Pathfinder

No problem-I was just adding more info. It's all good to me!

Hi Jim Yes I knew that. Always remember the great help you gave to so many of us way back when the forum had Glennbo and SusanG and others......... I believe my user name back then was either Stratster or Stratman with a number 🙂

I have known about StudioCats since the ORIGINAL cakewalk forums long, long ago. He actually is on my list already. But I value the smarts in this forum so I posed the question. Glad I did.

I'll take a look-Thanks for the info. The only real strong options I must have are windows INTEL and an Nvidia graphics card, no intel or other graphics. Don't want a touchscreen either but I imagine most if not all have an option to disable the touchscreen

Wanting a laptop (my present one is 16 yrs old running W8.1) I only record 1 track ata time and really want it mostly for using CWBL and playing back and editing. I use all VSTS, except for my vocals, electric and acoustic guitars. My present laptop, old, is an Asus i7 and has lasted 16 long years but really not sufficient and also will not take win 10 or 11. I really want a modern laptop. I am getting up in years and $$$ is not a big concern for me right now. I have been building my own desktops since, well forever it seems, but laptops, uh nope. I do prefer NVidia graphics, I know that raises the price but thats OK. I do like Asus products, but am open to suggestions Thanks very much for any ideas.

Short answer is the Focusrite control is severely lacking, for me anyway. To explain better, My old trusty echo Layla 3G had the perfect PC app-you could see EVERYTHING all at once, You can adjust everything easily. The focusrite 3r gen 18i20 with a similar interface would be ok. But also I monitor thru a mixer and use the OUTS from each channel into the mixer to monitor in the room when creating\learning whatever. The output signal from the outs of the 18i20 are so low it's basically useless my needs. Of course hen recording I use headphones. so mainly the computer interface (focusrite control) just sucks imho. Sad because the hardware itself is fine except for the low output I mentioned but I could live with that if the interface were better. I definitely will not be buying any bus powered AI. I know the SSL 18 would be super overkill for me but the PC interface is perfect. I sold a guitar I didn't use anymore so I do have the $$$ but of course they are not in stock yet. I appreciate all the input and advice folks so thanks very much.

Ridiculous. CWbyBL is not only free but IMHO is on par and better than many of the supposed big boys.............It's a killer daw. The only downside is we have no idea when the Sonar SUBSCRIBE think tank will end CWbyBL..............

Also, Filmora by Wondershare, is a killer video editor and has great tools to align\sync the audio with the video. That is the main reason I purchased it. Great app imho. It's not free but it is inexpensive and has tons of tutorials. I believe their is a free 30 day trial without limitations. Used to be anyway........

NEVER MIND-GOT IT! Duh! So I am ready to plug in the Octa capture. But do I have to UNINSTALL the 18i20 drivers or can I just pull the USB cable out of the focusrite? Thanks

OK-Thanks Sidney- I wasn't sure and wanted o ask. Sounds good to me! Pun intended!

Curious? What about the older technology the Rolands are based on? Preamps, converters, etc. Haven't they come a long way i the last 10-15 years?Is this something the human ear is going to hear\notice. IOW, the quality of the recordings themselves. I tried to research it myself but mostly came up with nothing that helped Probably not the best way to ask the question.

Thanks so much folks. I always like the computer app that Roland used for these and I was very used to them. where as, now, I speak only for myself I feel the Scarlett 18i20 3rd gen fous control is terrible i comparison, for me anyway. Just not intuitive. I understand many like it. Anyway will be trying out the octa Capture today The only reason I ditched the Octa capture years back was the echo Layla 3G intrigued me and it fit my workflow (for better ot worse) better than any so far. I even used to use 2 AP2496 cards digitally connected for more i\o and that worked well also. I still have all of the interfaces 🙂 The Octa-Capture is basically new. Thanks again

