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Low cost USB audio interface with remote control?

Jas0_0

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Hi everyone,

I'm hoping to take some money out of my system.

I have an RME ADI-2 Pro FS R, which is excellent and does everything I want, but I can't help feeling it's a bit overkill for what I need - both in spec and function.

Is there a cheaper alternative out there with a remote control?

I realise audio interfaces are aimed at the pro audio world, so remotes aren't high priority, but has anyone else added one like RME?

Ideal functions for me would be:

  • 2 channels analogue in
  • 2 channels analogue out
  • DAC/ADC with specs good enough to be transparent for normal home audio use
  • All balanced operation with XLR connections
  • USB interface allowing computer to see analogue input and route to analogue output
  • Volume knob
  • Remote control
The only other thing I can see that might work is the Minidsp Flex, which would do everything and add more DSP capability, which would be helpful.

Am I missing anything?

Thanks!

James
 

MCH

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In one box, I cannot think on anything else than the flex.
Now, if you only need two channels and you don't mind two boxes, the possibilities multiply (virtually any balanced interface + any balanced DAC) and even the flex could be considered an overkill, in my opinion.
 
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Jas0_0

Jas0_0

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OP
Jas0_0

Jas0_0

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In one box, I cannot think on anything else than the flex.
Now, if you only need two channels and you don't mind two boxes, the possibilities multiply (virtually any balanced interface + any balanced DAC) and even the flex could be considered an overkill, in my opinion.
Thanks Marcos. Two boxes might work well - this part of my system already is two boxes really.

My current setup is:

Turntable (with MC cartridge) > Mic Preamp > RME > Mac (with Audio Hijack and DSP plugins performing both RIAA and room correction) > RME > Active speakers

I wondered about replacing the mic pre with a USB audio interface with mic inputs like an RME Fireface UC (again probably overkill for signal from vinyl). The setup could then be:

Turntable > RME Fireface > Mac > Good cheapish DAC with remote e.g. Topping D30 Pro > Speakers

Would having the DAC and ADC in separate boxes - each connected to the Mac via a separate USB cable - cause problems e.g. clocking errors - and would I notice them?

Or are there other ways to skin this?

Thanks,

James
 
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Jas0_0

Jas0_0

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If it works why change?
Keith
I hear you Keith. The thing is, since I bought this setup we’ve had twins and bought a house that needs renovating. So my system now feels a bit of an overindulgence - especially since I’ve learned from this site that you don’t need to spend a fortune on things like converters and preamps to achieve audibly transparent reproduction.
 
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