Quality of internal audio interface in MacBook Pro

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utro
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Joined: Thu Sep 09, 2010 12:37 pm

Quality of internal audio interface in MacBook Pro

Post by utro » Wed Jul 11, 2012 3:14 pm

As I see, most of fabolous producers and djs use Macbooks on public perfomances. So it is like a standart in the industry.
But there is what I can not identify: do they additionally use external audio interfaces?

I mean does the internal interface is pretty good and enough to use it directly? Is it possible to say that this case (using Macbook pro only) is the same 'standart' in the industry?

Or perhaps some famous producers use it and some don't?
Has someone any examples?

:)

cpyatak
Posts: 381
Joined: Wed Dec 28, 2011 10:44 pm
Location: Vermont

Re: Quality of internal audio interface in MacBook Pro

Post by cpyatak » Wed Jul 11, 2012 4:43 pm

Preface -- I'm a PC laptop user.

But, I have used and have friends who use iMacs, Mac Pros, and MBPs. I think it's fairly safe to say that anyone who is really serious about their music production/performance is using some kind of external audio interface. A lot of that is about the having extra I/O to route audio through, but it also has to do with the audio quality and reducing latency (time lag between playing a note on a midi trigger and when you hear the note coming out as audio).

If you are just sending a stereo out for playback there's no reason you HAVE to use an interface, obviously. But they are very handy and can really increase your production and performance experience in a way almost NO other piece of external hardware can (probably a tie with a good midi controller of choice).

My 2 cents.

Cheers
Chris

utro
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Joined: Thu Sep 09, 2010 12:37 pm

Re: Quality of internal audio interface in MacBook Pro

Post by utro » Wed Jul 11, 2012 5:46 pm

cpyatak, I understand.

Of course I use an additional interface (emu 0404 usb) with my desktop workstation where I produce.
But the question is about 'what is the professional standard, what do famous producers use on public perfomances? Do they use only Mac, which is connected directly to an amplifier? Is it absolutely normal?'

Once again: I am only about live perfomances, not about producing in a studio.

cpyatak
Posts: 381
Joined: Wed Dec 28, 2011 10:44 pm
Location: Vermont

Re: Quality of internal audio interface in MacBook Pro

Post by cpyatak » Wed Jul 11, 2012 5:56 pm

I am not a famous producer or performer :) but I would venture to say almost definitely YES, they do use an interface to go between their computer and the Front of House Board.

utro
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Joined: Thu Sep 09, 2010 12:37 pm

Re: Quality of internal audio interface in MacBook Pro

Post by utro » Wed Jul 11, 2012 7:30 pm

cpyatak, thanks

pencilrocket
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Re: Quality of internal audio interface in MacBook Pro

Post by pencilrocket » Thu Jul 12, 2012 6:14 am

Is it made by foxconn?

candy warlos
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Re: Quality of internal audio interface in MacBook Pro

Post by candy warlos » Thu Jul 12, 2012 7:11 am

when I noticed that my MPB can handle 48khz / 24 bits (and above), I simply dropped my external soundcard.
didn't see the point of it anymore, for everyday use at least.

1.A.M.
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Location: Cluburesti

Re: Quality of internal audio interface in MacBook Pro

Post by 1.A.M. » Thu Jul 12, 2012 12:11 pm

For serious gigs use RME's external soundcards, they are top notch and very stable. Many serious producers use it. A bit expensive tough...
Cheers

utro
Posts: 6
Joined: Thu Sep 09, 2010 12:37 pm

Re: Quality of internal audio interface in MacBook Pro

Post by utro » Thu Jul 12, 2012 12:22 pm

Thanks, mates

It's just little more uncomfortable (besides other things, an external device is always needed to be connected to the electricity), but if it important, ok.

globalgoon
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Re: Quality of internal audio interface in MacBook Pro

Post by globalgoon » Thu Jul 12, 2012 12:40 pm

The output from my MBPro is good enough quality for playing at gigs. I've seen plenty of other people with mbps do the same and plenty who use external sound interfaces. They all sound great IMHOTEP

pencilrocket
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Re: Quality of internal audio interface in MacBook Pro

Post by pencilrocket » Thu Jul 12, 2012 1:14 pm

The sound chip seems to be CS4206A now.

utro
Posts: 6
Joined: Thu Sep 09, 2010 12:37 pm

Re: Quality of internal audio interface in MacBook Pro

Post by utro » Thu Jul 12, 2012 7:58 pm

pencilrocket wrote:The sound chip seems to be CS4206A now.
http://www.datasheetarchive.com/CS4206- ... sheet.html
This one or not?

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