Old 10-07-2017, 02:18 AM   #1
Digger 66
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Default Interface setup ?

Hey folks , I'm trying to get my interface setup but I have a few questions :
I'm using a (cheap for now) interface : https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Without modifying anything from initial setup , I have a delay that I'd like to get rid of .I'd just like a dry signal .
It seems this can only be used with headphones ?? Is there a way to hear everything through my PC's stock speakers ?? I can hear the drum track I just recorded through them but why not the guitar track ?
Thanks for any help in advance .

-Gene

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Old 10-07-2017, 07:40 AM   #2
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No guitar sound whatsoever .
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Old 10-07-2017, 08:04 AM   #3
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To use both the USB audio interface and your computer's built-in audio interface together, you make an aggregate device of both of them with your OS audio utility (Audio MIDI Setup in OSX, ASIO or ASIO4ALL in Windows). Then select the aggregate device in Reaper preferences/Audio/Device instead of one of the single devices. Then you can input from the USB unit and output to your built-in at the same time.

The system latency setting is the block size control, also on Reaper preferences/Audio/Device page. Check the box to enable control with Reaper and enter the value in samples. (Uncheck the box to control this with other software.)

Now, that 'cheap' unit may not be able to be run stable at a low enough block size to play without lag. You'll have to experiment there.

Hopefully that will get you started or point you to the things to look up in the manual.
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Old 10-07-2017, 08:05 AM   #4
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Preferences/Audio/Device is where you can select the correct driver and device that Reaper will use.

Not sure if your device has it's own driver or not?

If you want to use computer speakers then you could try WASAPI, set this thing as input and your computer speakers as output.
Lowering the block size will give less delay.

I don't know if you can get direct monitor (dry signal with no delay) through this simple a device...I'm guessing not.

if you can it could only be at the headphone out of the interface.
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Old 10-07-2017, 08:10 AM   #5
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Does anyone make a DAW that's easy to use ?
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Old 10-07-2017, 08:19 AM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Digger 66 View Post
Does anyone make a DAW that's easy to use ?
Easier to use than Reaper? Flat out no! Reaper is the most flexible and stable DAW available. Especially for live work.
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Old 10-07-2017, 08:46 AM   #7
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Does anyone make a DAW that's easy to use ?
Yes there are DAWs that are very easy to use...provided that what you want to do is EXACTLY what they want you to do and you're happy to do in EXACTLY their way with no choices.

Of course it can take many years to find one that suits you, if indeed it exists at all. And then they might "improve" it so it no longer does what you want.

Or you can use one like Reaper that will let you do all sorts of things in all sorts of ways but first you have to put a bit of effort in sorting it out.

Your choice .

Steve
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Old 10-07-2017, 08:52 AM   #8
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Yes there are DAWs that are very easy to use...provided that what you want to do is EXACTLY what they want you to do and you're happy to do in EXACTLY their way with no choices.

Of course it can take many years to find one that suits you, if indeed it exists at all. And then they might "improve" it so it no longer does what you want.

Or you can use one like Reaper that will let you do all sorts of things in all sorts of ways but first you have to put a bit of effort in sorting it out.

Your choice .

Steve
Sorry , just very frustrated with this .
Maybe it's beyond my capabilities .
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Old 10-07-2017, 12:05 PM   #9
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I downloaded ASIO drivers , copied them to the downloads folder .
When I open the device dialog window in Reaper and try to enable ASIO drivers is says NO ASIO DRIVERS FOUND ,
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Old 10-07-2017, 12:22 PM   #10
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Also getting this error :
Any idea where I'd find the 64 bit version ?

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Old 10-07-2017, 12:54 PM   #11
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What are these drivers....are they supposed to be for your interface?
And are you really using Windows XP which is what they seem to be for??
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Old 10-07-2017, 01:10 PM   #12
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What are these drivers....are they supposed to be for your interface?
And are you really using Windows XP which is what they seem to be for??
I'm running Windows 8 .
I looked all over the place for the 64 bit drivers and came up empty .
Thank you so much for the responses .

