Windows PC USB 3.0 compatible chipsets for Audio Interfaces

Started by Elantric, May 11, 2013, 09:02:31 AM

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Elantric

Good reference on Audio interfaces with USB 3.0 compatible chipsets here. While its focused on Presonus Audiobox problems, same issues exist for other third party interfaces.

Luckily my Lenovo W520 uses Renesas controller for USB 3.0 ports, and still has a good Intel USB 2.0 port.

http://support.presonus.com/entries/21526164-Is-my-AudioBox-VSL-compatible-with-USB-3-0-


Knowledge Base/AudioBox VSL Series


Q: Is my AudioBox VSL compatible with USB 3.0?

A: The USB bus architecture allows multiple devices to connect to a computer using a standardized cable, plug, and communications protocol. Since its inception, USB has gone through three major versions: USB 1, USB 2.0, and now, USB 3.0.
All versions of USB are intended to be backward compatible, meaning that a USB 1 device should work on a USB 2.0 port, and a USB 2.0 device should work on a USB 3.0 port. However, in certain circumstances, there can be incompatibilities that result in poor performance from an older device plugged into a newer USB port.

The AudioBox USB is a USB 1.1 device; the AudioBox VSL series are USB 2.0 devices. In most instances, the AudioBox USB and AudioBox VSL should work properly in a USB 3.0 port, but there are situations where problems may arise. If you are experiencing issues with an AudioBox plugged into a USB 3.0 port, please follow the steps in this article.

AudioBox USB customers reading this can view a knowledge base article authored for the AudioBox USB here.
http://presonus.zendesk.com/entries/21477544-Is-my-AudioBox-compatible-with-USB-3-0-
What is USB 3.0?

USB 3.0 is a new version of the USB bus that offers many new improvements and features. These include:

More bandwidth
Faster transmission speeds
Support for higher power demands
Longer cable length
More detailed info about the technical aspects of USB 3.0 can be found below:

I'm experiencing issues. How do I know if I have my AudioBox plugged into USB 3.0?

There are three ways to tell if your computer has USB 3.0 functionality:

1. Check the technical specifications of your computer.

The technical specifications in the manual that came with your computer should list the presence of USB 3.0 ports.

2. Physically inspect the ports on your computer.

A USB 3.0 port will appear distinct from regular USB 2.0 and USB 1 ports in two ways: by color and by markings. Typically, a USB 3.0 port will appear colored blue on the inside or will have markings on the outside that state "SS" (Super Speed) or "3.0." Below is an example of what a common USB 3.0 port looks like:



3. Check in the computer's internal properties.

For PCs running Windows: Navigate to the Device Manager and scroll to the bottom of the list of categories. There will be a category for "Universal Serial Bus Controllers"; expand it. If you see any devices present labeled as below, the computer has USB 3.0 ports:

USB 3.0
XHCI
SuperSpeed
Any device with these features in its title is a USB 3.0 controller, or an element of that controller, so the system at least has USB 3.0 capability.

For Macs: We recommend consulting this article.
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT5172
The important element to note:

From the Apple menu, choose About this Mac.
Click More Info.
Click System Report.
In the Hardware section of the System Report, click USB.
If your Mac has USB 3.0 ports, you will see both a USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 selection.


Q: Is there an advantage to using my AudioBox VSL-series on a USB 3.0 port?

A: No. Because the AudioBox VSL devices are USB 2.0 devices, they are limited to 2.0 speed. Introducing the AudioBox VSL to a USB 3.0 bus will not increase its performance because it is only capable of performing at the speed at which it was designed.

If your computer has USB 2.0 ports, we recommend using the AudioBox VSL with a regular 2.0 port, not a 3.0 port.

Q: My computer only has USB 3.0 ports. What should I do?

A: As stated above, the USB 3.0 architecture is intended to be backward compatible. However, this is not always the case. If your computer only has USB 3.0 ports and you experience problems with your AudioBox, perform the steps below to use your device on a USB 3.0 port successfully:

For PCs running Windows 7 or prior: It is necessary to update the chipset drivers for your USB 3.0 architecture. Windows 7, like all prior versions of Windows, is not inherently compatible with USB 3.0.

Unlike with USB 2.0, no class-compliant driver is provided with these versions of Windows. You must install the latest chipset driver for your USB 3.0 chipset in order to achieve proper functionality.

Determining the Computer's USB 3.0 Chipset
1. Open the Device Manager
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-vista/Open-Device-Manager

2. Scroll to the bottom of the list of categories and open "Universal Serial Bus Controllers"

3. Locate the USB 3.0 components, per the image below. In this example, our chipset drivers are from Renesas.



4. Visit the Web site for the vendor and download the latest drivers for your chipset. The list below provides links to each developer's support site:

NEC / Renesas
http://am.renesas.com/products/soc/usb_assp/product/index.jsp


Fresco Logic
http://www.frescologic.com/products_show.php?ms=2&ps=1

ASMedia
http://www.asmedia.com.tw/eng/e_products_list.php?item=83&cate_index=0

Etron
http://www.etron.com/en/products/u3hc_detial.php?Product_ID=1

VIA Labs
http://www.via-labs.com/driver.php

Texas Instruments
http://www.ti.com/product/tusb7340

Intel
http://www.intel.com/support/chipsets/usb3/sb/CS-034342.htm

For PCs running Windows 8, USB 3.0 is natively supported in the operating system. If you are experiencing issues, you may wish to update your USB 3.0 drivers from the manufacturer's Web site, following the instructions above.

