I would like to have an opinion about sharing a Focusrite sound card with 2 pc (Scarlett 6i6 2nd gen) .. could using a classic generic usb switch create problems ? ground loop, interference, delay .. suggestions as an alternative to not having to disconnect the usb cable from 1 to 2 every time? Thanks !

 

if you opt for a KMV or a sharing switch there should be no problem

 

First, only one computer can be connected at a time
There is no "sharing" with USB : only ONE host

Virtual audio over LAN is a better solution than swapping, if those computers are on the same LAN

 

in saying "sharing" I obviously meant 1 pc at a time .. thanks for the two confirmations

 

just remember that everything in between the interface and your pc could create latency

 

Are you maybe using Reaper @hippopippo? Because a better solution would be to setup a "null ASIO device" audio [Reaper has it, I don't know about other DAWs] on one computer and use Cockos' ReaStream over LAN. Actually, that would work with any DAW since ReaStream is a VST plugin, and free.

You get a very low latency if you connect them directly with a crossover cable. Using a network hub creates some additional latency, but you can record at low latency on your main computer and use the other one for synths/samplers, and mixing, for example.

 

Last edited: Sep 17, 2021

I share my focusrite clarett 4 pre usb with my pc and mac mini m1 via a 10 port usb hub plugged into a usb 3 switch.

I've got my keyboard and mouse, Maschine Mk3, Mpc live II, Audio Technika usb turntable, Nektar T6 and Clarett 4 pre usb all plugged into the hub with no real problems.

Only thing that goes a bit weird sometimes is that windows will sometimes still see my mouse, a logitech ergo trackball wireless, but the scroll wheel wont work so i have to click the switch to change it back to the mac and then the pc side will work properly. But thats just windows being fucking awkward as usual.

The hub is a Sabrent 60W 7-Port USB 3.0 Hub + 3 Smart Charging Ports with Individual Power Switches and LEDs includes 60W 12V/5A power adapter (HB-B7C3).
The switch is a Sabrent USB 3.0 Sharing Switch for Multiple Computers and Peripherals LED Device Indicators (USB-SW30).

You really need a powered hub if you want to connect that many things at once.

The first hub i got had a broken switch on one of the charging ports but amazon replaced it the next day.