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Windows Vista Interface

b-rock

b-rock

Dec 13, 2010
35
1
Arlington, VA
#1
I've done alot of searching through the forums and reading product reviews on different interfaces, and just when I think I found a good one I find a review or comment that it doesn't support Vista...

I just want a simple interface so I can play my bass through the computer with some basic recording options, mix in internet content etc.. Not looking to upgrade to a different OS. I'll be using my Sansamp BDDI and pedal board upstream. Anyone with specific advice here? Would like to avoid clipping from slap/pop style, but get that super fat reggae tone when I want too..

I'm leaning towards the Mackie Onyx Blackjack.
 
#2
Anything m-audio old or new.

Delta 1010(lt)
Fast track series
Profire 610 ans 2626

I have used various m-audio devices under Vista and had NO issues. Very solid drivers.

The usb E-Mu units as well are inexpensive and good under Vista.

I would guess the focusrite usb units as well. They are obviously newer than vista , but the drivers should most definitely be backwards compatible.
 
#3
Most interfaces support Vista just fine. I used a Line6 TonePort on Vista for a few years. Pretty cheap and worked fine.

If a company has driver support for Windows 7 and not Windows Vista for some reason, they have seriously incompetent developers. Trust me.

Which interfaces did you see which don't support Vista? (There are very few technical differences under-the-hood between Windows 7 and Vista, so I'd like to hear about problems...)
 
#4
Yeah, Windows 7 uses the same drivers as Vista so I imagine you'd be hard pressed to find a modern interface that doesn't work on Vista, even if it only says 7 on the box.

Mackie Onyx products are a good choice that should be Vista friendly (using them on 7 myself).
 
#8
Thanks for the advice everyone.. The reviews I saw on Amazon that flagged Vista as a no go were for the Focusrite 2i2 and the Presonus AudioBox 2x2. Although it looks like darius8 has been using the Focusrite just fine. I also notice that some interface websites don't specifically list Vista as being supported, including the Focusrite 2i2 or the Focusrite Forte.. But hopefully the bad reviews all boil down to user error.

Hmmm... now the question is which one to get.. I've also heard the focusrite 2i2 gets easily overloaded and clips from bass..

Thanks!
 
#11
b-rock said:
I know, I know... I recieved the computer a few years ago as a work bonus and it came with Vista. I don't do any real heavy lifting with it, just web browsing and photo editing. I want to play my bass through it as I have a baby on the way and want to keep quiet.. No real budget for an upgrade anytime soon.
Click to expand...

Then you should seriously consider a Zoom B2.1 or Zoom B3.

Connects to your computer via USB, works with stock Windows drivers as both sound input and output, works standalone as a head phone amp. I use mine all the time to play along to recorded tracks through head phones. Zero latency issues is an added benefit.
 
#13
eukatheude said:
Still though, why on earth are you still using Vista? I have to use it at work, it's terrible.
Click to expand...

For people who use the computer only as a way to run specific apps, the OS version doesn't really matter much. This is why Windows XP stuck around forever and lots of people saw no compelling reason to upgrade until their computer got too old.

Other than lack of support for a few more modern devices (e.g., no "trim" feature support for SSDs), Vista is essentially identical to Windows 7 under the hood, albeit with a less polished user interface.

I don't understand why people still think it's so terrible. When it first came out, there were some issues with compatibility. But those have been addressed for years now. I guess it's true what they say about first impressions. :)
 
#14
The Vista I have on my laptop is the HOME version with SP3 (service pack 3) installed. I downloaded the latest ASIO drivers (version 2.4) from Focusrite's website. However, I did install the latest ASIO4ALL to see if it works with the Scarlett 2i2 and it did without adding anymore latency than Focusrite's drivers.

If I didn't already have the Scarlett 2i2, I would be considering the Presonus AudioBox, it too is a fine audio interface. If you're looking for a simple audio interface under $60, the Lexicon Alpha should be considered. It runs on 32bit or 64bit Win XP, Vista and 7.
 
#16
darius8 said:
If you're looking for a simple audio interface under $60, the Lexicon Alpha should be considered..
Click to expand...

I'm tempted just to try this and return it if I don't like it... looks like some comprimises; like some latency and no phantom power to run my BDDI, but for the price it wouldn't hurt to give it a go..

Otherwise I might go with a Presonus or Mackie... The Line6 UX also looked interesting.
 

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