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Thoughts on Laptop Travel Ableton Setup

as_in_the_skiesas_in_the_skies
in Desktop

The Backstory:
I travel every other week for work and I’m tired of lugging a carryon suitcase and backpack so I’m trying to go onebag with just a backpack. Especially now that it seems like I’m always on smaller planes with limited overhead space.

The problem is that I have to bring my work laptop (Surface Laptop Studio 2) which is hefty (4.4lbs) and although I could fit my iPad Pro, it’s kind of overkill especially since my company is cool with me having Ableton on my laptop. I’ll save up for an iPad mini at some point for travel but until then I’m thinking of working only in Ableton while traveling.

The Issue:
I’ve tried updating drivers etc. on the Surface Laptop Studio 2 so I could plug directly into the headphone jack and work in Ableton. However, none of the drivers I’ve tried make the audio sound even remotely decent. It’s crackly and awful. When I plug in my UA Volt interface it sounds great. It’s wild that I can get better audio in a daw on my iPad but that’s a different discussion.

The Request:
Can anyone recommend a reasonably priced interface (let’s say sub $200) that will fit in my pocket? I don’t need audio in really as I typically work with MIDI and sample packs and don’t need to record audio in. I suppose a DAC may work but I don’t know and unless someone can verify, I don’t want to take the risk. Currently looking at: Rode AI Micro, IK iRig HD X, IK iRig HD X, Zoom U22, Synido…

Bonus Request:
Do you know of a good set of IEMs under $100 that you can recommend. I don’t think I’ll be able to pack my over ears. It would be nice if they had ANC for the plane, but that seems like a stretch.

Thanks in advance!

~J

Comments

  • synthesighssynthesighs
    edited September 2025

    ASIO should work fine with the Realtek card in your computer. I use a similar architecture for this purpose on a regular basis.

    At first glance, this seems like a software configuration issue. I would guess that you are using MME/Direct X. If you haven’t tried to install and properly configure ASIO4ALL, you might solve your problem by doing that instead.

    If you’re determined for a hardware solution, I think you’ve mentioned the better options, especially the iRig line, but that seems like overkill for your purpose. I can’t speak on IEMs

  • wimwim
    edited September 2025

    yep. ASIO4ALL ftw. No audio interface needed.
    Never seen it fail, but I suppose this could be a first.

  • telechargetelecharge

    @synthesighs said:
    If you’re determined for a hardware solution, I think you’ve mentioned the better options, especially the iRig line, but that seems like overkill for your purpose. I can’t speak on IEMs

    You also have the option of using the built-in USB Audio Codec with any class-compliant interface. No drivers required, and it should also work with your iPad Pro. This has worked fine for me.

    In general, if you're getting crackles, try adjusting your buffer settings. Also, make sure Windows is optimized for audio recording - https://help.ableton.com/hc/en-us/articles/209071469-Optimizing-Windows-for-Audio

    But I agree, you don't really need an interface... or IEMs either. You're traveling, so you likely are carrying earbuds/headphones with you anyway.

    I hope you have a stylus, though!

  • zAkzAk

    Asio4all is a pain in the beep. It allows only one sound source at a time. Ableton + YouTube tutorial? Not possible. I can recommend the Apogee Groove. It’s a small, lightweight DAC, sounds phenomenal AND comes with dedicated Asio drivers. It also can handle high ohm studio headphones

  • as_in_the_skiesas_in_the_skies

    Thanks for all the responses folks. I tried ASIO4ALL previously but I was not aware of the multiple sound source issue which may have been part of the problem. I'll give it another go before I resign to a hardware solution. I'll report back. Again, thank you for the responses!

  • telechargetelecharge

    @as_in_the_skies What I said about buffer settings and optimizing still applies with ASIO4ALL. Good luck!

  • as_in_the_skiesas_in_the_skies

    @telecharge said:
    @as_in_the_skies What I said about buffer settings and optimizing still applies with ASIO4ALL. Good luck!

    Good point. I'll dig through that ableton link you sent as well and make sure i've got everything optimized. Part of me thinks this shouldn't be this hard. I never had issues with my macbook. Everything just worked. Pressing that "buy now" button to get an interface before I head out next week is a very real possibility :D

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