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Related Gear => Audio Interfaces => Topic started by: Elantric on April 04, 2013, 08:05:20 AM

Title: Presonus AudioBox Interfaces
Post by: Elantric on April 04, 2013, 08:05:20 AM
Just a heads up, earlier in the Fishman TriplePlay  thread I recommended a Presonus AudioBox 1818VSL.
These work well for low latency MIDI Softsynth playback, but bulk of owners have contacted presonus regarding a solution to occasional random "popping" during recording.

Presonus issued a statement, and are seeking a solution - but this interface is a turkey and NOT recommended for serious audio recording.
http://forums.presonus.com/posts/list/32657.page (http://forums.presonus.com/posts/list/32657.page)
Here is a statement by the Presonus Management on this issue.

QuoteTo AudioBox VSL Customers,

We have been made aware of several issues regarding noise and pops and clicks when using the AudioBox VSL with Mac and PC systems. We are actively investigating these reports to confirm the reported failures and look for possible solutions. As we are investigating this, we do not have an estimated time for solutions, we ask that you be patient knowing that we have made this a top priority with our development team.

As more information becomes available we will post responses here.

Thanks,

PAE Management
Title: Re: Presonus AudioBox Interfaces- NOT Recommended
Post by: Zymos on April 04, 2013, 11:47:23 AM
That statement was from 4 months ago, worth reading the thread to see how some users have gotten it to work for them.
Still seems like one to avoid, for sure, but if anyone already has one, there may be some hope...
Title: Re: Presonus AudioBox Interfaces- NOT Recommended
Post by: Elantric on April 04, 2013, 11:52:48 AM
Its one of those interfaces that looks great on paper, but really sucks for live real time Guitar Plugins (Guitar Rig, Amplitube), or recording.

I get a "pop", crackling" sound at random - sounds just like a bad guitar cord, or static discharge.

This is with the latest drivers on a iMac 27" I7 3.4GHz, 32GB RAM, OSX 10.7.5 - any DAW app, N.I. GuitarRig 5, or IK Multimedia Amplitube CS

I purchased the 1818VSL assuming Presonus had their act together, but this is a repeat of the old Presonus FirePOD days.

Just google "1818VSL pops" :
http://forums.acoustica.com/bbs/viewtopic.php?p=39292 (http://forums.acoustica.com/bbs/viewtopic.php?p=39292)

http://www.gearslutz.com/board/newbie-audio-engineering-production-question-zone-trial-beta-forum/746701-cracks-pops-presonus-1818vsl.html (http://www.gearslutz.com/board/newbie-audio-engineering-production-question-zone-trial-beta-forum/746701-cracks-pops-presonus-1818vsl.html)

http://forums.presonus.com/posts/list/32260.page (http://forums.presonus.com/posts/list/32260.page)




Last time I had an interface this bad was my Echo Audio Layla24 Firewire that refused to work with an HP ZD7000 laptop ( due to the restriction for use with only Texas Instrument Firewire mobo chips)

Presonus apparently subcontracts the USB driver creation to a third party, and the Presonus  tech support is no help at all.

Just issuing a warning so others do not fall into the same trap I have with this $500 doorstop. 
Title: Re: Presonus AudioBox Interfaces- NOT Recommended
Post by: Zymos on April 04, 2013, 12:10:02 PM
That's too bad, I have an old FireBox, and it performs quite well. As long as the computer being used has a good FireWire port.
I actually used to have a Layla a long time ago, and had no problems with it, but again, the FW port makes all the difference.
Title: Re: Presonus AudioBox Interfaces- NOT Recommended
Post by: polaris20 on April 04, 2013, 12:12:15 PM
I'm using a Steinberg UR22 now, and it's very nice so far. Low latency, stable, great sounding pre's, etc.
Title: Re: Presonus AudioBox Interfaces- NOT Recommended
Post by: shawnb on April 04, 2013, 12:21:36 PM
I've had good experiences with Echo products as well.  They actively support their drivers for a long time. 
Title: Re: Presonus AudioBox Interfaces- NOT Recommended
Post by: polaris20 on April 04, 2013, 12:29:31 PM
The problem I've found is that so many of these devices have issues with electric guitars directly plugged in for amp modeling. On both the UR22 and the Scarlett 2i2, I was overdriving the inputs even at the lowest setting on the dial, sometimes even with stock Strat pickups. Forget my Dimarzios.
Title: Re: Presonus AudioBox Interfaces- NOT Recommended
Post by: Elantric on April 04, 2013, 12:31:28 PM
IF I could recapture all the time and money  I have spent in the past 20 years trying to record songs with a computer - I figure I could comfortably retire now.

