix is
already known and I'm very confident it will get to Alsa mainstream
soon.
- The internal routing of the soundcard is done via software. There is
a patch available wit the basic functionality but I haven't tested
that yet. Oh and the main developers of this functionality has been
posting stuff today on the Alsa-Devel mailing list, so he's working on
it.
- There is a small bug where the sounds cards is dropping samples.
Daniel Mack from the Alsa-Devel is working on it.
The most complete thread on the subject is here:
http://forums.m-audio.com/showthread.php?714-Not-a-problem.-FastTrack-on-li…
Overall, it's not as well supported as the Edirol UA-25Ex for example
(the USB one I used to have), but I'm very confident it's only a
questions of months.
And the more people get it, the more information we can compile, the
fastest the issue is going to be fixed I suppose.
Pardon that I ask this on the developers list, but it seems to be the
best place regarding to the information about hardware, that is or isn't
well supported for or by Linux.
I'm flirting with the idea of buying a RME PCI card or firewire device
or if recommended a card from another vendor. The device should have
around 4 analog IOs, for MIDI I could keep one of my Envy24 cards, as
long as a new device only needs one PCI slot. I guess PCI is less
problematic than firewire?
I'll order next week.
It's important that the analog IOs and converters etc. keep the sound
without audible loss, similar to consumer equipment, that is not the
most worse. Professional sound quality isn't needed, but my TerraTec EWX
24/96 or similar Envy24 cards and all those onboard devices I ever
heard, don't reach good consumer quality, they produce marked loss for
the sound quality.
I could spend 800,- EUR or less ;).
Any recommendations for sound cards?
I already got some recommendations and until now this one seems to be
the most confidence inspiring device ... just a feeling ;):
http://www.thomann.de/gb/rme_digi_9632_hdsp_pcikarte.htm
OTOH, I'm doubtful, regarding to the costs. I thought that new devices
are more expensive.
Somebody else recommended this one:
http://www.thomann.de/gb/focusrite_saffire_pro_40.htm
I can't ask friend, because they won't care about compatibility to
Linux :(, I guess that e.g. Motu isn't (well) supported.
Before I order a sound device, I'll ask if I could test it, when
ordering at Thomann or a similar dealer. The problem is that I have to
order, because AFAIK there are no good music stores near to my hometown
Oberhausen/Rheinland, that are easily reachable by public transit,
dunno, perhaps Kurt Spiecker + Dirk Pulch are still ok.
Best,
Ralf
On Mon, 2011-05-23 at 14:09 -0600, Gustin Johnson wrote:
> On Sun, May 22, 2011 at 9:43 PM, Ralf <ralf.mardorf(a)alice-dsl.net> wrote:
> > On Sun, 2011-05-22 at 13:23 -0600, Gustin Johnson wrote:
> >> I would stay away from the Fireface and the multiface (unless you
> >> connect the multiface to another interface).
> >>
> >> FWIW, I have a 9652 PCI card and an RME ADI 8-DS. If I need more
> >> channels there is an Alesis ADAT that I can connect to it, albeit at
> >> only 16/48. It is important to note that the 9652/9652 do not have
> >> any ADC/DACs on them and rely on outboard gear for that.
> >>
> >> This particular rig has been solid and stable for years and has been
> >> in 3 different rigs, the latest being an Intel Sandy bridge. If you
> >> can afford it I highly recommend the RME PCI and PCIe solutions.
> >> Their Firewire solutions have traditionally been the exact opposite
> >> under Linux.
> >
> > Hm? I tries to switch from LAD to LAU, regarding to current user
> > queries, but it failed. Hi Admin [1] ;).
> >
> > Hi Gustin :), hi Ubuntu Studio users list :), pardon LAD ;)
> >
> > IIUC a HDSPe AIO or DSP 9632 is all I need, if I just need a stereo IO?
> > I only need to buy a BF-BOXLRMKH or BF-BOCMKH breakout cable?
>
> There are a number of possible solutions. It sounds like the AIO
> might be what you want, but I would ask someone local if you are
> unsure (in other words, don't just take my word for it).