First I understand the "convenience" factor in certain situations. That's it though, for me. I so wanted the SSL 12 but refuse to not have an AC Power options. Just some scenarios from Google: USB-only powered audio interfaces are problematic because the limited power available through the USB connection can lead to issues like noisy audio, inconsistent performance, especially with high-power requirements like phantom power for microphones, and potentially compromised sound quality due to the potential for power fluctuations from the computer's USB bus, impacting the sensitive analog circuitry within the interface. Key reasons why USB-only powered audio interfaces can be problematic: Power limitations: The USB standard provides a relatively small amount of power, which may not be enough to adequately power the audio interface's components, especially when using high-quality mic preamps or multiple channels simultaneously. Noise issues: Power fluctuations from the computer's USB bus can introduce noise into the audio signal, particularly noticeable when using sensitive microphone inputs. Limited phantom power: Many USB-only interfaces may not be able to provide enough phantom power to properly power condenser microphones. Headroom limitations: When the interface is drawing near its power limit, the dynamic range of the audio signal can be compromised, potentially leading to clipping or distortion. Dependency on computer power: If the computer is running on battery power, the USB power available to the audio interface can be further reduced, leading to performance issues. sadly, my wish to get the SSL 12 is what started me down this rao. But I have to pass. SoI am looking at the SSL 18, which is overkill for me and expensive. The SSL 12 is $499 without discounts which Sweetwater and MF and other do regularly, especially for car holders and frequent buyers-like me and many of you. Seriously thinking about the SSL 18, especially since I can get a discount and pay it off no interest............................ Just venting.................

Thanks for the reply and info. Of course that is the card and not he hardware dev ice. But point well taken!

Found an old thread , late 2023 where I asked this same question: So, anyone (still?) using Roland Octa Capture? Roland says it's win 10\11 drivers work fine. Thanks.............

Got it. Well Got the SC 88VL dump. Need to switch the UM-1 mkii to the Alesis midiverb-But I'll do that tomorrow. THANKS..................ProMidi

Cool! I sometimes use the Sound Canvas for midi playback instead of the tts-1. Have one those edirol UM 1's connected all the time to the SC 88 VL.

I remember doing with the older versions, I mean years and years ago. Thanks I will try-Appreciate it. I know it may sound crazy to some but I like this old gear. I have plenty of new gear of course, but., I even still have my Bos GX700, one of the first guitar modelers-All cooper finish, very cool. collecting dust in the closet but still!

Is there an app that works with Win 10 or 11 that , like a System Librarian for Mac? I remember I used to backup these HW devices with a mdidi dump right into Cakewalk but sure do not remember how, I do have the older Sonar Disks and CWPA 8 discs if that would help me? Brain fog been too long but I need to change the batteries and I am afraid I will lose the info. I use the midiVerb 4 for vocal FX when I do an occasional gig here and there-I like the old reverb sounds it has. The Edirol SC-88VL is for fun but sure would like to have a bakup of the data. Thanks. I will buy something if need be.

I keep looking and the SSL is te only one I like, damn. Just in case I do NOT have a free USB C input but I do have 2 USB 3.2 A inputs open on rear of PC and I read this: A standard USB 3.2 port, also known as USB 3.2 Gen 1, typically outputs a maximum current of 900mA at 5 volts, which translates to a total power output of 4.5 watts; this is the same as the older USB 3.0 standard.

OK Wait, of course I want to connect to my PC and use my daw? I never liked any bus driven devices with the exception of the small enclosures for nvme m2 drives and such. Just an old stubborn Italian guy. I like Electricity to run my devic es and USB for audio data and midi data.........I know, I am a dinosaur. Thanks for all the info- it's appreciated.

I guess it would only take the power it needs, correct? SSL does not even comment if the ac adapter is safe or not. They just say use the included usb cable . It is 3.0 which is a plus.I guess they wanted to save money. IDK, I am an A\C guy or at least I want the option-But thanks for reminding me I have ton of those, but still not sure. Gets worse for me the more I read. If I use an ac adapter I will not have midi and I use midi a lot. It has regular 5 din or whatever midi i]o's but thats more cables and a small midi interface. Nope! Too bad, bad design imho. For me anyway

EDIT: BUMMER_USB power only-that lets me out. Too bad really because i like the small size and the features? Damn it~ I was looking at the volt476P also, but the reviews were NOT thilling.

I was looking at getting an inexpensive AI even though I have the Focusrite 18i20 3rd gen. Per my last post it is , well not user friendly. Anyway loaded at a $400+ SSL12 and liked the software I saw, adat expandable. Also because it is much more portable n will run on usb if needed. So I record everything at 24bit 48k. I really want to try this SSL12 but have no idea what the bit difference would mean, as far as What to change, etc. or do I change anything. Seems like I be recording some empty bits or something? Is their a simple answer.? Like, doesn't matter, you can only do 24 so it will be 24! \Thanks

Actually you got5 me to check out many videos. I was up until 3am est.... enjoyed every minute. She didn't 🙂