Interface DI problem/Replacement?

[bpcrshooter15]

So continuing the headaches for me w/ Audio interfaces, I now have multiple issues with my newest interface. It's a EMU tracker pre. On top of the WDM/ASIO issue with EMU stuff (which I thought I could deal with if it was the only issue), I've had problems with complete audio dropouts in Reaper and now a new discovery comparing DI tracks from it and my old cheap Toneport GX. The dropouts could be from the PC side of things, but I've heard similar accounts from others using the Tracker Pre on the Reaper forums. I'm running a Core 2 Duo (2.2ghz) with 2gb of RAM. Not a beast, but im getting dropouts (complete silence) even with just one track.

Anyhow, I may be building a new desktop and getting rid of the laptop in a couple months, so shifting to what looks like a new issue...

Here is a picture of two DI tracks with relatively similar gains (set high w/o clipping):

The dynamics and overall volume levels seem really terrible on the TrackerPre, especially compared to the cheap Toneport.


So after the background info on the problem, I'm looking for some help from you guys.
either 1. If any can identify an issue here or
2. I have a warranty from Musicians friend so basically I can trade it in for another $150 interface. So of these:
Line 6 UX1:
http://pro-audio.musiciansfriend.com/product/Line-6-UX1-with-PF?sku=250003

TASCAM US-144:
http://pro-audio.musiciansfriend.co...-4X4-Audio-Midi-Computer-Interface?sku=242193

Yamaha Audiogram 6:
http://pro-audio.musiciansfriend.com/product/Yamaha-Audiogram-6-Computer-Recording-System?sku=703328

Lexicon Lambda:
http://pro-audio.musiciansfriend.com/product/Lexicon-Lambda-USB-Audio-Interface?sku=245506

Edirol UA-4FX:
http://pro-audio.musiciansfriend.com/product/Edirol-UA4FX-USB-Audio-Capture-Interface?sku=241810

Tapco Link:
http://pro-audio.musiciansfriend.com/product/Tapco-Link.USB-USB-Audio-Interface?sku=241524

any suggestions/experiences?


tl;dr: 2nd audio interface I've have trouble with, dropouts, clipped and quiet DIs, another Audio Interface thread looking for suggestions, woe is me.

 

[bpcrshooter15]

Ok, well I figured out the problem finally. I always keep my windows volume mixer relatively low. As you could guess, I turned that up and it brought my levels up. This didn't affect my signal chain on previous interfaces.

anyhow, I'm still not thrilled with no simultaneous WDM/ASIO or E-MU support. I don't know if the audio dropouts in Reaper is related to the interface though.

Right now I'm considering trading it in and getting a Line 6 Pod Studio UX2. I know I'd have WDM/ASIO and they seem to update drivers regularly, which is nice with windows 7 coming up. Plus POD Farm is a bonus. I'm only concerned with the quality atm. An upgrade would be nice, but as long as the UX2 isn't worse that's fine. Anybody have any background in interfaces, specifically the UX2, that could help? I'm sort of lost when it comes to the preamps/converters between all of them out there.

 

[fu510n_5tud10]

Ok, well I figured out the problem finally. I always keep my windows volume mixer relatively low. As you could guess, I turned that up and it brought my levels up. This didn't affect my signal chain on previous interfaces.

anyhow, I'm still not thrilled with no simultaneous WDM/ASIO or E-MU support. I don't know if the audio dropouts in Reaper is related to the interface though.

Right now I'm considering trading it in and getting a Line 6 Pod Studio UX2. I know I'd have WDM/ASIO and they seem to update drivers regularly, which is nice with windows 7 coming up. Plus POD Farm is a bonus. I'm only concerned with the quality atm. An upgrade would be nice, but as long as the UX2 isn't worse that's fine. Anybody have any background in interfaces, specifically the UX2, that could help? I'm sort of lost when it comes to the preamps/converters between all of them out there.

i have one of the line6 UX2 units and its good but it only seems to do only up to 48khz resolution which some of the others for the same price will do 96khz
but it is a fairly good unit as i dont need extra power and works great with my lapto as well , hope this helps

 

[Metaltastic]

http://www.ultimatemetal.com/forum/equipment/513601-getting-audiointerface-faq.html