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Old 06-23-2020, 01:53 AM   #1
Evan
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Default USB audio interface that works without a computer?

Are there audio interfaces, that also work standalone, without turning on the PC?

I am interested in being able to use the unit as a basic mixer, and be able to hear my instruments through the speakers.
Without having to switch the cables when not using the PC.

Thanks

PS. Interested in the 300(dollar/euro) max price range.
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Old 06-23-2020, 05:56 AM   #2
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Zoom R8 is all I can think of but the r16 has more preamp inputs
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Old 06-23-2020, 05:57 AM   #3
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Have a look at the RME UFX 2
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Old 06-23-2020, 06:08 AM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Evan View Post
Are there audio interfaces, that also work standalone, without turning on the PC?

I am interested in being able to use the unit as a basic mixer, and be able to hear my instruments through the speakers.
Without having to switch the cables when not using the PC.

Thanks

PS. Interested in the 300(dollar/euro) max price range.
The Focusrite Sapphire devices used to. Not sure if their other ones do?
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Old 06-23-2020, 06:14 AM   #5
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RME Fireface 802. You should be able to access the mixer from a phone/iPad though I have not tested.
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Old 06-23-2020, 09:59 AM   #6
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At home I'm using the Behringer UMC8... as long as it's powered on and you route with audio cables you can use it without the computer. I have a e-drum set that is patched and works by itself while my laptop is somewhere else. I can then just plug in the USB on my laptop and work inside Reaper or MPC software, or I can run the MPC standalone through audio cables by itself.
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Old 06-23-2020, 10:07 AM   #7
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Remote control of a standalone RME interface is only possible via MIDI, or the USB based remote from RME. At least, that's what I think. I haven't got the USB remote...

Browser based remote control relies on the driver acting as the webserver. That's one part I've tested.
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Old 06-23-2020, 12:12 PM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by cyrano View Post
Remote control of a standalone RME interface is only possible via MIDI, or the USB based remote from RME. At least, that's what I think. I haven't got the USB remote...

Browser based remote control relies on the driver acting as the webserver. That's one part I've tested.
Did you try OSC?

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Besides simple MIDI notes, the Mackie Protocol and Control Change commands, TotalMix FX can also be controlled by the Open Sound Control, OSC. For details on setup and usage see chapter 25.8.3.
An OSC implementation chart can be downloaded from the RME website: http://www.rme-audio.de/download/osc_table_totalmix.zip
RME offers a free iPad template for the iOS app TouchOSC (by Hexler, available in the Apple App-Store):
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Old 06-23-2020, 12:17 PM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by cyrano View Post
Remote control of a standalone RME interface is only possible via MIDI, or the USB based remote from RME. At least, that's what I think. I haven't got the USB remote...

Browser based remote control relies on the driver acting as the webserver. That's one part I've tested.
True, I didn't mention earlier due to expense but my FF UFX can record directly to USB stick without being connected to a computer. Not remote of course but it can work as standalone. You can access the basics without the computer and/or preset things while connected to computer and flash the config to the device.
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Old 06-23-2020, 12:20 PM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by cyrano View Post
Remote control of a standalone RME interface is only possible via MIDI, or the USB based remote from RME. At least, that's what I think. I haven't got the USB remote...

Browser based remote control relies on the driver acting as the webserver. That's one part I've tested.
That may well be true. However, the UFX2 can be controlled by using the buttons on the front of the unit without requiring a remote.

(Either way, RME is out of the OPs price range - see the PS)

Karbo beat me to it
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Old 06-23-2020, 02:42 PM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Sibben View Post
Did you try OSC?
No. It's been on the list like forever.

RME's MIDI commands are documented (RTFM), but OSC isn't. Or isn't completely documented. There's a spreadsheet, but also some questions on the RME forum.

Besides, I've got a little experience with MIDI, none with OSC...
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Old 06-23-2020, 03:17 PM   #12
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My Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 (which uses the original MixControl) can save its routing to the hardware, so it all works even when the PC is off.

I use it for that too, so I can route the digital drums and turntables and stuff to the PA with the computer off.

Last edited by valy; 06-23-2020 at 03:24 PM.
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Old 06-23-2020, 11:48 PM   #13
Evan
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Thanks all for the replies so far!

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Originally Posted by valy View Post
My Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 (which uses the original MixControl) can save its routing to the hardware, so it all works even when the PC is off.
Great. What gen is it? (assuming it comes in 3 generations like the lower end models)
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Old 06-24-2020, 12:29 AM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Evan View Post
Thanks all for the replies so far!



Great. What gen is it? (assuming it comes in 3 generations like the lower end models)
I think only the first generation uses Mix Control, second and third gen use some other thing called Focusrite Control
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Old 06-24-2020, 12:52 PM   #15
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If you could pick up a Digidesign 002 rack which has been modified and is still good (they had wiring faults) these you can use on their own.

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Old 06-30-2020, 02:50 AM   #16
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Roland Octacapture can operate standalone.
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Old 07-03-2020, 03:16 AM   #17
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I was thinking along those 'Roland' lines too, but not so sure.

For what you say you want recording direct into pc and stand alone use you might need a cross between a multichannel interface (giving multi track recording via USB)...
and a traditional mixer so in stand alone you can as a minimum 'mix' the levels to the right volume (so I would expect as a minimu) unless you were possibly only using one channel at a time?

So a cross between the two seems ideal.

Now no specific device springs to mind, I think there are some but forget which! There are several budget level mixers that have USB outputs but most seem to have drawbacks and a quick search I did not locate any with multichannel usb outputs .(probably my quick search at fault) which puts a serious limitation on using a raw to it's full capabilities!!

Most interfaces do not have basic mixing ability and stand alone use (though some do have basic level controls - See previous posts).

That Roland model does have mixing ability but is the control via PC?
I feel certain that I have seen Roland devices that do it all......

I am a bit out of touch and only came across them when I was looking for a stand alone digital recorder! Old age, brain fade......maybe best delete the post !
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