BenEdwards Posted September 1, 2016 Share Posted September 1, 2016 Hi. I am looking for an entry level audio interface to connect a computer to a pair of monitors via balanced line (XLR or 1/4 jack). The reason I want balanced because it is for an outside cinema and the run is around 10 meters. I don't need any autio in, just out. It also should ideally be bus powered. Ben Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jmdh Posted September 1, 2016 Share Posted September 1, 2016 I use a Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 for general listening at home. It has two 1/4" balanced outs.I occasionally find the mic/line inputs useful too. Class-compliant, so just plug it in and start using it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sandall Posted September 1, 2016 Share Posted September 1, 2016 "Entry-level" implies phonos or a 3.5mm jack, but unless you are in an incredibly hostile environment a 10-metre (or even 20-metre) unbalanced run at line level really shouldn't be a problem. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TomHoward Posted September 1, 2016 Share Posted September 1, 2016 It's true the unbalanced run might not be a problem but our laptops have the VGA / HDMI shield connected to the audio ground and get pretty noisy audio with long VGA runs.For this we use Peavy USB-P , which is exactly as you want, bus powered, class compliant on Windows & OSX so needs no drivers, 2x balanced XLR out with no ins, and transformer isolated outputs. Down side is you can't buy them in the UK, but we order them from BHP Photo video and you can get 2 delivered for under £100. https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/759075-REG/Peavey_USB_P_USB_P_USB_Direct.html (We also use the Behringer FCA202s for a similar purpose if that is more suitable, but it isn't as robust at the Peavy, has jack outputs instead, and being FireWire is starting to get a bit of a mess as to what adaptors you need to connect to what computer) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MarkBarl Posted September 2, 2016 Share Posted September 2, 2016 Lexicon Alpha. Amazon Link has balanced out on 1/4" TRS and unbalanced on RCA. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robocow Posted September 2, 2016 Share Posted September 2, 2016 I love the Radial boxes.. https://www.bax-shop.co.uk/di-box/radial-usb-pro-stereo-usb-laptop-di Very well built, but not so cheap Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bobbsy Posted September 3, 2016 Share Posted September 3, 2016 I can recommend the Alesis iO2 which is about $76 at Thomann. It has inputs which you don't need but I doubt you'll find simple playback with balanced outputs. I actually bought one (actually an M Audio M Track but they're identical units with different labels) for simple theatre playback but have been impressed enough by the input quality that I now use it for simple recording too. Reliable drivers and (so far) more than 2 years flawless playback. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mackerr Posted September 3, 2016 Share Posted September 3, 2016 I doubt you'll find simple playback with balanced outputs. Besides the three already mentioned in this thread? My personal kit has three of the Peavey USB-P. At about $50US from B&H Photo it's hard to beat. Transformer balanced out and rugged construction. The Radial has a couple of additional features, but the price differential is significant. Mac Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
david.elsbury Posted September 3, 2016 Share Posted September 3, 2016 I think there's an ARX audio box model that fits the bill too Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
empyfree Posted September 3, 2016 Share Posted September 3, 2016 Never tried one of these: http://www.interspaceind.com/audio-products/usb-balbox-detail But all their other products are pretty rock solid. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brian Posted September 4, 2016 Share Posted September 4, 2016 ...personal kit has three of the Peavey USB-P.... Can you run multiple units simultaneously for 4/6 channel playback? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mackerr Posted September 4, 2016 Share Posted September 4, 2016 ...personal kit has three of the Peavey USB-P.... Can you run multiple units simultaneously for 4/6 channel playback? I haven't tried, although MacOS lets you aggregate devices, so it should work. I use one of mine for my FOH laptop, and have two available for Playback Pro video players backstage. Mac Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TomHoward Posted September 4, 2016 Share Posted September 4, 2016 On OSX, certainly, though it isn't particularly pretty. If your software allows patching across multiple devices then you could do it directly from software, otherwise you can aggregate devices as suggested. I haven't done it specifically with the USB-P but I have done it up to 8ch with the FCA202. Windows I couldn't say for. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.