Audio interface recommendations

[bogh]

Hi,

I am looking for a new audio interface to use in a live setup with a MacBook.
My requirements are min 2 audio in/out, MIDI in/out and OS X compatible. An extra couple of audio I/O would be nice but not essential.
My budget it €250.

I had an M-Audio interface in the past, an was not pleased with the sound quality, so I would like to avoid M-Audio.
I use a Motu 828 mkII in my studio, and would like somthing more portable for live use.
I have considered looking for a second hand Native Instruments Kore 1 which has buit in audio. The Kore funtionality would be an added bonus.

It's been a few years since I've kept up with new audio hardware, so I would appreciate your advice and recommendations on what to check out.

Thanks,
Bogh

[catalyst]

NI Audio Kontrol 1

[hennessey]

Up until last week I would have recommended the Audio Konrol 1 as well. But if you are going to use the MIDI IN and the audio out at the same time be careful. The unit crashed during a gig on me. Total silence. Note the NIUSBMIDIDriver (the cable was not removed, and the cable is good):

Code: Select all

Process:         MIDIServer [6158]
Path:            /System/Library/Frameworks/CoreMIDIServer.framework/MIDIServer
Identifier:      MIDIServer
Version:         ??? (???)
Code Type:       X86 (Native)
Parent Process:  launchd [67]

Date/Time:       2009-08-21 22:09:58.396 -0400
OS Version:      Mac OS X 10.5.8 (9L30)
Report Version:  6
Anonymous UUID:  607124F1-A683-4A6F-8A5F-E15F37011C1B

Exception Type:  EXC_BAD_ACCESS (SIGBUS)
Exception Codes: KERN_PROTECTION_FAILURE at 0x0000000000000000
Crashed Thread:  0

Thread 0 Crashed:
1   NIUSBMIDIDriver 0x00302f5a CaiaqUSBMIDIDriver::deviceRemoved(unsigned int) + 46

[/size]

Of course, YMMV. Just a heads up.

[bogh]

How's the audio quality of NI interfaces?

[hennessey]

AK1 build quality is solid, fine for stage. Only hesitation would be the MIDI driver.

[redglass]

Hi,

I would check the Focusrite Saffire Pro 24, abit more expensive but worth of its price.

I use the Pro 40 and I'm very happy with it (using XP SP2)

Greez Bastian

[chilleddreams]

I have NI's Audio8 DJ and Focusrite Saffire LE (running with OSX). The Saffire has a better performance - maybe due to the FireWire interface. I get more dropouts on high CPU load when using Audio8.

The Saffire LE has 2 analog (mono) inputs on front (can be switched to intrument mode or used for microphone with XLR too). 2 additional analog mono inputs are on the rear side. Note that the "better" version of Saffire (without the 'LE') has not the 2 additional inputs on the rear. There are also SPDIF in/outs but I don't use SPDIF.

[crumhorn]

Check out PreSonus if your budget is restricted.

Check them out anyway.

[vicz]

Edirol FA66 good for me..

[bogh]

Check out PreSonus if your budget is restricted.

Check them out anyway.

I had pretty much eliminated Presonus, since the only product within my price range/needs was the FireBox, and I thought it didn't have MIDI... just took a closer look, and found out it indeed does have midi - too bad it needs an additional adaptor cable. But could be a candidate.

[booksofbokonon]

I have the firebox and a macbook, and absolutely love it. The cable for midi comes with it. New it's priced at $250 and has a ton of inputs/outputs. The thing just works and sounds good, plus it is powered by the firewire cable, so no need for a wall wart.

[bogh]

... plus it is powered by the firewire cable, so no need for a wall wart.

Yeah - forgot to mention that - Bus-powered is a definite must.
The Firebox definitely looks like a possible choice... However, I have a friend who just sold his Presonus interface - among other reasons because he wasn't satisfied with the audio quality.

Not so sure about the Edirol... at that price I think I'd rather go for a TC Electronics interface.

[Budbertzerofluff]

I recommend getting class-compliant device like a Firebox that doesn't need drivers. If you don't want to buy a class-compliant device, go onto the support site of the product you're looking at and see how recently they've updated their drivers. Drivers that haven't been updated in a long time say a lot about a company, IMO.

Personally I'd recommend against M-Audio (I own a Fast Track Ultra) because they don't seem to like to fix driver bugs (especially ones that cause kernel panics). I've lost count of the number of panic crash logs I've sent to them that show the kernel crashing in the M-Audio driver in the stack backtrace. When I ask if they're going to fix the drivers, their usual response is along the lines of "you're the only one who is experiencing this issue". Thankfully I have my old Firebox to fall back on.

[Dexes]

I've got an echo audiofire 2 that i'm very happy with.

2 balanced audio in & out
seperate headphone out
spdif in/out
midi in/out
Buspowered
2 Firewire plugs at the back to daisychain multiple units

costs €200

and for €100 more the audiofire 4 has mic preamps on 2 of the inputs.

[rarelyseen]

+1 for the Echo Audiofire 2. I use it for gigs all the time. Great sounding and sturdy little box.