Makes me admire John Lennons "Two JVC RM-70JW Cassette deck" mobile studio he used to compose double fantasy.

I understand he owned two of these, and placed them facing each other for overdubs during song writing sessions.

 
   JVC RC-M70JW Ghetto Blaster boombox (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cGLGyn2e1Lg#ws)
Title: Re: Presonus AudioBox Interfaces- NOT Recommended
Post by: Kevin M on April 04, 2013, 11:15:31 PM
Quote from: Elantric on April 04, 2013, 12:31:28 PM
IF I could recapture all the time and money  I have spent in the past 20 years trying to record songs with a computer - I figure I could comfortably retire now.

Haha!  I'm beginning to feel your pain!   Between software, instruments and recording gear I'm up to $6k so far this year (and I still need a few things)
Title: Re: Presonus AudioBox Interfaces- NOT Recommended
Post by: germanicus on April 06, 2013, 08:15:11 AM
I had the original Layla. Worked great for many years.

I have the presonus firepod/fp10. It sucks. Has issues locking to spdif, and also alot of crackle and pops when recording, even at extremely high latency values.

I have a tascam fw1082. Ok converters. No snap crackles or pops. Have had issues in win 7 64 bit with losing sync. Love the automated control surface and flying faders integrated with sonar.

I mainly use a delta 1010, which has very good converters, but its a bit old in the tooth and I think some of the connectors are getting spotty. Its PCI. No problems with snaps or pops.

I also have a Tascam us1800 for tracking my whole band live (16 inputs). Its cheap. No weird noises, but the converters are mediocre. This replaced my firepod.

Im seriously considering buying the Focusrite Forte to get something with better quality converters/preamps. Also considering the Focusrite with the Liquid pre's.
Title: Re: Presonus AudioBox Interfaces- NOT Recommended
Post by: lespauled on April 06, 2013, 08:48:35 AM
I had a Presonus AudioBox 44VSL.  The key word in that sentence is "had". 

As a standalone unit, it is an incredible piece of equipment.  There wasn't a single problem in that capacity and would recommend it to anyone who would use it without connecting to the internet.  But, connecting it to the PC was a nightmare.  I fought with that thing from day one of plugging it into the PC. 

The drivers are horrible and the software is very intrusive.  I couldn't get that thing down to a usable latency without popping all over the place.  The drivers are crap.  The first thing customer service asked was what kind of system I had, which was a complete monster machine.  But they tried to blame it on the machine, even though it beat the minimum specs by 2 or 3 generations of chips and beat the requirements by over 24 gigs of ram.  That was the last straw, I disconnected it and packed it up.  It was going back asap.

It also did some crazy stuff to my regular sound system.  Even after uninstalling everything, it took me a couple of days to get my regular sound back to his previous state.

I wouldn't (or couldn't) recommend this unit to anyone who plans to use it as a means of connecting to the computer.
Title: Re: Presonus AudioBox Interfaces- NOT Recommended
Post by: Elantric on April 06, 2013, 09:12:52 AM
Polaris wrote>
QuoteThe problem I've found is that so many of these devices have issues with electric guitars directly plugged in for amp modeling. On both the UR22 and the Scarlett 2i2, I was overdriving the inputs even at the lowest setting on the dial, sometimes even with stock Strat pickups. Forget my Dimarzios.

