MOTU or FOCUSRITE... under $500 which would YOU go with????

[Anthony Duran]

The subject says it all, but specifically looking at the "Focusrite Scarlett 8i6 (250.00)", and the "MOTU Audio Express (395.00)"

Any experience with these pre's or Drivers?

[Machinesworking]

MOTU, firewire and USB 2.0 VS simply USB 2.0 on the Focusrite. The Reason that's important? because in 4 years every computer is going to have either USB3 or Thunderbolt, and firewire with a converter will provide better throughput most likely. Plus the two options give you twice as much of a chance of getting low latency with a converter.

[Machinesworking]

MOTU, firewire and USB 2.0 VS simply USB 2.0 on the Focusrite. The Reason that's important? because in 4 years every computer is going to have either USB3 or Thunderbolt, and firewire with a converter will provide better throughput most likely. Plus the two options give you twice as much of a chance of getting low latency with a converter.

Ah, didn't catch that. Yep, he's right.

Though I'm not sure on prices, if I remember right there are Focusrites with Firewire.

Both are good, though it's arguable that if you're running OSX MOTU make smoking solid mac drivers, and meh! pres.
Again though they're upgradable from Black Lion Audio.

[vrt]

I've got the Focusrite USB 6, and I used to have a Focusrite Firewire 14. The mic preamps sound as good as their reputation.

best regards,
Sal

[Hermanus]

I have choice, but I cant make it.

Focusrite Saffire
Pro24 or Pro24 DSP?

but what is the extra DSP?
Is the monitor simulation worth the cost?
DO we have several real outputs for cuing in ableton live?

Ok the 24DSP is sexier than the 24. It has optical in [cool for my MD drives]

Damn I've just answered my question

I purchased a mackie U420 mixer/firewire... What a C R A P ! ! ! !
Very frustrating piece of hardware, well it has been good during one month and a half, then crappy noise into the inputs even without anything plugged in. GRRRRR

Hopefully the store has a good after sale service.
They got it in reparation and after a week the guy told me from the techboy's words: "it's a weak one, really not professional"

So they told me to choose something else to replace. it is repared but they are sure I'll have same problem with it again. Nice move from them [maybe because I'm a new customer lol]

The saffire firewire is the one I guess but I still have a doubt about DSP.
Do I need this feature?

[doghouse]

Another Focusrite user here...Saffire Pro 40. The sound is great, better metering than most competitors (5 LEDs per channel rather than just "signal" and "clip") and the software allows multiple different phone mixes. Bus powered or a real AC supply

You also get a copy of Live Lite though I doubt anyone here needs one