What audio interfaces are you guys using?

[kjs]

Hi All,

I am looking at a desktop audio interface for my monitors + amp my 250 Ohm headphones.

I wondered what everyone is using / how they rate what they are using ?

Thanks in advance.

[H20nly]

just got an Apogee Duet... from Santa.

[Dillinger63]

NI Komplete Audio 6 and I love it.

[eddiex]

apogee duet version 1
pros: sound, size, simplicity, you can pick one up for cheap
cons: no midi ins/outs, the breakout cable is the worst, the maestro software is kinda beat (IMO), it's FireWire 400 so I have to use an adaptor cable to make it work with my MacBook Pro. (you would think that would be a simple thing to find.....but finding one that didn't unplug once or twice a session was pretty difficult)
I give it a solid 7 but I'm in the market for a new sound card this year.

[H20nly]

^ i wish mine had Firewire

if for no other reason, i'd be glad to have that USB port back.

[Galt]

FireWire is dead as vinyl. Long live VHS.

- Jack Dangers

[kjs]

Now I'm toying with...

http://global.focusrite.com/firewire-au ... ire-pro-14

Or moving to USB 2.0...

http://global.focusrite.com/usb-audio-i ... arlett-2i4

Not sure if I will regret moving from FW to USB ???

[turnitto11]

PreSonus Firestudio Project.

They've served me really for several years. Last summer I owned three of them because I needed to do some live recordings. Daisy chained the 3 Firestudio's together with an external hard-drive and recorded about 18 channels simultaneously without any problems. You can't do that with USB 1.1, 2.0, or 3.0, pretty much something only Firewire provides. I'm really bummed that Apple is trying to phase out firewire. It's a shame, it might technically be slower than some of USB's offering, but it has many features that the USB technologies just can't provide.

[Buleriachk]

Focusrite 18i8

[yur2die4]

Personally, I use a shitty m-audio fast track pro. I've seen plenty of people with issues with theirs. Mine works great.... quality aside.

But I've definitely been eyeing up the USB Focusrite devices. Especially that 2i4. Bus powered USB. And I don't give a rip what anyone says, fw is on it's way out. I would rather be able to connect my device on every possible computing device in my possession now and in the future, than have to wonder if my newest computer will need a FW card.

Hell, even iPhones and iPads support USB (well..... To eat my own comment, this Does require a converting connector and powered USB hub).

And the price is in the sweet spot

[kjs]

Personally, I use a shitty m-audio fast track pro. I've seen plenty of people with issues with theirs. Mine works great.... quality aside.

But I've definitely been eyeing up the USB Focusrite devices. Especially that 2i4. Bus powered USB. And I don't give a rip what anyone says, fw is on it's way out. I would rather be able to connect my device on every possible computing device in my possession now and in the future, than have to wonder if my newest computer will need a FW card.

Hell, even iPhones and iPads support USB (well..... To eat my own comment, this Does require a converting connector and powered USB hub).

And the price is in the sweet spot

I am seriously looking at the Scarlett 2i4 now, I would be interested to know if the headphone output is capable of powering a pair of DT770 Pro 250 Ohm - If anyone has that combo or using the 2i4 with any other high impedance headphones.

[eyeknow]

Yep, FW is dead.

Oh, what I am using? Focusrite saffire 14. I also like the profire 610 but IF the host crashes, you must restart the computer to get it working again. The saffire simple stays on.

I'd love to have an RME but considering the paltry musings I put out, it's really not worth it.

[yur2die4]

http://www.gearslutz.com/board/low-end- ... utput.html I found that for a similar device.

I'd take the chance with it. A lot of audio interfaces are average for phone output. You can use it on its own first, and if it just doesn't quite suite your needs, you can go shopping for headphone amps. Then you'll never come across that limitation again haha

[H20nly]

FW is all but dead... there's still a few hot ports left.

[eddiex]

yeah FW is dead...shrugs....but I do have that extra USB port though.