EXACTLY!!!

I do own several Audio interfaces and quite a few I would not recommend for Electric guitar use.
I should point out the latest Focusrite Scarlett 2i4 includes variable wide range Instrument input and a handy Attenuator Pad switch, which means zero clipping of the input preamp stage on that wonderful interface.

But back to other Audio Interfaces with Instrument inputs that clip/distort - I own an earlier version of the Alesis I|O 2 , similar to the iO2 Express that  Aliensporebomb recommends

https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=8291.msg59148#msg59148 (https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=8291.msg59148#msg59148)


http://www.alesis.com/io2 (http://www.alesis.com/io2)
It may work well for line level inputs or external Mics, but on my  Alesis I|O 2 when I set the the input sensitivity Switch to "GUITAR" and plug in any normal passive electric guitar, All I get is clipping and distortion, regardless of how low I set the "Input Gain" Pot.
Title: Re: Presonus AudioBox Interfaces- NOT Recommended
Post by: Kevin M on April 06, 2013, 10:56:31 AM
Quote from: Elantric on April 06, 2013, 09:12:52 AM
Elantric wrote>
EXACTLY!!!

I do own several Audio interfaces and quite a few I would not recommend for Electric guitar use.

For example this Alesis I|O 2 , that  Aliensporebomb recommends

https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=8291.msg59148#msg59148 (https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=8291.msg59148#msg59148)

It may work well for line level inputs or external Mics, but on my  Alesis I|O 2 when I set the the input sensitivity Switch to "GUITAR" and plug in any normal passive electric guitar, All I get is clipping and distortion, regardless of how low I set the "Input Gain" Pot.


Makes one long for an all-analog chain!
Title: Re: Presonus AudioBox Interfaces- NOT Recommended
Post by: Now_And_Then on April 06, 2013, 11:54:14 AM

I need to chime in here and complain about a Layla 3G: it would occasionally (and I do not mean "rarely") reset the computer's sample rate, so that the any audio played on the computer - dvds or video files, for example, and not just audio being played by my DAW software -  would play back with the audio sounding as though it was being played at half-speed.

There were complaints about this on the Echo forum but no answers from the company were forthcoming. In fact, they simply got rid of the forum.

It was great piece of hardware, but the drivers were the worst imaginable.

It got to the point where, in order to correct the problem, I had to re-install an image of my boot drive in which the device were working properly.

Having done this one too many times (and really, as defined by A. Beirce, "twice" means "once too often" - and this was much more than "twice") I disconnected the Layla, re-installed the boot drive image, uninstalled the Layla software entirely, hopped on eBay, and found a Steinberg Nuendo Audioset for about $225 or so. And lived happily ever after!

(For anyone who might not know, the Steinberg Nuendo Audioset simply and actually an RME HDSP card and a Multiface with different artwork in the face.)

It was a shame too because the Layla had pretty nearly all the 1/4" I/O that I needed. But is was unusable because of the recurrent sample-rate-change problem, for which company did not seem to have a fix.


Title: Re: Presonus AudioBox Interfaces- NOT Recommended
Post by: polaris20 on April 06, 2013, 11:59:21 AM
Quote from: Elantric on April 06, 2013, 09:12:52 AM
Polaris wrote>
EXACTLY!!!

I do own several Audio interfaces and quite a few I would not recommend for Electric guitar use.

For example this Alesis I|O 2 , that  Aliensporebomb recommends

https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=8291.msg59148#msg59148 (https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=8291.msg59148#msg59148)

It may work well for line level inputs or external Mics, but on my  Alesis I|O 2 when I set the the input sensitivity Switch to "GUITAR" and plug in any normal passive electric guitar, All I get is clipping and distortion, regardless of how low I set the "Input Gain" Pot.

