New to music recording and Pro Tools First - ASIO4ALL limitation

[Defier]

I am New to music recording and Pro Tools First.

I am currently using ASIO4ALL and it works fine but I can't use Pro Tools First and other sound apps such as Youtube, Itunes or any sound websites at the same time due to ASIO4ALL technology on my computer.

What would be a solution to overcome this sound app limitation?

Software or hardware is fine, just need to have them working at the same time.

(I am using a USB Korg & Pro Tools First)

Thx for your advice.

[mesaone]

A USB interface with input monitoring. Use it for Pro Tools, set the built-in sound card for Windows, and run the output of your built-in soundcard to a pair of inputs on your interface. Voila

Or spend the big bucks and get an RME interface, which will work for both without running any cables.

[Defier]

Hey mesaone,

Thx a lot for your reply and information. I will definitely check out for USB audio interfaces on the internet and learn about them and then get 2 inputs to it.

Any recommendation on a brand that you like I should look into?

[mesaone]

RME is my favorite brand overall, especially for windows. If you want something relatively inexpensive, I would urge you to give the RME Babyface ($600) or Babyface Pro ($750) a shot. Another good choice is the Apollo Twin USB ($900).

But these might be out of your budget. How much are you prepared to spend? There are lots of interfaces that are less expensive, but some are just a big headache on windows.

[Defier]

I will definitely check them out.

I was thinking around $150-$200 to be able to have PTFirst and Youtube sound at the time...

I am using a USB Korg keyboard and Pro Tools First.

As I am learning and making this my hobby, I want to start with a low budget.

[mesaone]

Maybe look at the Steinberg UR242, or maybe the Focusrite stuff in that price range.

[Defier]

Well thank you so much for your assistance. I will look into it.

Great, so this item Steinberg UR242 or Focusrite will allow me to use for Pro Tools First and set the built-in sound card for Windows, and run the output of your built-in soundcard to a pair of inputs on your interface.

I am looking right now at the FocusRite 2i2: http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/Scarlett2i2 , that should do the trick.

Sweet, Thx a lot. Have a great day.

[mesaone]

Focusrite 2i2 only has two inputs. The ideal situation would be having 4 inputs (1 and 2 for mics or guitar or other sources, 3 and 4 for a stereo feed from your onboard sound card).

The UR242 will work for this, so will the Scarlett 6i6

[Defier]

Hey mesaone,

Fantastic replies.

You have been a great help for everything.

My next move is to become proficient with Pro Tools First.
I have been watching https://www.youtube.com/user/recordingrevolution/videos to get familiar with it.

Thx, Defier.

[mesaone]

No problem, good luck. As you have found out, ASIO protocol can be a pain when it comes to multi-client stuff like using Pro Tools and system audio at the same time.