I did send a request to my dealer. At the moment I tend to buy a 9632
and if I should switch the mobo one day, I perhaps have to replace it by
the AIO, anyway, the 9632 is less expensive. But I'm undecided.
> >
> > If I need additional IOs and wish to avoid Multiface firmware issues, I
> > can add AI4S-192 AIO and AO4S-192 AIO.
> >
> You could add anything that speaks ADAT, assuming you get the PCI/PCIe
> card with ADAT connectors on it.
>
> > If I need much more IOs and don't have enough money for RME IOs, I can
> > e.g. use a BEHRINGER ADA8000 ULTRAGAIN PRO8 DIGITAL by ADAT connection.
> > The sound quality might be less good and I guess this will add extra
> > latency and Ardour won't auto-compensate this extra latency
> > automatically?
> >
> What latency are you talking about? The only latency this adds is
> electrical switching and media conversion + travel time for the
> optical signal + the DAC/ADC. The sound quality of Behringer tends to
> be lower than other solutions, but this should work.
I guess I'll start with just AI4S-192 AIO and AO4S-192 AIO for home
recording. If I should need more channels I'll order a cheap ADAT device
at another time.
More channels might be needed to do rehearsal room recordings, with
cheap microphones, hence the sound quality is less important, "live"
music has an advantage regarding to the feeling compared with home
recording, just for home recording I wish to get the most near
professional sound that is possible by my equipment, but at home I don't
need much channels. 2 for the stereo sum and some to loop in a 19"
reverb or to record drum sounds from a drum module by separated channels
at the same time.
>
> > As long as I'm using a mobo with PCI slots I can use AI4S-192 AIO and
> > AO4S-192 AIO with a DSP 9632 and when I switch to a mobo with PCIe only
> > I can switch from DSP 9632 to HDSPe AIO and keep AI4S-192 AIO and
> > AO4S-192 AIO (and e.g. a BEHRINGER ADA8000 ULTRAGAIN PRO8 DIGITAL ;)?
>
> This sounds right. If in doubt check with RME. The compatibility of
> the add on boards is listed on this page:
> http://www.rme-audio.de/en_products_hdsp_expansion_boards.php
> >
> > Using a DSP 9632 with a PCIe to PCI bridge doesn't work or at least
> > could cause issues?
> >
> Never heard of such a thing. I would not trust it, but I tend to be
> skeptical of such kludges.
Me too.
Thank you,
Ralf
On Sun, 2011-05-22 at 13:23 -0600, Gustin Johnson wrote:
> I would stay away from the Fireface and the multiface (unless you
> connect the multiface to another interface).
>
> FWIW, I have a 9652 PCI card and an RME ADI 8-DS. If I need more
> channels there is an Alesis ADAT that I can connect to it, albeit at
> only 16/48. It is important to note that the 9652/9652 do not have
> any ADC/DACs on them and rely on outboard gear for that.
>
> This particular rig has been solid and stable for years and has been
> in 3 different rigs, the latest being an Intel Sandy bridge. If you
> can afford it I highly recommend the RME PCI and PCIe solutions.
> Their Firewire solutions have traditionally been the exact opposite
> under Linux.
Hm? I tries to switch from LAD to LAU, regarding to current user
queries, but it failed. Hi Admin [1] ;).
Hi Gustin :), hi Ubuntu Studio users list :), pardon LAD ;)
IIUC a HDSPe AIO or DSP 9632 is all I need, if I just need a stereo IO?
I only need to buy a BF-BOXLRMKH or BF-BOCMKH breakout cable?
If I need additional IOs and wish to avoid Multiface firmware issues, I
can add AI4S-192 AIO and AO4S-192 AIO.
If I need much more IOs and don't have enough money for RME IOs, I can
e.g. use a BEHRINGER ADA8000 ULTRAGAIN PRO8 DIGITAL by ADAT connection.
The sound quality might be less good and I guess this will add extra
latency and Ardour won't auto-compensate this extra latency
automatically?