It's a shame, because both the 2i2 and the UR22 I currently have are otherwise nice devices. The UR sounds fantastically quiet with condenser mics, and everything works very well. However I have to add a damn di to the equation just to use GR5. Even the Ghost piezo on my Ibanez RG overloads it, so I have to run that through my POD HD first, then the line outs in order to record that. Frustrating.
Title: Re: Presonus AudioBox Interfaces- NOT Recommended
Post by: germanicus on April 06, 2013, 06:47:00 PM
Ive done the cheap interface thing. In the past I needed a ton of simultaneous inputs, but would now like a better quality ADC set.
Im looking to get something with reliability and excellent sound quality.

Anyone have experience with Focusrites Forte?
Title: Re: Presonus AudioBox Interfaces- NOT Recommended
Post by: Elantric on May 09, 2013, 12:38:53 PM
Updated review of AudioBox 1818VSL
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=8291.msg59106#msg59106 (https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=8291.msg59106#msg59106)
Title: Re: Presonus AudioBox Interfaces- NOT Recommended
Post by: rolandvg99 on May 09, 2013, 12:54:21 PM
Have a 22 VSL that works great with IOS. OS X had crackles, but it's gotten better with the latest beta driver. Asio is way to slow to be usable with 40 ms + in Ableton LiVE to avoid crackling.
Title: Re: Presonus AudioBox Interfaces- NOT Recommended
Post by: Elantric on December 05, 2013, 07:48:47 AM
Ive just relegated the 1818VSL as only useful as my iPad interface.
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=8291.msg59106#msg59106 (https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=8291.msg59106#msg59106)
(https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.discmakers.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2012%2F03%2F01_AudioBox-800x175.jpg&hash=6433bb71df22fc3ce15df60916dfafb3ce230e63)


All versions of the 1818VSL USB Drivers for Win/Mac OSX - remain very poor with many clicks and pops - just terrible really.

But as an iPad Audio Interface - it shines with clean audio and works very well  - its merits can be appreciated using Wavemachine Lab''s  Auria IOS DAW, which includes special controls for routing the 1818VSL Inputs.
http://auriaapp.com/Products/auria-videos (http://auriaapp.com/Products/auria-videos)
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=6619.0 (https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=6619.0)

For those interested in Auria on iPad -Read this excellent article on using the Presonus 1818VSL with iPAD and Auria
http://www.macprovideo.com/hub/review-2/review-presonus-audiobox-1818-vsl-an-interface-for-ipad-and-mac-musicians (http://www.macprovideo.com/hub/review-2/review-presonus-audiobox-1818-vsl-an-interface-for-ipad-and-mac-musicians)
(https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fmacprovid.vo.llnwd.net%2Fo43%2Fhub%2Fmedia%2F1088%2F7758%2Fcp_545_Image_5.PNG&hash=625c2826b8465ea36abd7783b2ddb04bc7d8d129)
The latest version of Auria now have an output matrix, so all eighteen outputs of the 1818 can be accessed. This is not the case with other audio apps such as GarageBand or the Music app, whose stereo output does not get mirrored across all outputs, and can therefore only be monitored via outputs 1 and 2, and not the headphone jack. Note that at the time of writing it is a requirement that the 1818 is plugged into a powered USB hub, which is then plugged into the iPad via the Camera Connection Kit.

You should also be aware that the features offered by the VSL software are of course not available when working with an iPad. On the plus side, you can also use your iPad to run the free Presonus SL Remote app, with which you can remote control VSL software running on your Mac, over Wi-Fi.

Title: Re: Presonus AudioBox Interfaces- NOT Recommended
Post by: supernicd on December 05, 2013, 08:49:19 AM
Great tip on using it in Auria!

