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.
Have questions about your setup? Ask in our forums.
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.
![](https://linuxgamecast.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/REVaisnumber_1.3.1-1024x576.jpg)
ALSA
You can control the VX222e directly with alsamixer.
![](https://linuxgamecast.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/alsa_1.5.1-1024x576.jpg)
PULSEAUDIO
The Digigram VX222e performs like any other sound device with pavucontrol.
![](https://linuxgamecast.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/pulse_1.7.1-1024x576.jpg)
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.
![](https://linuxgamecast.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/jack_1.18.1-1024x576.jpg)
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.
TESTBENCH
CPU | AMD Ryzen 7 1700 |
RAM | Corsair Vengeance LPX 16GB |
Motherboard | MSI B350 Tomahawk |
GPU | Nvidia NVS 300 |
SSD | Samsung 840 |
PSU: | EVGA 600 B1 |
Firewire: | Syba SY-PEX30016 |
Network: | Intel i350-T4 |
OS: | Debian Bullseye |
Kernel: | 5.16 low-latency |
Desktop: | NA |
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
![](https://linuxgamecast.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/1233174340_547558.jpg)
The VX222e 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.
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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Have questions about your Linux setup? Ask in the forums.
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