As long as I'm using a mobo with PCI slots I can use AI4S-192 AIO and
AO4S-192 AIO with a DSP 9632 and when I switch to a mobo with PCIe only
I can switch from DSP 9632 to HDSPe AIO and keep AI4S-192 AIO and
AO4S-192 AIO (and e.g. a BEHRINGER ADA8000 ULTRAGAIN PRO8 DIGITAL ;)?
Using a DSP 9632 with a PCIe to PCI bridge doesn't work or at least
could cause issues?
Best,
Ralf
[1]
-------- Forwarded Message --------
From: Ralf <ralf.mardorf(a)alice-dsl.net>
To: linux-audio-user-owner(a)lists.linuxaudio.org
Subject: Subscription failed
Date: Mon, 23 May 2011 04:40:52 +0200
Hi,
I want to switch from LAD to LAU, regarding to some user queries about
sound cards. When I first tried to subscribe, I made a typo for my email
address, then I tried again without typo, but it failed several times,
without any error messages.
Best,
Ralf
> On 05/22/2011 11:43 AM, Ralf wrote:
> > Hi :)
> >
> > I only watched pictures and read texts but didn't hear one of those RME
> > devices, anyway, until now I tend to order the RME FIREFACE 400 or RME
> > MULTIFACE II if they shouldn't cause issues with Linux. The two HDSP be
> > possible too.
> >
> > Any experiences, information?
Jorn wrote:
> the fireface is an ieee1394 device, and the ffado drivers are somewhat
> experimental. so yes, this would be an "issue with linux". i suggest you
> check the ffado.org website and look through the ffado mailing list
> archive to see if the current level of support is sufficient for what
> you want to do.
[ Disclaimer: I am working on the ffado FF400 driver ]
The ffado support for the RME devices is indeed experimental. If you're
interested, head across to www.ffado.org and browse the device support pages
for the latest information. In short, the latest ffado svn revision
contains a driver which should be capable of getting audio into and out of a
FF400 (the FF800 will follow once the FF400 has bedded down). Some device
controls are also available via ffado-mixer (filling in the rest is mostly a
boilerplate coding exercise which I'll do once audio has stabilised). I am
continuing testing myself but early adopters (those who already have a ff400
in most cases) are encouraged to try the driver on their own systems to
provide feedback to me about how the driver performs on a variety of
platforms.
To summarise: support for the RME Fireface 400 under ffado is moving in the
right direction and is ready for interested people to test, but I would not
be saying that it's ready for prime time yet. Having said that, I think the
bulk of the work is now done and I want to move on this as quickly as real
life permits. :-)
Regards
jonathan
Hello Ralf,
Have you already envisaged to use Digigram boards like the vx222 one with alsa driver.
Regards,
Sylvain
========================================
Message du : 21/05/2011
De : "Ricardo Wurmus " <ricardo.wurmus(a)gmail.com>
A : "Ralf" <ralf.mardorf(a)alice-dsl.net>
Copie à : linux-audio-dev(a)lists.linuxaudio.org
Sujet : Re: [LAD] What sound cards are recommender by developers? I'll order next week!!!
If you cannot keep your Envy24 card for MIDI I/O, you might want to check out
the ESI MIDIMATE II. It's a minimal USB MIDI interface (it's really
just a cable,
no box) which works very well in my setup. This could open up a few more
alternatives for you, in case you decide on a device that would
require you to remove
the Envy24 card.
On 21 May 2011 20:37, Ralf wrote:
> Pardon that I ask this on the developers list, but it seems to be the
> best place regarding to the information about hardware, that is or isn't
> well supported for or by Linux.
>
> I'm flirting with the idea of buying a RME PCI card or firewire device
> or if recommended a card from another vendor. The device should have
> around 4 analog IOs, for MIDI I could keep one of my Envy24 cards, as
> long as a new device only needs one PCI slot. I guess PCI is less
> problematic than firewire?
>
> I'll order next week.
>
> It's important that the analog IOs and converters etc. keep the sound
> without audible loss, similar to consumer equipment, that is not the
> most worse. Professional sound quality isn't needed, but my TerraTec EWX
> 24/96 or similar Envy24 cards and all those onboard devices I ever
> heard, don't reach good consumer quality, they produce marked loss for
> the sound quality.