And yes it's the CD that came with the interface .
I just took the dang thing out of the package , you would think they would have something for win 8 users .
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Old 10-07-2017, 01:39 PM   #13
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Wow...32 bit WinXp drivers on an interface you can buy in 2017!

I doubt you will find anything online and even if you did it would probably perform worse than options you have already.

So I would either download and install ASIO4all driver or use the built in WASAPI drivers.

These both have an advantage over straight ASIO in your case as they can use multiple devices (interface as input, computer audio as output)
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Old 10-07-2017, 01:47 PM   #14
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Wow...32 bit WinXp drivers on an interface you can buy in 2017!

I doubt you will find anything online and even if you did it would probably perform worse than options you have already.

So I would either download and install ASIO4all driver or use the built in WASAPI drivers.

These both have an advantage over straight ASIO in your case as they can use multiple devices (interface as input, computer audio as output)
YEP ! (pic attached )

I downloaded ASIO4ALL drivers but I can't get the dialogue window to acknowledge them. ???
Thank you again for your wisdom here .

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Old 10-07-2017, 01:49 PM   #15
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So you've run the ASIO4all installer?
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Old 10-07-2017, 01:54 PM   #16
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So you've run the ASIO4all installer?
Yes , It created a shortcut on my desktop but that's as far as it went .

Meanwhile , I enabled the WAPISI in the dialogue window . Going to try that now .
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Old 10-07-2017, 02:15 PM   #17
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It only creates a shortcut to the manual as far as I know.

once installed you ought to be able to select ASIO as audio system and then ASIO4allv2 as the driver in Reaper.
If it doesn't show you may need a reaper restart if you didn't already...possibly even a computer reboot.

ASIO4all is probably going to manage less latency than WASAPI so don't give up on it just yet.

Just to be sure, this is the ASIO4all official download....probably other downloads will be fine but may be earlier versions
http://www.asio4all.de/
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Old 10-07-2017, 02:30 PM   #18
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It worked this time . '
Thank you for the link
And THANK YOU , THANK YOU for the help !!!!
Should I just go with the default settings or is there some tweaking I can do to reduce the delay even further ?

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Old 10-07-2017, 02:36 PM   #19
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Hmmmm ... Now I have zero sound .
What the heck did I do wrong ???
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Old 10-07-2017, 02:59 PM   #20
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To reduce latency you would click on the ASIO configuration button and ASIO4all control panel opens. There is a slider for latency. But the lower you go the more likely you will get dropouts or glitching or other odd behaviour.

I'm afraid you can't expect great performance from this interface.

Can't help with the no sound problem other than suggest you recheck everything.
Although there are no guarantees with ASIO4all and onboard sound if it works it usually keeps working!
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Old 10-07-2017, 03:04 PM   #21
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Quote:
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I'm afraid you can't expect great performance from this interface.
If you really think the interface is the root of all this , I have no problem spending a little dough .
Is there one you recommend ?
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Old 10-07-2017, 03:05 PM   #22
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I see you have an Automatic experimental buffer setting...I would probably set that back to default.
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Old 10-07-2017, 03:09 PM   #23
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http://tippach.business.t-online.de/...eenshot_29.jpg
Open the Asio4All Control App and look if your USB Device is there. Then Activate it. Then go back to Reaper and select it in the Inputs Pulldown Menu.
At the moment you have selected your Internal Soundcard as Input and Output. You want your USB Device as Input.
Did you read the comments on that amazon-page you linked?
Get rid of that USB- Device.

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Old 10-07-2017, 03:28 PM   #24
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Originally Posted by Digger 66 View Post
If you really think the interface is the root of all this , I have no problem spending a little dough .
Is there one you recommend ?
i wouldn't like to say if the interface is the root of your problem but honestly I have a sneaking suspicion your lack of experience is a fair part of it.

A good interface will give more stable lower latency and better audio quality for sure but the setup requirements aren't that different. You would also need monitors or at least headphones you can connect to the interface as it would replace the onboard audio.
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Old 10-07-2017, 03:55 PM   #25
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i wouldn't like to say if the interface is the root of your problem but honestly I have a sneaking suspicion your lack of experience is a fair part of it.