I'm using the 1818VSL with Windows 8, and I'm not having any problems with the driver.  I will try to check what version I'm using later on and report back.
Title: Re: Presonus AudioBox Interfaces- NOT Recommended
Post by: Elantric on December 05, 2013, 09:18:30 AM
QuoteGreat tip on using it in Auria!

Quote50% off Auria In-App Purchases - One Day Only!

Today only, December 5th, WaveMachine Labs will be holding a one-day sale on all in-app purchases for Auria, including plugins from PSP, Fabfilter, FXpansion, and more. Loop packages from Hollywood Loops, as well as IR Files, Gog Files, and Multitrack Loops from MoReVoX will be on sale, too.

The sale also includes the upgrade from Auria LE to the full Auria feature set, which will be available for $12.99.

Happy Holidays!

WaveMachine Labs

http://auriaapp.com/ (http://auriaapp.com/)

http://blog.auriaapp.com/ (http://blog.auriaapp.com/)

QuoteI'm using the 1818VSL with Windows 8, and I'm not having any problems with the driver.  I will try to check what version I'm using later on and report back.

Please report which driver version and make / model laptop

the 1818VSL has been nothing but a pop / click generator - i would sell it if it were not the fact it works great on my iPad with Auria.
Title: Re: Presonus AudioBox Interfaces- NOT Recommended
Post by: supernicd on December 05, 2013, 09:59:12 AM
Using the Presonus driver (from their website) version 1.57.0.0 dated 5/22/12 on Windows 8 Pro.

I'm running it on a desktop - a Powerspec with an Intel Core i5-3570k @ 3.40Ghz, 8Gb RAM.

No issues with pops and crackles though I do remember using a different Presonus driver where I did have lots of problems.  IIRC this one was labeled as a beta.  Works fine with StudioOne and Reaper.

This reaching pretty far back into my memory but I also seem to recall something about it having trouble on a USB 3.0 port.  Could be the issue?

I'd give their tech support a call.  It's too expensive an interface to have not work as advertised!
Title: Re: Presonus AudioBox Interfaces- NOT Recommended
Post by: Elantric on December 05, 2013, 10:39:00 AM
I assume you are also using a USB 2.0 port (not USB 3.0) on your Desktop PC ?

I tried using the Audiobox VSL "Beta" driver  USB 2.0 port and USB 3.0 on my Lenovo W520 with Win7 64 pro - no luck

http://www.presonus.com/support/downloads/AudioBox-1818VSL (http://www.presonus.com/support/downloads/AudioBox-1818VSL)

Same with the latest AudioBox 1818VSL v1.2.1 - PC USB driver =  random pops and clicks every few seconds

Same with my 2011 iMac 27" OSX 10.8.5  with a USB 2.0 port
AudioBox 1818VSL v1.2.2 - Mac USB driver  = random pops and clicks every few seconds

When I contact Presonus support they say  "Sorry we do not develop the USB drivers for our products - review the forums for latest updates"

More stories of pain here:
http://forums.presonus.com/forums/show/46.page (http://forums.presonus.com/forums/show/46.page)

One problem may be all my computers use Sandy Bridge or Ivy Bridge Intel CPU's
http://forums.presonus.com/posts/list/39513.page (http://forums.presonus.com/posts/list/39513.page)


I do like StudioOne DAW app  -  but their hardware support is sub par.
http://www.presonus.com/products/studio-one (http://www.presonus.com/products/studio-one)

Title: Re: Presonus AudioBox Interfaces- NOT Recommended
Post by: supernicd on December 05, 2013, 11:00:05 AM
Quote from: Elantric on December 05, 2013, 10:39:00 AM
I do like StudioOne DAW app  -  but their hardware support is sub par.
http://www.presonus.com/products/studio-one (http://www.presonus.com/products/studio-one)

I have to give you credit, Elantric.  If I had called tech support and they told me that they didn't write the drivers for their product and couldn't make it work, I would not have been able to word the above so politely. :)

Maybe they don't develop their drivers but they are surely responsible for hiring (or sacking) the company that does...

