I also have a PCI interface and I’d like to keep it when I upgrade my computer. Older models work, the newer model didn’t work in the case above. Sadly MOTU have brought out a new model – the Ultralite AVB ES and it isn’t so Linux friendly according to this post on Linux Musicians : There is still a question as to whether I will need a multi-channel DI box since many inputs will be taking Hi-Z instruments, not line or mic - the DI box part is easy with something like the Behringer DI Pro 800V2, but I just have to figure out getting a minimum of 8 channels into Ardour to begin with.

Now that the multi-channel inputs I couldn’t afford back in the day are now a LOT cheaper on the used market, its time for me to get one and then I can ditch Windows forever. Multi-channel audio input is the last stepping stone for me to ditch Windows forever.

I’ve been smashing my head against ALSA, JACK, OSS, Pulseaudio etc for over 2 decades now and have never achieved what I desire in a Linux based audio recording setup. I’m not interested in a USB interface, as latency is a critical criteria - I’m hoping for around 5ms or faster.

an ADAT box (PCIe ADAT interfaces seem to be very rare and very expensive, but the boxes are quite cheap).

a FireWire box (PCIe FW cards are cheap, FW boxes relatively cheap).Old(er) PCI card with BOB, via a PCIe to PCI adaptor card (this is cheapest option).New(er) PCIe soundcard with BOB (these seem rare and expensive).My absolute mission goal is the cleanest easiest out of box experience in setting up and getting working a multi channel (8 or more) audio input. Thanks Ralf, I’m considering the FireWire option now too. Most reasonable audio boxes do support internal hw monitoring.īTW, both the audio science and the delta 1010 require mic preamps as well. Audio through USB seems to be a compromise any way you look at it, but for recording with hw monitoring they are fine. That was a few years ago and as you have said, not so easy any more. I managed to get a MB with 3 PCI slots so I did not have to use the one that used irq 16. When I upgraded my computer, I selected cpu first, then searched for motherboards for that CPU that had PCI slots. I still have a delta 66 (PCI) card I use. In general, even most good USB 8 + i/o boxes cost more than the last computer I built. Computers are cheap, audio gear not so much. Yes, if you look back at the delta1010 with BOB when they were a thing and convert to today’s money… there is not that much difference. My entire Ryzen 9 upgrade includes the CPU, motherboard, RAM, M.2 & SSD storage Double ouch! The Audioscience 8 channel ASI5788 costs half as much again as the VX882e.

Digigram vx882e