>
> I could spend 800,- EUR or less ;).
>
> Any recommendations for sound cards?
>
> I already got some recommendations and until now this one seems to be
> the most confidence inspiring device ... just a feeling ;):
> http://www.thomann.de/gb/rme_digi_9632_hdsp_pcikarte.htm
>
> OTOH, I'm doubtful, regarding to the costs. I thought that new devices
> are more expensive.
>
> Somebody else recommended this one:
>
> http://www.thomann.de/gb/focusrite_saffire_pro_40.htm
>
> I can't ask friend, because they won't care about compatibility to
> Linux :(, I guess that e.g. Motu isn't (well) supported.
>
> Before I order a sound device, I'll ask if I could test it, when
> ordering at Thomann or a similar dealer. The problem is that I have to
> order, because AFAIK there are no good music stores near to my hometown
> Oberhausen/Rheinland, that are easily reachable by public transit,
> dunno, perhaps Kurt Spiecker + Dirk Pulch are still ok.
>
> Best,
>
> Ralf
>
> _______________________________________________
> Linux-audio-dev mailing list
> Linux-audio-dev(a)lists.linuxaudio.org
> http://lists.linuxaudio.org/listinfo/linux-audio-dev
>
_______________________________________________
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Linux-audio-dev(a)lists.linuxaudio.org
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Hi :)
I only watched pictures and read texts but didn't hear one of those RME
devices, anyway, until now I tend to order the RME FIREFACE 400 or RME
MULTIFACE II if they shouldn't cause issues with Linux. The two HDSP be
possible too.
Any experiences, information?
RME FIREFACE 400
http://www.thomann.de/gb/rme_fireface_400.htm
RME MULTIFACE II
http://www.thomann.de/gb/rme_multiface_ii.htm
RME HDSP 9652
http://www.thomann.de/gb/rme_digi_9652_hdsp.htmhttp://www.thomann.de/gb/rme_9652_hdsp_retour.htm
RME HDSP 9632
http://www.thomann.de/gb/rme_digi_9632_hdsp_pcikarte.htm
The sound quality at least should reach that of my elCheapo consumer DAT
Sony DTC-670. The Terratec EWX 24/96 does hardly reach the sound quality
of my Yamaha MT44D 4 track analog cassette recorder, when it wasn't
broken, but well maintained and I heard several Envy24 cards that hardly
reach the 4 track recorders quality.
I'm not interested in this one, but the price-performance ratio is
amazing:
BEHRINGER XENYX X2442 USB
http://www.thomann.de/gb/behringer_xenyx_x2442_usb.htm
I've got a Behringer EURORACK UB2442FX-PRO a very bad mixer, hard to
clean, hard to use, because everything is small, even if it's dust
protected, after 3 years dust issues started. All faders are still ok,
but Group buttons are completely out of order, some channels don't work
any more. I don't had enough money to get a better mixer, when my old
get completely broken but OTOH, the sound quality anyhow is good enough
to reach good consumer quality that is better, than what my Terratec EWX
24/96 are able to record. I wish to get a good sound card, but this
Behringer might be interesting for some people. Note, I never compared a
Mackie with the UB2442FX-PRO directly, a friend has got nearly the same
mixer from Mackie, and I've got the impression that the sound quality of
the Mackie is better. IMO Mackie is some kind of reference for low cost
home recording equipment. Things should sound similar to a Mackie or
better.
I'll start reading
http://www.google.de/#sclient=psy&hl=de&source=hp&q=RME+FIREFACE+400
+linux&aq=f&aqi=&aql=&oq=&pbx=1&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.&fp=5a4a001e44ffdadc
now.
Best,
Ralf
Hi all,
here are some pictures of the LAC 2011 and because I had an extra day to get around Maynooth, the university (NUIM) and
beyond, there are some non-LAC pictures as well. Frank will probably put more pictures on the LAC-2011 website but in
the meantime this already gives you an impression: http://www.flickr.com/photos/marcdinkum/sets
Feel free to add comments.
Cheers,
Marc