Glad it's at least salvagable for iPad.  With all the great plugins I just picked up on Auria's one day sale, it might well become my DAW of choice anyway!

Title: Re: Presonus AudioBox Interfaces- NOT Recommended
Post by: Elantric on March 10, 2014, 01:30:03 PM
http://www.sweetwater.com/sweetcare/articles/important-presonus-audiobox-vsl-compatibility-issues-with-2013-apple-imac-and-macbook-air/ (http://www.sweetwater.com/sweetcare/articles/important-presonus-audiobox-vsl-compatibility-issues-with-2013-apple-imac-and-macbook-air/)
IMPORTANT: PreSonus AudioBox VSL Compatibility issues with 2013 Apple iMac and MacBook Air! (UPDATED 11/27/13)
Article #1721306
The following message is from PreSonus:

We have discovered that the Apple has made a fundamental design change in their latest release of computers including the iMac series 14,1 (late model 2013), Apple MacBook Air 6,2 (late model 2013) and MacBook Pro (11,1 – 13?::11,2 – 15? :: 11, 3 – 15 ") (released October 22, 2013) are incompatible with PreSonus AudioBox VSL-series products.

The AudioBox 22VSL and 44VSL can be used as class-compliant devices by not installing the VSL software, using the settings in your DAW to control your I/O, and using Audio MIDI Setup for advanced configurations.

The aforementioned MacBook Pro, iMac and MacBook Air models will not work with the AudioBox 1818VSL in either mode with VSL software installed or in class-compliant mode with no VSL software installed due to a problem with Apple's hardware design that we cannot address. We suggest using a different computer with the AudioBox 1818VSL. Apple has been notified of the incompatibility.

We have tested and qualified that all of our other products including software products such as Studio One and Capture along with Hardware products including AudioBox USB, StudioLive 2442, 1642, 1602, StudioLive 32AI, 24AI, 16AI, FireStudio Mobile, FireStudio Project, FaderPort all work with these computers as expected.

If you need to uninstall your AudioBox VSL drivers

http://support.presonus.com/entries/20353062-How-do-I-uninstall-AudioBox-VSL-on-my-Mac- (http://support.presonus.com/entries/20353062-How-do-I-uninstall-AudioBox-VSL-on-my-Mac-)
Title: Re: Presonus AudioBox Interfaces- NOT Recommended
Post by: supernicd on March 10, 2014, 02:09:27 PM
That's a real shame to hear that, as they are such a good value and nice interface.  If they will work with your machine, that is.  Still working like a champ on my Windows 8 Core i5 machine and couple year old MBP.

Makes you wonder what Apple could have changed that broke just this one interface, from this one manufacturer, and they can't fix it.  Seems odd, and slightly fishy.

Nonetheless thanks for the heads up.
Title: Re: Presonus AudioBox Interfaces- NOT Recommended
Post by: Elantric on March 10, 2014, 02:14:40 PM
QuoteMakes you wonder what Apple could have changed that broke just this one interface, from this one manufacturer, and they can't fix it.  Seems odd, and slightly fishy.

No doubt its the USB 3.0 port chipset employed on recent Apple products.

Luckily my 2012 Macbook Pro Retina running Mountain Lion OSX 10.8.5 runs everything - (MOTU 828 MKII, Focusrite Scarlett 18i20, Fishman Tripleplay. GR-55, VG-99, N.I. RigKontrol3,    ( except the Presonus AudioBox 18181VSL) like a champ!


