Ok, Can Anyone Enlighten Me? Options

[JackC]

I'm about to buy a new system for use as a pro mobile setup. I've got a PT Mix Plus System in my Studio (which I'm probably going to let die because I can't justify giving Digidesign another 10-15K just to stay 'up-to-date'). So... I'm looking at Logic 5 OSX (been using v.4 for a while - extremely impressed with all the features and instruments). I need a Pro front end (I've been using Apogee's in my Studio) and I will probably go with the Prism Dream ADA as it sounds amazing and is completely upgradeable as far as sample and bit rates go.
But which audio card to buy...?
Unfortunately I've been spoiled with ProTools as far as latency goes (by this I mean happily monitoring an input with Plugins on it while recording, while also running up to 40 other tracks with Plugins on them) and I've been led to believe that I can now get this type of performance from a Native system on a super fast Mac under OSX. True?
Is it, or will it be possible for example to record and monitor an Electric Guitar track with an 'Amplitude' type plugin on the channel with acceptable latency while running lots of other tracks in my session?
I've been watching the 'Hammerfall' website with interest, apparently their cards can take on some of the DSP involved in keeping the latency time down. But will this become obsolete with the claims that OSX with it's Core Audio will accomplish near to zero latency with no additional DSP hardware?
I really like the look of the new UAD card with it's ADAT I/O. I was planning to buy a UAD card anyway as I've demo-ed one, and the Plugins to my ears seem better than the Bomb Factory equivalents.
So basically what I'm asking... (sorry for the long drawn out, bracket infested post!) ... can someone give me suggestions for an audio card and... whats the truth about all the latency free recording claims under OSX? Can I get performance equal to my Mix Plus on a new Native system?
Thankyou for bearing with me!

[Levon River]

This was a post, but it was a wrong post, and I can't find the delete button. I need a delete button in my life: a red one, preferably flashing. But I suppose this will have to do.

[JackC]

This was a post, but it was a wrong post, and I can't find the delete button. I need a delete button in my life: a red one, preferably flashing. But I suppose this will have to do.  :D

What!!??

[Levon River]

JackC: I wrote a reply about Creamware to you, then realized we're in the OS X forum and you had asked about a setup for OS X, and they aren't supporting OS X--at least not yet. And I couldn't find a way to delete my post, so I edited it to what you read. That's all.

It were a joke, son. You know...

CJack?

Don't get all on me.

[JackC]

No offence taken at all, just didn't know what you were going on about. Thanks for replying.
Any ideas for me?

[JackC]

See what you mean Levon; can't seem to be able to delete this

[JackC]

Something I said?
Anyone?

[formatj]

I am using the RME Digiface with 2 RME ADI-8 AE's.
Apart from protools this card definitely has the lowest latency around (under OS9). I have it as low as 1.5ms.
I have been using the beta drivers under OS X and latency seems as good if not better. I haven't done any tests comparing OS9/OS X yet and have not compared it to any other cards under OS X.

I am working totally mixerless and have no problem with monitoring latency with 26 input channels.

In terms of quality of the RME equipment I have had friends who have changed from protools to RME and are very happy with the performance and actually prefer the sound.

I also own a UAD-1 card (and also a powercore), amazing effects and you can pick them up for US$599 (amazing value compared to protools plug-ins).

Hope this helps a bit.

[damann]

just to "enlighten" you guys.
once you've posted, if you want to delete it, click on the delete button at the top right of your post...
oh yeah, latency under osx is minimal enough (1ms)to be neglible.
rme and ua products are truly "pro" and i also prefer their "sound" to digi.
logic software is only 100% better than protools software.
you'll have $13'000 left in the bank and a BIG smile on your face.
peace, later...

[JackC]

Thanks guys, you've confirmed my faith in a nice 'Native' system. I'll happily start shopping straight away.

Cheers.

[Levon River]

Something I said?  :-/
Anyone?

Nah, Jack. I just don't have much information. Neither does much of anybody else from the looks of the dust settling around here.

This question of which audio interface cards work (correctly) with OS X or not has been bandied about a good deal; browse the topics of this forum, and the hardware forum, and you ought to find a few relevant threads. There have even been rumors and allegations of audio issues at the system level in OS X, at least when you try to get above the two-channel USB I/O level--which is where you're trying to go--but nobody seems willing to cough up the whole hairball. Buserror mentioned something about this issue in a recent post; maybe he'll expand on it.

There seem to be several USB I/O interfaces that are working pretty well with two in/two out.

But when you go above that, outside of MOTU's beta (that's "beta") software for their firewire interfaces, I'm damned if I can come up with a single multi-I/O audio interface that I could tell you for certain will work in OS X. It's hard to keep score. Damann can maybe tell you more on the RME and UA products and how the honeymoon is with OS X. I just don't know.

From the web sites of the various hardware interface manufacturers, I don't see any rush to slap a Jaguar logo on their boxes. I think there's still termites in the basement in OS X. We'll see.

But when they *do* get it right, I believe--and hope--it's going to be very right indeed.

[Levon River]

just to "enlighten" you guys.
once you've posted, if you want to delete it, click on the delete button at the top right of your post...

That must come only with the "Advanced Member" package.

I don't have no steeeenking "Delete" button, I'm telling ya!

[formatj]

Hi JackC,

Please be aware if you want to use RME gear in OS X with Logic that the drivers are still currently beta (a new version "beta D" has just been released though).

I am still only just experimenting in OS X with the drivers. I have been getting the occasional crackle and pop. I am mostly using OS 9 because of so many VST plugins, UAD-1, powercore etc.

The new driver which I have only just installed today and have not tested yet states in the attached readme file "With Logic 5.4 only playback seems to work correctly".

They seem to be making good progress with the drivers though so don't let me put you off. Also OS X 10.2.2 has just been released so maybe that may address some issues.

If you are interested in the RME gear I would recommend that you get one of the Hammerfal "DSP" systems. I find the "Totalmix" software that comes with the DSP system very useful.

[damann]

just to "enlighten" you guys.
once you've posted, if you want to delete it, click on the delete button at the top right of your post...

That must come only with the "Advanced Member" package.

I don't have no steeeenking "Delete" button, I'm telling ya!

sh!t, this must be a team only "function"!
me and my big mouth .
i'm actually using motu 896 and 828 interfaces with no apparent problems under x.
however, the uad(i use one) dosen't currently support x(they've stated that osx and audiounits support is in developement).
and i have to admit that i only use x for music irregularly, just to keep track of the current state of play.
i don't expect to be using x professionally for a few months yet.
friends are using the rme stuff and all i can say is "it sounds f***!ng great.

[Levon River]

i'm actually using motu 896 and 828 interfaces with no apparent problems under x.

When you say "using," does that include any any actual Bell Labs smoke tests using >2 channels for recording and/or playback?

Same question to formatj re: this quote:

I am working totally mixerless and have no problem with monitoring latency with 26 input channels.

Hate to pester you both, but trying to get real planet Earth information on the actual current state of multi (>2) channel audio I/O in OS X is like trying to catch a greased pig.

[Presto]

I'm almost sure I used to have a delete button for posts I'd just made - top right of the post - before I started as a mod. I am absolutely sure I had an edit button. I'll check with the plumber