For Macs, USB 3.0 is only supported on Macs running Mac OS X 10.7.5 or above. In addition, the Mac's operating system must be fully updated to achieve proper functionality. If you only have USB 3.0 ports on your Mac, we recommend using our latest beta driver, located on the downloads page for your product.
http://www.presonus.com/support/downloads


Note: An AudioBox USB device normally does not requires a driver on a Mac. If your Mac has only USB 3.0 ports, and you are using an AudioBox USB, check out this article for solutions to this issue.
http://presonus.zendesk.com/entries/22719929-MacBook-Pro-MacBook-Air-and-iMac-late-model-2013-AudioBox-VSL-Series-compatibility


Current USB 3.0 Support with PreSonus Products

Below is a grid representing current PreSonus support for specific USB 3.0 controllers. We have tested compatibility with the latest drivers from the manufacturer's Web site and with our latest AudioBox driver.

Please update your USB 3.0 chipset drivers using the links above before consulting this guide for proper support for your chipset.




Elantric

QuoteThe only outstanding variable is availability/quality of Win8 drivers, and particularly where USB 3.0 is concerned.  It's discouraging how much of this comes down to blind trial and error...

Still today  - bulk of USB Audio Interface Vendors DO NOT recommend USB 3.0

If you look some new Laptops still have remaining high current "legacy" USB 2.0 port. (like my Lenovo W520)   
The Windows Laptop manufacturers often market this port as an Iphone  / iPad Charge port (with a Yellow USB Host connector)  - but the main purpose I use this USB 2.0 port for is my critical 24 bit USB Low Latency / pop & Noise free Audio interface .

Yes Ive tried my Win PC's USB 3.0 ports, and yes they all have problems with Audio clicks / noise - reminds me back in 1996 and trying to put together a working Windows 95 DAW. (lots of lost productivity)

Windows PCs that actually work well as Real Time Audio workstations are rare,  and it remains a high risk endeavor.

If your Windows DAW system is working, and you did zero research  - you are very lucky.

Myself, I'm a knowledge  / google junkie  - try as I might, there is always  something new,
but I only recommend things that I have real world experience with.

Pursuing arcane goals can easily equate to many lost days / weeks / years.

I use many systems, but I have to inform my Apple Audio workstations "just work", and do it very well - so I have no other excuses other than to actually find time in my schedule to actually create music.
(My 2012 MacBook Pro Retina with only 2 USB 3.0 ports works flawlessly!)
As artists/ musicians, each of us must manage our internal operating modes, and the sooner I can get into my "Right Brain" mode, and stay there in my creative spontaneity zone without worrying about technical distractions  - the more productive I am musically.



If you are building a new  Windows Desktop computer  - find room for this PCIe USB 2.0 card for your audio gear



http://www.amazon.com/StarTech-com-Port-Express-Adapter-PEX400USB2/dp/B000CD7HBA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=undefined&sr=8-1&keywords=USB+2.0+pcie
StarTech.com 5 Port PCI Express USB 2.0 Adapter Card (PEX400USB2)


Connect up to 4 additional USB 1. 0/1. 1/2. 0 peripherals to the computer simultaneously
Backed by a StarTech. com lifetime warranty and free lifetime technical support
Provides four external USB 2. 0 ports and one shared internal port
Fully compliant with USB 2. 0 specifications, with transfer rates up to 480 Mbps
Backwards compatible with USB 1. 0/1. 1 devices
Plug-and-Play and Hot-Swap compatible
Supports up to 127 USB devices per port (requires additional USB hubs)

Kevin M

I'm pretty sure that Apple hardware tends to win in a head-to-head battle with the Win/PC platform for audio work, but I have yet to have any significant issues under Windows in the last 10-15 years of using it with some measurable amounts of audio data. As pointed out, a little planning and research is required, but it's really not that bad.

Elantric

I think it boils down to what your expectations are and what you trying to do.

If you are recording or focused using one or two audio apps at a same time, then Windows works fine - but typically you are restricted by the ASIO spec  - and current strategy is to run ASIO4ALL to allow multiple apps to have access to the same hardware at the same time. (but i always get MUCH higher latency with ASIO4ALL compared to the official ASIO diver from the Audio interface manufacturer

But when you start trying to perform real time signal processing with low latency, and running 6 or more audio processing apps at the same time - there is no question OSX rules in that scenario. 

My need for an Apple OSX machine became apparent after battling Windows with my Fishman Tripleplay BTW.  (too many pops and clicks)

and with my old man eyesight - its a glorious thing with OSX to be able to "zoom in" on the display anywhere / anytime / anyapp!


Edit: apparently this has been addressed on MS Windows  , Hold the "Windows Key down, and tap the "+" key to zoom in , and "-" key to zoom out"

Elantric

Some people wonder why I switched to Macs in 2013.
http://avid.force.com/pkb/articles/troubleshooting/Eleven-Rack-Editor
QuoteUSB 3.0 Notes
Do not attempt to use Eleven Rack (or any Avid USB audio interfaces) with USB 3.0 ports on Windows 7 systems, as this is unsupported, and will probably result in frequent blue screens.
Windows 8 supports USB 3.0 for use with audio interfaces, but a blue screen will occur if an interface connected to a USB 3.0 port is disconnected.
Connection to USB 3.0 ports is supported on Mac systems.


Elantric


pkort

Hello!

For your information, the Boss GT1(B) (and maybe many other Roland/Boss hardwares) doesn't work with USB things powered by VIA USB 3.0 VL811...*

Long story short, I just got an old laptop from '11 and 2 USB3 ports use that VIA chipset and while the remaining USB2 use an Intel chipset.
I could only use the last one with the Boss GT1(B)...  :(

I hope it could help some other people here trying to understand why it should work it never happens.


Edit: both Win 7 and 10 are concerned here


* To be really fair, only audio part of the GT1(B) USB driver fails to work with that VIA chipset, I could use Boss Tone Studio (so MIDI stuff only) with it.