Interfacing Linux: Digigram VX222e

I picked up the Digigram VX222e because I wanted to show off an audio interface with open-source drivers and official support for Linux. Instead I found myself googling whether or not dumpster-fire was hyphenated.


Drivers

VX222e boards with hardware revision IS=06 or higher require the latest pcxhr driver from the Digigram Github Repo. Earlier hardware revisions can use the snd-pcxhr driver included in the Linux kernel.


Alsa

You can control the VX222e directly with alsamixer.


Pulseaudio

The Digigram VX222e performs like any other sound device with pavucontrol.


Jack

In order to get usable audio from the VX222e with Jack2 the Period/Buffer needed to be set to 8. Anything lower would result in distorted audio or the VX222e failing to initialize.


Round-trip Latency

While many kinds of audio latency metrics exist, one useful and well-understood metric is round-trip latency; the time it takes for an audio signal to enter the input of a device, get processed, and exit the output.


Testing setup

CPUAMD Ryzen 7 1700
RAMCorsair Vengeance LPX 16GB
MotherboardMSI B350 Tomahawk
GPUNvidia NVS 300
SSDSamsung 840
PSU:EVGA 600 B1
Firewire:Syba SY-PEX30016
Network:Intel i350-T4
OS:Debian Bullseye
Kernel:5.16 low-latency
Desktop:NA

VX222e Round-trip latency @44100kHz

VX222e Round-trip latency @48000kHz

VX222e Round-trip latency @96000kHz

VX222e Round-trip latency @192000kHz

Verdict

The VX222e functions as a 2 in / 2 out sound card and that’s about it. I was unable to access the 3-band parametric equalizer or maximizer under Linux. The high round-trip latency with Jack makes the VX222e unusable for live monitoring post effects.

If your looking for a Linux compatible interface that can handle AES check out the MOTU 8D.

Digigram VX222e

4.3 out of 10
$662

The VX222e from Digigram is a PCIe (Express) card that provides 2 channels of analog or digital audio input, while simultaneously outputting a stereo digital output or 2 mono channels of analog audio.

Stability
6 out of 10
Ease of Use
5 out of 10
Look & Feel
4 out of 10
Price
2 out of 10

Pros

Functions as a 2 in /2 out sound card.

Analog + AES I/O.

Headphone jack.

Open-source drivers.

Works with Jack, kinda.

Cons

PCIe bridge.

EQ and Maximizer effects are not accessible under Linux.

High round-trip latency.

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