Multiple outputs on an interface?

[fanir]

Hello, I'm looking for recommendations on an interface. I'm using it as a metronome/sample/triggering for my drums. I've found out that I need :

1) Multiple outputs
2) USB 2.0 powered
3) Fairly cheap, around $200

Would love to hear your opinion on this, thanks!

 

[carboxymoron]

Multiple outputs, meaning let's say 2 physical output jacks but sending the same signal, or ability to route different tracks to different outputs in your DAW? If the first, you can get any cheapo interface and just use some splitters/adapters to split to monitors/headphones/whatever, in keeping with your budget.

 

[fanir]

I would need the ability to route separate tracks to separate outputs. Preferably just 2 outputs.

 

[carboxymoron]

Hmm, actually this interests me also, but I couldn't find any good leads. None of the smaller interfaces marketed at guitarists/musicians seem to have 2 independent outputs, except for this one that claims "headphone output is independent from line output" and "separately addressable by audio software" http://www.echoaudio.com/Products/FireWire/AudioFire2/index.php Once you start moving into the many ins/outs (4x8 or more) it's way above budget.

Things that I found with multiple independent outputs weren't typical audio interfaces but more like soundcards or mixers for DJs, and don't have instrument (or any) inputs at all. http://www.native-instruments.com/#/en/products/dj/traktor-audio-2/
Perhaps you can look in that direction... might consider chaining two devices to your computer, one for ins and one for multiple outs.

edit: I just had an idea. If you can live with mono outs. Hard pan your tracks left and right on the same channel, and use a stereo to 2x mono (L and R) splitter

 

[geraldkoh]

Steinberg CI1. Under $200 from Yamaha.

 

[carboxymoron]

Hey Gerald, does the Steinberg have 2 independent (software routable) stereo outputs? The website only says something about routing the 2 inputs to left and right (presumably of one stereo output).

 

[geraldkoh]

no it doesn't have 2 stereo outs but if it did, it would definitely be fully routable to 4 independent mono outs or 2 discrete stereo outs as you desire. i probably missed the part about 2 stereo outs above, but from what i read from the thread starter above, he specifically mentioned 2 outs so i assumed they were mono. if mono, definitely fully routable as discrete outs within your DAW.

I would need the ability to route separate tracks to separate outputs. Preferably just 2 outputs.