Smallest and/or cheapest interface to route up to 96 kHz audio digitally from Paca(rana)

Question

I'm interested in cataloging the smallest, highest quality, and/or cheapest (I know, 'pick 2'!) compatible audio interfaces capable of routing digital audio at 96 kHz via S/PDIF or TOS from the Paca(rana).

By smallest, I mean even smaller than the MOTU Ultralite, TC Impact Twin, etc. -- I'm thinking about the MOTU Track 16. Is there anything else? Is anyone using the Track 16 successfully?

I would eventually like to use the RME Babyface for the host computer interface. As a side note, I have read at least one report of the Babyface working only as a MIDI interface for the Paca(rana) when this was attempted.

Above all, thanks in advance for anything you feel like sharing about your mobile setup and attempts to downsize without sacrificing quality.

Comments

Though it lacks digital I/O, the Apogee Duet works fine without a DC adapter?  It appears to only run on bus power. Separatey, do the Thunderbolt ports on new Macs supply enough power, as well?

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I've got one of these little guys:
http://ifi-audio.com/portfolio-view/nano-idsd/

I use it with my iPad and when I need a tiny portable rig. The Pacarana sees it, but won't allow me to select it as an output device. I wish it did, as this little box is tiny and sounds really good.

Answer 1

For smallest, the MOTU Track 16 would work.  The Behringer FCA 610 might be the least expensive option?

Comments

Thank you! There used to be a device that was simply digital I/O. I don't recall the name. I'm not sure there's anything like it these days. Something like that could be very useful and inexpensive.

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Was it the Weiss AFI1? http://www.weiss.ch/products/afi1

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No, it was much older, first generation audio interface. This looks very cool, though. If only it were smaller. Maybe the one I'm thinking of was only stereo S/PDIF or something. I'll have to rack my brain to see if I can remember the name. It wouldn't be relevant now, unfortunately.

The Track 16 meets my criteria for size, though. The optical I/O is right on the unit and the breakout cable or optional breakout box are nice to have.

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Has anyone successfully bus-powered the Track 16 via the Pacarana? I assume since the Duet is bus-powered (no option for DC adapter) it can work. I ask because the power connector for the Track 16 is on the rather large breakout cable assembly which would defeat the benefit somewhat of the Track 16's small footprint.

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There is also the weiss int 203 firewire similar to the AFI1 but two channels only. Not sure if it work but the afi1 does and they are tc drivers....  

http://www.weiss.ch/products/int202-int203

http://www.sounddevices.com/products/portable-audio-tools/usbpre2
dont know if this would work with the paca but is quite the multitool.

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Intriguing little devices, thanks! SSC say any USB class-compliant device ought to work (re: the USBPre2) but someone ought to test it to be sure. If this worked successfully with the Paca(rana) and up to 96 kHz it'd be at the top of my list.

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Found this:
As a class-compliant audio device, the USBPre 2 is limited to a maximum data rate of 24-bit, 48 kHz in Windows, Linux, and Mac OS versions 10.4 to 10.5.7. Mac OS 10.5.8 and higher support the audio class 2.0 device and can address the USBPre 2 up to 24-bit, 192 kHz.

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Oh, this looks great! Needs to be tested:
http://www.minidsp.com/products/usb-audio-interface/usbstreamer-box

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Wow, the Usbstreamer would be just perfect for the studio (8 channel ADAT I/O) but I live in Austria and need to ship it. Can someone test it pleeeeeaaase? I've been searching for something like this for ages!

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i'll post that as a proper question, because that does look like a sweet solution for Kyma studio use!

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We do not recommend relying on bus power for your audio converter.  There is too much variation between laptops and even daily variations related to whether you are powering your laptop off the battery or are powering other devices from your laptop, even if they are on a different bus.

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Thanks for the additional clarification!

Answer 2

Although it seems no-one has tested these USB2.0 class compliant interfaces (mentioned in the comments above) - they are very nice looking specs for Kyma use!

This one is running AKM chipset which have an excellent sound. The much more expensive UAD Apolo series also uses that chipset.

http://www.minidsp.com/images/documents/Product%20Brief-U-DAC8.pdf

 

Do the MiniDSP interfaces work with Kyma? That would be most excellent and lead to a flurry of orders from thi s community I'm sure

Comments

Anyone tested this yet?

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Are there any news about this topic? I'm really interested in such small audio interfaces for my Pacarana because I need only ADAT in/out.

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USB port on the Paca(rana) can handle stereo in/out at sample rates up to 48 kHz, so ADAT is not possible through the USB port (for ADAT, you would need a FireWire interface).  Thanks!