Firepod, Mackie Onyx 400f, Motu Ultralite Options

[transientattack]

i use a mac, a powerbook (non-intel) and i'm about to buy an interface. which one is the best choice? they're all around the same price. i want stable, reliable, really low latency for using softsynths, good support (for future drivers etc..).

[Fevil]

Hi transient. I came here looking for some advice in the same matter. I've just got a macbook (intel), in my way to swiching from a multitrack HD based home studio to a portable computer DAW, and i'm deciding werther to work with Logic or ProTools. Logic is winning the race so far, but I'm still kind of lost in the interface hunt. Those names you put in there are at the top of the list, especially the onyx 400f and the motu 828mk2 or the 896HD. I have no Idea of how good is the onyx 400f in getting well along with logic pro but i've heard the unit has had many issues on it's own and, since I've been told the converters and pres in the onyx are far better than those of the 828 or 896... well, you know, the reliability of motu vs the better sound of mackie onyx. I hope we both get help from the guys out there.
best regards.

[edge100]

Hi transient. I came here looking for some advice in the same matter. I've just got a macbook (intel), in my way to swiching from a multitrack HD based home studio to a portable computer DAW, and i'm deciding werther to work with Logic or ProTools. Logic is winning the race so far, but I'm still kind of lost in the interface hunt. Those names you put in there are at the top of the list, especially the onyx 400f and the motu 828mk2 or the 896HD. I have no Idea of how good is the onyx 400f in getting well along with logic pro but i've heard the unit has had many issues on it's own and, since I've been told the converters and pres in the onyx are far better than those of the 828 or 896... well, you know, the reliability of motu vs the better sound of mackie onyx. I hope we both get help from the guys out there.
best regards.

At that price point, reliability beats a small (but admittedly real) increase in quality. MOTU makes reliable stuff that just works. The 400F is a bit flaky, according to multiple sources (although I'm sure there are a lot of good units too).

[lepetitmartien]

I'd add Presonus stuff and Metric Halo Mobile I/O

Presonus has had oly software issues they usually cure fast, converters and pre are very good. Metric halo is very good stuff, they cured a long time ago their youth troubles. MOTU 828 family seems to have bad batches around unfortunately, the troubles are 99% of the time curable by resetting the unit on the mk2, but not all. Now MOTU is doing its job well into caring of the defective units (in MOTU slowness The 896 has none of these problems. I have no opinion on the Mackie stuff, still to touch one and not a lot of feedback already in my environment.

If you plan Pro Tools, the 002 is worth a look.