A good interface will give more stable lower latency and better audio quality for sure but the setup requirements aren't that different. You would also need monitors or at least headphones you can connect to the interface as it would replace the onboard audio.
You are 100 % correct on the lack of experience.
As I said in my introduction thread, it's been 25 years since I messed with anything recording related.
An old 4 track and a Chinese guitar were all I could afford.
I truly appreciate your responses and help .
-Gene
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Old 10-11-2017, 08:56 AM   #26
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Digger,
what you must do is give that interface to a kid to use as a toy keyfob and get a half decent interface.
But in the interest of getting you going in the meantime, just some random thoughts:

And for now to keep it simple stick with using the headphones from interface as your output device.. input and output device will be the same interface.

Have you tried what VinodXAgent suggested in post #23....and if you don't see your interface in the dropdown make sure your interface is connected before opening Reaper.
And untick 'request sample rate' and 'allow projects to override device sample rate'.
Check your midi devices in preferences..click on reset all MIDI devices (not that this device sends MIDI, but hey, let's try everything).
Open Windows sound controls...the playback and recording tabs..does your interface show there..if so, click on properties, you might need to set the sample rate and bit depth to 16bit 44100kz to suit this device...does the interface specify bit depth/ sample rate requirements? What are your exclusive mode settings?
Look at Reaper project settings..untick project sample rate so that the hardware default is used.
Have a look in computer's Device Manager...Audio inputs and outputs...Sound, video and game contollers..is your interface listed. If not click on view up the top then show hidden devices.

Yeah, lots of things to check, but even if you get a better interface it's good to know about these things anyway.

To summarize things to look at:
ASIO control panel
Windows Sound settings
Reaper preferences
Reaper project settings.
Device manager
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Old 10-11-2017, 09:54 AM   #27
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Thank you for that detailed step by step .
I will soon take your advice on the interface upgrade.
Been looking at Focusrite Scarlet as suggested on here.
Funny you mentioned about the computer recognizing the current one . It doesn't seem to . All I see is the headphone part in my computer.
I will have a look at things after work today and report back.
Thank you very much again.
-Gene
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Old 10-11-2017, 10:11 AM   #28
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Yep, Focusrite, and you get one of the XLN Addictive Keys free, plus they have a monthly freebie (or deal) Plugin Collective thing...onwards and upwards.
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Old 10-11-2017, 02:30 PM   #29
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When I put the CD that came with the interface it looks like the first image .
Then after the user acct control pops up I click yes and get the second image .
Does this mean it's not installed ?
I dont see it in my device manager and I tried to look for the 64 bit version but came up empty .
If it won't install , I will just go get the Focusrite and be done with it .


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Old 10-11-2017, 03:37 PM   #30
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Hi Digger, well it's not there in 'Devices and Printers' but it might be in the more detailed 'Device Manager'. The thing is that if ASIO4All is installed correctly the device should show in the Asio4All control panel when you connect it. On the one hand my curiosity makes me want to know what's wrong here, but on the other hand I think it's all too complicated for a piece of gear that by all accounts is an utter piece of crap! So yeah, if I was you I'd just get the focusrite.
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Old 10-11-2017, 03:50 PM   #31
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Hi Digger, well it's not there in 'Devices and Printers' but it might be in the more detailed 'Device Manager'.
You mean this : ?

And where would I find this " ASIO4all" control panel you speak of ?

And please forgive me for not being the most computer savvy fella .

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Old 10-11-2017, 03:55 PM   #32
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Because there is no device specific driver installed Windows isn't seeing it as an audio device...that is not necessarily a problem.

Can you screencap the ASIO4all control panel with the ins/out showing in there....this is what we need to see. (Reaper device setup and then ASIO configuration)
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Old 10-12-2017, 12:20 AM   #33
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Because there is no device specific driver installed Windows isn't seeing it as an audio device...that is not necessarily a problem.

Can you screencap the ASIO4all control panel with the ins/out showing in there....this is what we need to see. (Reaper device setup and then ASIO configuration)

Is this it ?

