I obtained a PCIe USB-controller card, made by startech, whose documentation included linux in the supported OS's. And indeed, after installation it simply worked in the host, with no further tinkering required. I then passed this PCI device through to the (QEMU/KVM) guest, just using the virtual-manager GUI 'add hardware' option. Where it again simply worked with no further action needed.
Connecting the DAC achieves the expected 44.1khz PCM from the guest, and I can hear no artifacts at all: no lag, stutter, crackling, noise or distortion. Initial impressions are that it has simply done what was wanted, and seems to work as normal. It only took about 10mins to install, and to my surprise didn't require any messing about or de-bugging at all. Whether anything odd emerges as time goes on we shall see, but for now I'm extremely pleased with such a simple solution.
So, this means I'll be able to play with various software and services in complete freedom (such as camilla-dsp etc), without affecting the host (or needing a separate machine). I could probably also duplicate the guest to allow for different situations (such as one set up for active crossovers and another optimised for stereo headphones etc.). Excellent stuff, it looks like I'm getting to where I hoped to be 🙂
Connecting the DAC achieves the expected 44.1khz PCM from the guest, and I can hear no artifacts at all: no lag, stutter, crackling, noise or distortion. Initial impressions are that it has simply done what was wanted, and seems to work as normal. It only took about 10mins to install, and to my surprise didn't require any messing about or de-bugging at all. Whether anything odd emerges as time goes on we shall see, but for now I'm extremely pleased with such a simple solution.
So, this means I'll be able to play with various software and services in complete freedom (such as camilla-dsp etc), without affecting the host (or needing a separate machine). I could probably also duplicate the guest to allow for different situations (such as one set up for active crossovers and another optimised for stereo headphones etc.). Excellent stuff, it looks like I'm getting to where I hoped to be 🙂