AUDIO INTERFACE : USB vs FIREWIRE

[anthonytop40]

Hi All,
I am wanting to set up a portable recording/demo rig: MacBook Pro / Logic, and would appreciate any input from fellow
Cabbies(Taxi members) on what to get for an audio interface.

Should I go with a RME Babyface which is USB2.0 or a RME UFX which is way more $$ and features BUT also includes a
FireWire400 port..?? I have heard that FireWire has better Bandwidth for muti-channel recording.Apogee Duet is also an option
even though it has no midi features.


Cheers
AT40

[kclements]

I haven't used a USB interface because I have always heard that they had issues. I am sure that they are better now - especially since the newer MacBooks no longer include a FireWire port.

But I can tell you that I love my Duet. It sounds great, super portable, reliable and solid. I use it as my main interface as well as when I go on the road with my MBP/Logic rig. Highly recommend it. I know that the RME stuff is great too - but the Duet/Logic integration is really nice.

hth
kc

[t4mh]

especially since the newer MacBooks no longer include a FireWire port.

Really... I'll have to check that out. Mine's only 6 months old but it has the latest FW 800 Port. What a bummer for the future...

Later...

Just checked out the Apple MBP tech specs. Shows to still have a FW 800 Port. Not sure where you heard it didn't KC? Anyway, whew... what a relief!

[kclements]

Yup - sorry for the confusion. It's the MacBooks that no longer have FW. Also, the Pro's now only have FW800, so you have to get an adapter for the duet - but it is still a great interface.

Thanks for setting me straight.

kc

[anthonytop40]

Thanks guys - yeah I think only the 17" MBP's have firewire800 now.Rumour has it that new MBP's are being released soon as supply of the current line are running low at most retailers.

I have read many foum posts about the audio quality of Apogee Duet sayin' it's great - as Apogee always is....
Guess I'll also need a midi interface as well.Desicions....desicions....


AT40

[kclements]

Guess I'll also need a midi interface as well.Desicions....desicions....


AT40

I use the MOTU Fastlane - around $70 I think. 2 i/o ports, bus powered, very portable. Works like a charm.

kc

[mazz]

You only need a MIDI interface if you have devices that use MIDI that you need to control, otherwise, most stuff uses USB these days. In fact, if you shop carefully, you can get a USB MIDI controller that also functions as a regular MIDI interface. That is, if you're in the market for a controller. Otherwise, the MOTU stuff works well, as Kayle pointed out.

[anthonytop40]

Thanks KC & Mazz,

I've had my eye on the Novation 61 SL MKII for a midi-controller.I assumed I still needed a midi cable out from my controller to the MacBook Pro via either a MOTU Fastlane OR audio-interface that has midi I/O.

Does this mean a USB Midi-controller can go direct into a usb port on the MBP and away you go..??

I will only be using it to control on board software,no external modules as yet.



AT40

[mazz]

You are correct, USB only for the novation. I have the 25sl mk2 and it's very cool. The action is really nice, IMO. The automap takes a bit to learn, but it's great to have knobs and sliders that change to accommodate whatever soft synth or plugin is active. Very cool stuff. You don't need a "regular" midi interface.

[anthonytop40]

Thanks Mazz,

That's great news to my ears - I should have read up more on Novation.It's comforting to know others,such as yourself are using a brand/product and are happy with functionality/results.Salespeople are usually not much help in my experience.

This will definetely make the Duet an option for me.

Best Regards

AT40