Cheap-ish usb audio interface for my retro windows 98 laptop

Discussion in 'Soundgear' started by Nostalgia_Rocks, Oct 21, 2021.

  1. Nostalgia_Rocks

    Nostalgia_Rocks Kapellmeister

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    Because these days old is cool again I converted my old 2006 dual core laptop originally built for XP into a retro rig. It wasn't easy for me though and even trying to install the OS had me practically tearing my hair out (OS wouldn't install without blue screening unless I used switches setup /pi /nm) Anyway I have everything working except sound now. So now I'm in the market for an old school usb audio interface. Preferably asio but it doesn't necessarily have to have professional options but I would prefer it.
     
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  3. clone

    clone Audiosexual

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    you could run nearly anything with driver support for what you want to do with it. you will have a ton to pick from, but at wildly varying prices.

    maybe there is some specific capability you want to add that you can only do with an old card/machine. something like an EmuX 0404. remember that you will probably be able to use ASIO4All with anything you get, even if drivers may appear to be an issue from mfg tech specs. you'll have to research that when you narrow it down to a specific mfg and model.

    a pc usb to scsi adapter is cheap! (for Mac,super expensive used). Stick an external sampler, recycle, Zero-X beat creator, H20 Cubase SX. you are 32 bit in business on the cheap. URS Everything! nice compressors :)
     
    Last edited: Oct 21, 2021
  4. Nostalgia_Rocks

    Nostalgia_Rocks Kapellmeister

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    Not really sure. More or less just want something to give me basic sound. If it the interface has asio options etc.. i'm all for it. FL Studio 5 works I have it ready to use I just need some cheap audio interface.
     
  5. clone

    clone Audiosexual

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    yeah so then you are just bargain hunting. they had a 2nd gen Scarlett 2i2 at my local for 100$ kind of thing. or you can get something super cheap. if you want something from the time period, m-audio. nearly indestructible junk.
     
  6. lukehh

    lukehh Audiosexual

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  7. Nostalgia_Rocks

    Nostalgia_Rocks Kapellmeister

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  8. lukehh

    lukehh Audiosexual

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    This is no interface. It doesnt even has a line input only an output.
    you also can buy a used Alesis IO2. its comparable to the Tascam us-122l.

    i just searched for these 2 interfaces on ebay.ca (seems you are from canada). Incredible how expensive these are in Canada...here in Germany you can buy them for 20-35 euro.
     
    Last edited: Oct 21, 2021
  9. synths4grins

    synths4grins Producer

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  10. lukehh

    lukehh Audiosexual

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  11. Nostalgia_Rocks

    Nostalgia_Rocks Kapellmeister

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    Is there a pci to usb adapter? That would save me money 4 sure.
     
  12. clone

    clone Audiosexual

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    it's only when you need something really really specific where you get screwed on prices of old tech.

    you can probably find a 400$ interface (at the time) for like ten or twenty bucks. apparently not a Motu.
     
  13. Nostalgia_Rocks

    Nostalgia_Rocks Kapellmeister

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  14. Nostalgia_Rocks

    Nostalgia_Rocks Kapellmeister

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  15. Strat4ever

    Strat4ever Rock Star

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    I think you'd probably be better off with this one of these, + free shipping, can't go wrong at that price.
    https://www.ebay.com/itm/373214814051?hash=item56e5561f63:g:tFgAAOSwyd1gOAJ2
    https://www.ebay.com/itm/373624344399?epid=9048340551&hash=item56fdbf0f4f:g:qswAAOSwgzJg0ia2
    https://www.ebay.com/itm/113999609907?hash=item1a8ae80033:g:q~cAAOSwsgdd5nzc
    and also if you need a USB instrument interface for Guitar, Mike, Bass Etc , its very cheap + Free S&H, I've used them personally from Win XP to Win 7, They are Cheap but really do work, I used them for my old laptop with Amp sims for jamming,and it wouldn't have been a serious loss if they got lost when I went to the WC
    https://www.ebay.com/itm/384309401130?
    hope this helps, I know what its like when finances are low.
     
  16. Nostalgia_Rocks

    Nostalgia_Rocks Kapellmeister

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    Thanks for the suggestions. I have amazon prime (free shipping), and honestly ugreen is a good brand. I did buy it and it came to $17cad. I am going for a less is more kinda thing. I don't want unnecessary bells and whistles honestly its just a distraction. I don't need guitar input.
     
  17. lukehh

    lukehh Audiosexual

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    but this is no audiointerface! It has no line-input! It only has a line-output and a mic-input. You cant use a mic-input as a line-input because of its different impedances and because a mic-input is preamplified by your computer...so a line signal will always be overdriven.
     
  18. Ŧยχøя

    Ŧยχøя Audiosexual

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    I'm still using a good old Delta-66,
    bought it new 12 years ago, and it was already 5-10 years old?

    I use it thru SPDIF mostly, but still works as good as the first day :wink:


    E-MU 1212 cards also had very good fame at the time,
    at least in terms of technical capabilities.. but the drivers were a bit problematic iirc :yes:
     
  19. BEAT16

    BEAT16 Audiosexual

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    No more support for Windows 98.
    Behringer - UCA222

    [​IMG]
     
    Last edited: Oct 21, 2021
  20. lukehh

    lukehh Audiosexual

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  21. BEAT16

    BEAT16 Audiosexual

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    Oh - now I've also noticed, thanks for the hint ..

    Maybe you can get an Audiotrak MAYA USB 44 - USB somewhere
    http://www.esi-audio.de/produkte/maya44usb/
    http://www.amazona.de/test-audiotrak-maya-usb-44-usb/
    [​IMG]

    Tascam US 122 Interface - 25 € VB
    www.ebay-kleinanzeigen.de/s-anzeige/tascam-us-122-interface/1900494776-172-155

    Minimum PC/Windows requirements for the the Tascam US-122

    Pentium II – 266 MHz (or equivalent) processor running Windows 98 (Second Edition)
    or Windows Me (Millennium Edition), Windows 2000 or Windows XP, 96MB RAM.

    Recommended: Pentium II 300MHz processor with 128MB RAM or better (these requirements are for use with Cubasis VST. Other applications will have different requirements. Consult your application’s manufacturer for further information).
    www.sweetwater.com/sweetcare/articles/minimum-pc-windows-requirements-for-tascam-us-122/
     
    Last edited: Oct 21, 2021
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