Best hardware for realtime transfert (PC -> CPC)

[Targhan]

This is both a hardware and development question, but...

I don't have all the hardware produced these last years. Some hardware are great but lack software, I'm not up to date about what works and what doesn't.

So the question is:
What is currently the most reliable, widely used and (if possible) fast way to transfer raw data from a PC (with Windows, maybe other OS) in real time?

I want to transfer data on the fly (say, music data), from a C++ code on the PC side. Ideally, the hardware should handle a buffer by itself. But has anyone tried anything with this hardware? If the CPC can also reply to the PC, it's even better.

What I know is:
- The albeiro seems to work and I know many people have it, but has anybody actually used it?
- The Wifi by Duke works great, but require (obviously) a Wifi connection, which is bothersome for people not always using Wifi (like myself).

Thanks for your insights.

[LambdaMikel]

USIfAC?

[Targhan]

Looks interesting! But:
- Many people have a Mother4X Board (including myself). Do you have a version of your hardware that supports it? I don't think disconnecting my Mother4X to connect yours is user friendly.
- Can you share the code of your PC demo program?

[LambdaMikel]

Now I am confused - with "you" you mean @ikonsgr right???
All I did with USIfAC is implement a MIDI CPC Synthesizer....


Talking about the M4 - I guess it would be a no-brainer for @duke to simply enable the UART / Serial Interface and add some support API functions for it... if you really want cable .

[Targhan]

Oh yes, sorry for the confusion. I thought you created the hardware.

Another confusion: I didn't mean M4 but Mother4X. Editing...

[shifters74]

As a relative newbie in this area i have the following (which are still available Oct2019)

1) Duke's fab M4 (several in fact!!!  ) which can come with edge connector or an MX4 connector that can plug in to an MX4 motherboard  that TOTO makes.
2) Serial interface from IKONSGR with USB interface lead to PC (from ebay).  The interface has a MX4 connector.

The MX4 motherboard can take 3 devices but you can also get 'mini' adapters from Duke et al that convert a single MX4 connected device to an edge connector.

Both come with all the software you need and are VERY usable with lots of instructions and support and are totally awesome!!! 

The M4 is about 40ish euros depending on the options.
The Serial interface is about 8ish euros
The MX4 is about 20ish euros.
All the above are people on this site - just PM them!!

Hope this helps
shifters