http://createdigitalmusic.com/2012/06/usb-3-0-backwards-compatible-in-theory-but-some-audio-drivers-arent-cooperating/ (http://createdigitalmusic.com/2012/06/usb-3-0-backwards-compatible-in-theory-but-some-audio-drivers-arent-cooperating/)
Title: Re: Presonus AudioBox Interfaces- NOT Recommended
Post by: supernicd on March 10, 2014, 02:30:07 PM
Ah, that makes sense.  I know my iConnectMIDI2+ won't work on any USB 3.0 ports and neither will the 1818VSL.  Suspect a lot of other audio interface type gear won't work on it either.  I was careful to buy my most recent DAW machine so that it had both.  Probably a good option to look for if you are buying a new computer, though I'm guessing you won't have much choice with notebook machines, and the USB 2.0 options will probably disappear completely soon.
Title: Re: Presonus AudioBox Interfaces- NOT Recommended
Post by: Elantric on March 10, 2014, 02:42:16 PM
Quoteand the USB 2.0 options will probably disappear completely soon.

I think availability of USB 2.0 ports ended on most all laptops in 2013

Reviewing Todays latest 2014 Laptops   (regardless of vendor ) very few still come with USB 2.0 ports anymore.
http://www.ezvid.com/top11laptops (http://www.ezvid.com/top11laptops)


QuoteI know my iConnectMIDI2+ won't work on any USB 3.0 ports

Ah Ha! That probably explains why the iConnectMIDI 4+ has never shipped yet - they are probably trying to tame the noise and work on compatibility for the iConnectMIDI 4+  USB 3.0 Driver
Title: Re: Presonus AudioBox Interfaces- NOT Recommended
Post by: Elantric on April 08, 2014, 11:27:11 AM
http://forums.presonus.com/posts/list/45504.page (http://forums.presonus.com/posts/list/45504.page)

davidrupert wrote>
I have an Asus G75 laptop with the Intel Ivy Bridge chipset and got the well-known distorted sound from my AudioBox 1818VSL until I disabled the eXtensible Host Controller option in the computer BIOS.
That solved the distortion problem but limited all my USB 3.0 ports to run at USB 2.0 speed - Unacceptable.

Today I installed an updated motherboard in the laptop so it would have a working Thunderbolt port, then connected a StarTech Thunderbolt Docking Station to that.
The dock from StarTech works better then the ones from Belkin and Matrox.
It's essentially the same device as the dock from Caldigit, but costs less and comes with a Thunderbolt cable.
I got mine here:
http://www.rakuten.com/prod/startech-com-thunderbo...on-hdmi-or-mini/258726387.html (http://www.rakuten.com/prod/startech-com-thunderbo...on-hdmi-or-mini/258726387.html)
(https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg.rakuten.com%2FPIC%2F63739847%2F0%2F1%2F500%2F63739847.jpg&hash=833218bd0f6e7fd82463a8cb3f6bc9ee1162bd73)
I reconfigured the computer BIOS to reactivate the eXtensible Host Contoller functionality and all the built-in USB ports are back to 3.0 speeds.

Then I plugged the AudioBox into one of the USB3 ports on the StarTech dock.
- No more distortion.
- No additional latency as far as I can tell.
- It's not cheap, but it works perfectly.

Your mileage could vary.

If you're using a Mac with built-in Thunderbolt, this should work for you.

Not many Windows laptops have Thunderbolt, but there are a few models that do.
If you're in the market for a new laptop, try to get one with a Thunderbolt port if you want to use one of these docks.
(We don't seem to be able to trust Intel to care about full USB 3.0 compatibility, but Thunderbolt seems to be OK.)

If you're have a desktop computer, you can just install a USB3 adapter card that uses the NEC USB3 controller and plug the AudioBox into that.

I hope this helps someone...


I'm definitely using the dock for other things as well; currently utilizing the HDMI port for another monitor and the network adapter for some VM's I have on my laptop, so it's not money wasted.

The real point is that it succeeds as a workaround for the Intel eXtensible Host Controller problems that are experienced but not actually caused by the many manufacturers of USB audio interfaces (Presonus, Focusrite, RME . M-Audio, Steinberg, Behringer, et al)
The two components together are still much less expensive than one of the Motu Thunderbolt-based interfaces for example, and I get to use the interface of my choice, from any manufacturer, with excellent performance.
I don't have to buy a much more expensive new laptop or give up portability and use a desktop PC.

