Who’s Interface Will Keep Me Happy?, compatible, reliable, interface Options

[soundpie]

I have been saving for some time now for a new home recording studio. In a couple of months I will be financially ready, so my research intensifies. I have pretty much decided on a Dual 2GHz PowerPC G5 using Logic Pro 7. For awhile I thought I was going with an M-Audio 410 to interface my midi keyboard, microphones and guitars, but now I am not sure this is the wisest choice. I will only be recording two, maybe three, instruments simultaneously, but 95% of the time it will be one instrument or vocal at a time while I add a track to existing ones. What interface might work the best for me?

I want to purchase a unit that will be dependable, compatible and keep me happy through system upgrades. I have read that some users have been disappointed with M-Audio’s driver support, and I am now looking at the MOTU 828MKII. But do I really need all of its features, and is there a better alternative to spending so much money on a device that offers more than I need? In any case, I would gladly invest more money in an interface with continued reliable performance, compatibility and support, than save a little money now on a unit that brings potential disappointment. I would like to “do it right the first time”, if you know what I mean. I would appreciate any suggestions.

[kaboombahchuck]

The Motu 828 may seem like more than you will need. You need to realize that the ins and outs can also be used as hardware thru's. Looping stomp boxes, eq's, vocal prossesors and the like can really make a big difference when it comes to experimenting, or just adding something special where needed. So 8 ins and outs is not really that much.

[jessone]

Try the Emagic A6/2 M. Six in, two out audio plus midi interface. Small, inexpensive, noiseless and very cool to look at.

Good Luck


Jess

[soundpie]

Thanks for the information. I am still leaning towards the MOTU 828MKI to grow with. The Emagic A6/2 M is an interesting device, but I think FireWire is the way I will go. I also like the idea of having built-in mic pre-amps in an interface. There must be some interfaces that are better to use with logic.

[jacobw]

If you can wait for a bit, I'd check out the PreSonus FireBox. I've heard many good things about the FirePod (which is the beefier version of the FireBox) and got to demo it for myself at the local retailer. The FireBox seems to meet you needs quite well, and I think it is more for the money at the same price point as the FW-410.

[soundpie]

Thanks jacobw the FireBox is a good alternative to the FW-410. While following the link you posted I looked at the PreSonus FIREPOD which appears to be a good interface for OS X and is a lot more versatile, for not that much more money. The FIREPOD is even less than the MOTO 828MKII. Leaning towards the FIREPOD now, but still shopping. I still would appreciate any suggestions.

[iShawn]

Thanks jacobw the FireBox is a good alternative to the FW-410. While following the link you posted I looked at the PreSonus FIREPOD which appears to be a good interface for OS X and is a lot more versatile, for not that much more money. The FIREPOD is even less than the MOTO 828MKII. Leaning towards the FIREPOD now, but still shopping. I still would appreciate any suggestions.

Yeah, at the same sampling and the ability to interlink them in the near future (I guess there's a Windows beta out, but soon they're be one for OS X) you'd have 16 mic pres with two at about the same price give or take. Plus the same S/PDIF input as the FirePod is found on the MOTU. I'd say go with the FirePod for price and the things you'll have especially if you link two together...unless you already have a Preamp with an ADAT Lightpipe...otherwise go the Firepod. I've heard great reviews and it's steered me towards it to almost absolution. Almost.

[terrywil]

Hi. I use a G5 dual 2.0 with Logic 7 and the MOTU 828MKii. The MOTU is an excellent, reliable interface. Can't say enough great things about it.

[soundpie]

Hi. I use a G5 dual 2.0 with Logic 7 and the MOTU 828MKii. The MOTU is an excellent, reliable interface. Can't say enough great things about it.

Congratulations, and appreciation, your post has the kind of information I am looking for, real world application. Can you say more great things about it?

[terrywil]

Hi Soundpie.

In my experience, the MOTU 828MKii has been 100% reliable, compatible through several OS X upgrades (now at 10.3.5), and compatible through Logic 6 Platinum upgraded to Logic 6 Pro, and now Logic 7 Pro. I do a lot of MIDI tracks, but also audio tracks (mics and guitar direct into the unit) - no glitches, no noise. The unit is solidly constructed. The software that comes with the unit, CueMix, is a bit unintuitive, but I really don't use it anyway in my system. A great piece of gear.

[soundpie]

terrywil,

Again, congratulations. You seem to have found a device in which you are truly satisfied. Delving deeper into the MOTU website I see a company that appears to support and update their products, they even offer some online tech support. It sounds like you are a loyal, grateful customer and not a bad spokesman. You have put me back on the road towards the MOTU 828MKII. But I am patient and cautious, and would like to hear more from contented MOTU customers. I would still appreciate any suggestions. Thank you.

[TheKid]

Not sure how long this price is good but I found this on Amazon. $699 is best I've seen.

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detai...uments&v=glance

later -- Jeff

[ourmanflinty]

Go for a digidesign mbox or 002...that way you get PT s/w too mm lovely digi PT editing, Logic will use it no problem, no midi though...mbox has mic pre n phantom n usb n headphone o/p but only two channels. I like the logic 6/2 too, midi and audio all in sexy blue plastic with usb and no extra power leads...but it's on phono plugs which can be a cabling nightmare if you don't know what you are doing. Edirol ( roland ) do some useful interfaces as well, or go for one of the new breed of mini midi keyboard audio interface midi controller whizz bang do it alls with toy keys on like a korg. They're good.

[formatj]

I would not choose Mbox or Digi 002. They will both work great with ProTools but there are many people who have problems with the Digidesign Core Audio driver which is used by Logic, Cubase, Performer etc... There are also limitations with the core audio driver.
You can read about the Digidesign Core Audio driver here.
Also the minimum buffer setting for the Mbox is only 512
Even ProTools' very expensive HTDM system is very unreliable and buggy with Logic in OS X.

Do a search for 002 or Mbox on the Logic Users Group and you will find some very unhappy users of Digidesign products with Logic.

I would recommend RME Fireface (if you want to spend that much) or a MOTU 828MKII because it just works! It doesn't sound as good as the fireface though.

[soundpie]

Still appreciative of all the suggestions. I am still not completely sold on any one firewire interface. Here’s a Pro Logic forum that’s useful on the firewire interface topic. Best FireWire Interface?