Currently I have an audio interface that runs my monitors, and a separately USB connected HP amp. I need to switch in Windows every time I want to use either. I need the interface to monitor my guitar processor and e-drums inputs, otherwise I wouldve gotten rid of it. Im looking to make it so I dont need to switch, or the switching can be made with a single physical quick button press rather than going through Windows. Either that, or a DAC/amp that has monitoring capability but doesnt skimp in the DAC/amp department AND doesnt cost a fortune like RME.
Im thinking of replacing my HP amp (K11) with one that has XLR outs, and the AI (Scarlett 4i4) with one that has more line inputs, running the XLR outs from the HP amp to the line-in of the interface and feeding the speakers through it. That way I get the benefit of the superior DAC in the HP amp while also retaining the monitoring capability.
Either that or:
1) Some mixer/monitor controller device that I can connect the line outputs of both the interface and the HP amp and switch with a button.
2) An all in one unit that has both a DAC/hp amp section and monitoring capability. I know an interface technically satisfies this criteria, but I need more of a solid DAC/amp first that just has monitoring (ie simultaneously active line/inst-ins) rather than an average interface that, again, skimp on the DAC/amp part. Preferably under a 400$-500$ budget, so the RME stuff is out of the question. I might consider an up to 1000$ device if it can definitely solve all of the above, have a built-in multi-output PEQ and switch between outputs with a single button (not a remote) or even have both speaker and hp outs active at the same time like an interface can.
Of course low latency is paramount, so I need all the routing from the instruments to the speakers be analog and with no processing if any might be present in the chain.
I was looking at upgrading both of my devices to Moto and either K13 R2R or Topping DX5 II respectively, but realized I need to find a solution to the above issues first before spending any money.
P.S. And seriously, why does no company think of making such a device? Seems like such a common use case. Most interfaces dont have 4.4mm or balanced hp outputs, generally either have generic DACs and amps or cost a fortune like the RME stuff. I dont think integrating the functionality of those 2 types of devices would drive the cost that much. We already have excellent devices of either type at 300$, combining both with some trade off and considering the common parts should land you at what, 500$? Sounds like a no brainer.
Thanks.
Im thinking of replacing my HP amp (K11) with one that has XLR outs, and the AI (Scarlett 4i4) with one that has more line inputs, running the XLR outs from the HP amp to the line-in of the interface and feeding the speakers through it. That way I get the benefit of the superior DAC in the HP amp while also retaining the monitoring capability.
Either that or:
1) Some mixer/monitor controller device that I can connect the line outputs of both the interface and the HP amp and switch with a button.
2) An all in one unit that has both a DAC/hp amp section and monitoring capability. I know an interface technically satisfies this criteria, but I need more of a solid DAC/amp first that just has monitoring (ie simultaneously active line/inst-ins) rather than an average interface that, again, skimp on the DAC/amp part. Preferably under a 400$-500$ budget, so the RME stuff is out of the question. I might consider an up to 1000$ device if it can definitely solve all of the above, have a built-in multi-output PEQ and switch between outputs with a single button (not a remote) or even have both speaker and hp outs active at the same time like an interface can.
Of course low latency is paramount, so I need all the routing from the instruments to the speakers be analog and with no processing if any might be present in the chain.
I was looking at upgrading both of my devices to Moto and either K13 R2R or Topping DX5 II respectively, but realized I need to find a solution to the above issues first before spending any money.
P.S. And seriously, why does no company think of making such a device? Seems like such a common use case. Most interfaces dont have 4.4mm or balanced hp outputs, generally either have generic DACs and amps or cost a fortune like the RME stuff. I dont think integrating the functionality of those 2 types of devices would drive the cost that much. We already have excellent devices of either type at 300$, combining both with some trade off and considering the common parts should land you at what, 500$? Sounds like a no brainer.
Thanks.
