I've started working on a project where I think I need a bus powered (USB or TB) interface with at least 4 DC-coupled outputs, and I'm trying to spend as little as possible since this will mostly be for live performance use and I already have decent tracking interfaces (Clarett 4pre and Slate VRS8, both TB2). I'm using a windows 2-in-1 tablet laptop (Dell Latitude 7200) with two TB3 and one USB 3.0 port. I just ordered this little beaut and I'd like to be able to use at least a couple interface outputs to automate PWM and filter modulation with the CV inputs on the GRP A1 from Ableton Live 11 (I assume I can do this with Standard, haven't tried yet). Ideally I'd have enough extra outputs and monitoring options to have an IEM mix for myself (one that includes click) and a stereo mix to send to FOH (without click of course). I'm trying to do kind of a one man band thing where I sing and play guitar, with effects for both vocals and guitar happening ITB, and some drum machine/samples/VST synths happening ITB in addition to the analog GRP A1 that I may also fiddle with in real time for some parts.
I actually got a UA Volt 476 on a whim because I thought it would work well for this project, but now I've found out only the main monitor and headphone outputs are DC-coupled so no CV control on outs 3-4. I'd really like to have something that can run on USB or TB power from the laptop just to minimize power cables, and at least one XLR preamp would be nice for vocals (using Strymon Iridium for guitar so could do line in). From searching around the Arturia MiniFuse 4 seems decent and cheap but now I'm thinking I probably need at least 6 outs for the CV, IEM, and FOH duties.. then I found the MOTU Ultralite Mk4 but I only found one mention online of it having a bus-powered mode with reduced functionality (fine for me as I don't need the onboard processing), and it's super hard to find now and mk5 seems to not have the bus powered option. I see the mk3s around for cheap and I think I have the required adapters (FW800>TB2>TB3) in a drawer somewhere, but I'm not crazy about relying on rare pricey adapters and the mk3s are a bit old now so I'd worry about age-related reliability. I also thought about just keeping the Volt 476 and getting a cheap used BeatStep Pro for the CV outs, and maybe I'll find some other use for it too (a little bigger than I really want to add to this setup though). Very much appreciate any thoughts!
I actually got a UA Volt 476 on a whim because I thought it would work well for this project, but now I've found out only the main monitor and headphone outputs are DC-coupled so no CV control on outs 3-4. I'd really like to have something that can run on USB or TB power from the laptop just to minimize power cables, and at least one XLR preamp would be nice for vocals (using Strymon Iridium for guitar so could do line in). From searching around the Arturia MiniFuse 4 seems decent and cheap but now I'm thinking I probably need at least 6 outs for the CV, IEM, and FOH duties.. then I found the MOTU Ultralite Mk4 but I only found one mention online of it having a bus-powered mode with reduced functionality (fine for me as I don't need the onboard processing), and it's super hard to find now and mk5 seems to not have the bus powered option. I see the mk3s around for cheap and I think I have the required adapters (FW800>TB2>TB3) in a drawer somewhere, but I'm not crazy about relying on rare pricey adapters and the mk3s are a bit old now so I'd worry about age-related reliability. I also thought about just keeping the Volt 476 and getting a cheap used BeatStep Pro for the CV outs, and maybe I'll find some other use for it too (a little bigger than I really want to add to this setup though). Very much appreciate any thoughts!
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