AFAICS, only the M-Audio Delta 1010 will handle that many inputs, but that is PCI based not USB.

I am not interested in pop-music or "songs" and the user interface, skins and all the other modern stuff leaves me shuddering. (I am an oldie!).

Is there any software around that will give me a minimalist control panel on screen that even my SO can drive? All I want to do is select the source and control the volume.

Any other advice welcome.

I'm a music and PC veteran, but never tried to meld the two before!

 Re: Screen User Interface for PC "pre-amp"? - jdarg 10:23:48 10/30/04 (1)
 Neet! TVM - clifff 15:36:15 10/31/04 (0)
 Re: Screen User Interface for PC "pre-amp"? - Dawnrazor 18:16:43 10/28/04 (2)

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 Re: Screen User Interface for PC "pre-amp"? - jdarg 10:23:48 10/30/04 (1)
 Neet! TVM - clifff 15:36:15 10/31/04 (0)
 Re: Screen User Interface for PC "pre-amp"? - Dawnrazor 18:16:43 10/28/04 (2)
 Thank you! But over budget :-( - clifff 02:14:41 10/29/04 (1)
 Re: Thank you! But over budget :-( - Dawnrazor 09:07:55 10/29/04 (0)

Don't let PCI scare you. You can get really good results this way. Many studio products are PCI based, while delivering studio level performance.

I haven't found any USB devices that will do what you are looking for.

As for software, the mixer program for my Lynx 2 card is very easy to use. You select the output devices once (but can assign any input to any output on the fly if needed). Then it is as easy as adjusting the volume control and hitting mute. All of which can be done with the cursor or with the keyboard. I seem to remember that their tech support (top notch by the way) said there were USB remote solutions available if needed.

I would be surprised if other procards had nothing but straight forward user interfaces.

Here is the link (page 5 shows the output controls):

• http://www.lynxstudio.com/manuals/LynxTWOMixerAddendum.pdf

Unfortunately $1K+ is way over my budget, although I am sure it is worth it.

How do they get such a good noise floor in a PC which is one of the noisiest environments I have worked with - differential (balanced) everything, I suppose.

I'll have to look in detail at the lower end stuff and see what their UI is like.

Thanks again.

I was more recommending that you not worry too much about the PCI thing.

The Lynx I have is balanced, and balanced to RCA adaptors are available, and they work great...no noise. They have the same card with unbalanced outs (L22- used in the VRS servers I think) and there have only been great reviews on the performance. So, it may be hard, but I think the PC noise can be dealt with.

I would suggest checking out the M-audio card you suggested to see for yourself.