I consider the compatibility problem to be completely Intel's responsibility.
Unfortunately, it affects a ton of new audio interface buyers who find out too late that the problem exists.

One other very helpful side-effect of using the USB ports on the Thunderbolt dock is that is seems to act as a USB ground isolator.
I was getting some significant noise from the all too common USB ground issues; to the point where I couldn't turn up the input volumes on the AudioBox any higher than about 2/3 full without hearing quite a bit of hiss and hum.

Now that the AudioBox is plugged into the dock, things are dead-quiet even with the knobs set at maximum volume (except for microphone self-noise and ambient stuff of course).

For me, the $200 I paid for the dock was worth it because it worked when nothing else did.

The original post is not an attempt to defend Presonus, but was intended to provide some potential assistance to people who already own AudioBox units and choose to keep using them.

There are plenty of complaints on the Internet (possibly later resolved) from RME and Focusrite hardware users who had problems that were probably related to the Intel USB chipset flaw.
I doubt anybody escaped completely.
More power to those companies if they eventually managed to avoid the problem by tweaking their drivers, but I wonder if the workarounds they implemented add latency to their signal path because functions that should legitimately be handled in hardware have to be done in software instead, which is usually slower.
It's a shame that Intel made any of this necessary.

The USB drivers for Presonus hardware (and many others) were actually written by these guys: www.thesycon.de (http://www.thesycon.de)
http://www.thesycon.de/eng/usb_audiodriver.shtml (http://www.thesycon.de/eng/usb_audiodriver.shtml)

I corresponded with them to see if they were working on a driver-based solution, but they basically said "probably not" and referred me back to Presonus.
I reminded them that others seem to have done this, but they don't really deal directly with end-users so they would not provide any additional information.

I enjoy using Studio One Pro and got it at half price during the "Black Friday" sale.
It does some things I like when used with AudioBox hardware, which I got at a discount and decided to keep.
I don't appreciate Presonus' lack of progress on this, but I'm not holding my breath waiting for them to fix their drivers.

That said, what I have with the addition of the Thunderbolt dock meets my needs now, and might satisfy others in similar situations.
Overall, I still got the features and performance I want at a fair price.

Just my "two cents" worth...



http://www.rakuten.com/prod/startech-com-thunderbolt-laptop-docking-station-hdmi-or-mini/258726387.html# (http://www.rakuten.com/prod/startech-com-thunderbolt-laptop-docking-station-hdmi-or-mini/258726387.html#)


Title: Re: Presonus AudioBox Interfaces- NOT Recommended
Post by: Elantric on November 24, 2014, 12:48:00 PM
Problems with Static noise / crackles in Audio recording for Presonus 1818VSL continue in OSX Yosemite:
https://discussions.apple.com/thread/6672564
Title: Re: Presonus AudioBox Interfaces
Post by: sloblue on January 25, 2016, 10:10:59 AM
I really liked the 1818VSL on my iMac, but it just will never work on my macbook pro.  Sad, but gotta save pennies for a different interface for my new system
Title: Re: Presonus AudioBox Interfaces
Post by: sloblue on February 07, 2016, 11:24:43 AM
anyone tried the focus rite claret 8pre?
Title: Re: Presonus AudioBox Interfaces
Post by: sloblue on February 29, 2016, 12:14:27 PM
i am trying out the focusrite 8prex now.  really sounds nice so far
Title: Re: Presonus AudioBox Interfaces
Post by: nix808 on December 04, 2018, 12:36:05 AM
AudioBox 1818VSL working stunning here.
There was a driver update 3 weeks ago, but it was working fine before that
I have had it and it's worked fine for maybe 4 years at least
Low latency, no discontinuities- I have been lucky for some reason

Win10 Dell PC