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Old 10-12-2017, 01:05 AM   #34
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This might help: http://www.image-line.com/support/FL...s_asio4all.htm
Why does the wrench (advanced settings) in your screenshot have a red cross on it?
In Device Manager/ view/ show hidden items. Things that need drivers installed sometimes appear here. If it does appear check properties/ driver details/ ask windows to search the internet for a driver. Don't try to download a driver from one of those 3rd party driver sites unless you want to maybe get a nasty virus.
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Old 10-12-2017, 04:18 AM   #35
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Originally Posted by Digger 66 View Post
Is this it ?
That's exactly it....so it does seem like the device is not recognised at all.

I would try to close reaper and asio4all panel, unplug and replug the device (maybe to another usb port?) then re-open reaper and asio4all and see if it's appeared. If not I'm out of ideas...it's possible it's knackered.

Goldreap - the red cross is just what you get when advanced settings are shown.
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Old 10-12-2017, 05:23 AM   #36
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Stella, the red cross, ah thanks. Yes, the key fob could well be kaput. Have you read the reviews on the Amazon site OP linked to?...laughable.
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Old 10-12-2017, 08:07 AM   #37
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I haven't read any of the reviews but did try to contact the manufacturer and can't even find a website for them.
Oh well , live and learn .
I'm going to pick up the Focusrite Saturday and I'll report back.
Any decent threads on here about monitors ?
Just curious as to why people buy dedicated monitors when most Pc's have pretty good speakers already.
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Old 10-12-2017, 08:59 AM   #38
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Quote:
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Just curious as to why people buy dedicated monitors when most Pc's have pretty good speakers already.
Well, it's all relative. You can put together a monitor system in a room that reproduces sound at a literal virtual reality level. Close your eyes and you are there. This level has actually been around for a long time now even at the consumer level. The 24 bit HD digital formats we have now contain that level of audio. We live in this golden age of audio now where you can put together an audiophile system for hundreds of dollars instead of tens of thousands.

Portable systems like what you find built into computers might hit a higher mark than before but don't actually compare to real speakers in any way shape or form. You can Skype and play those crushed YouTube videos and it seems decent enough but that's about it. That goes for all the fake scammy crap they sell in Worst Purchase too. Sound bar "speakers" and the like. Some of it's convenient and that's all well and good but it sounds like ass.

You could invest $300 in a pair of powered KRK 6" woofer speakers and blow all of the above out of the water. (These are the cheapest real speakers that I'm aware of. There are a few other choices that someone will likely mention. Go with 6" woofer at minimum.) You can piss away a lot more money than that at Worst Purchase and come home with nothing but garbage.

If the portable style monitors are good enough for you, then cool. Just understand that the sound in the wires and HD file formats can be virtual reality level. If you want to start creating music, you sort of want to be able to hear everything that's there. If you mix on a system that's a bit out in left field and/or you can't even hear the full spectrum, your mixes will sound pretty skewed on many systems.

That's why.
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Old 10-12-2017, 10:35 AM   #39
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Just looking to get some ideas together right now so I don't really need to break the bank .
I would be happy right now just monitoring it through the computer if that's even possible....
Very good info ^^^
Thank you !

Last edited by Digger 66; 10-12-2017 at 11:30 AM.
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Old 10-12-2017, 11:39 AM   #40
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Another reason to invest in studio monitors is this:
When you set up your Scarlett and have chosen in Reaper preferences/ audio device settings 'ASIO' as your audio system, the only inputs and outputs shown will be Scarlett's. With ASIO4ALL or WASAPI you can choose different input and output devices but this is not what you want here. You want the 'proper' ASIO that comes with Scarlett. Plug your powered monitors into the back of Scarlett, then in Windows sound settings set Scarlett as your default device for playback and recording. Scarlett is now your sound device for Reaper, internet or anything on your computer...keep it simple. Serr's advice about what to get is ultimately excellent but at this stage you could get something smallish and less expensive...the idea is to have everything coming through the Scarlett. I have a very modest monitor setup, but you know even if I put everything through a decent set of those desktop type computer speakers it all sounds pretty damn good.
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