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Hi all,

I think my digital interface from 2008 is getting ready to bite the dust. Random flickering lights here and there, etc., so I'm in the market for a replacement. Any suggestions? My DAW is Mac based and I use Logic Pro. I primarily lay down MIDI tracks and seldom have a need for actual audio or vocal, though the capacity to do it would be nice if ever needed.

So basically I need an interface with low latency that is compatible with my Mac and will handle MIDI I/O no trouble. So far I've looked at M-Box and Behringer. Suggestions appreciated!

Hi Loren, not sure if you've checked out the Universal Audio Apollo Twin interfaces yet, but I find the UA interfaces to be irreplaceable (I use the Apollo 8 Blackface, but the functions are essentially same as this Twin). The nice thing about this interface is that it will give you the ability to use the Universal Audio plugins, if you ever decide to use them. They come in either Thunderbolt , FireWire , or USB versions, so would be compatible with whatever setup you are using. You can find a used Twin for under $500 on eBay . So there's my Universal Audio commercial for the day . Good luck with whatever you decide to go with.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Universal-Audio ... Swec9ZsgVq

depends on your particular Mac Loren - and also your budget.

If you have a thunderbolt port - all the UA interfaces would be great.

They come in either Thunderbolt , FireWire , or USB versions,

Although the USB version is only supposed to work on PC and the Firewire version needs a FW800 port - and its basically the QUAD version 1 without the Thunderbolt port. Fine if you never upgrade your mac.....but if you ended up with a mac in the future with a thunderbolt port, you might regret the money spent on the Apollo Firewire.

If you don't have a thunderbolt port, then look at the Apogee Duet 2 (USB). The Apogee stuff integrates with Logic pro very well.

if you are looking for a budget deal check the Focusrite Scarlett series.

if you are looking for a budget deal check the Focusrite Scarlett series.

For about $135-$150 you can get the Focusrite Scarlett 2 input interface. Works great if you're primarily a MIDI composer and don't have much call for multiple mic recordings (although it will record 2 mics simultaneously no problem).

~~Matt

Great guys, thanks for the ideas.

Loren, midi is fairly simple and straight forward. Most keyboards or controllers already have it. What interface do you have now? If I didn't use audio very much, I'm not sure I would rush out to buy one if my old interface was working. If I just had money burning a hole in my pocket,lol, I would probably be looking at midi controllers?? Foot controllers, wind controllers, daw controllers, pad controllers...

Loren,

I totally agree with Matt. I have used a Focusrite interface for years and it works fine for live music and midi.

An 8 channel rack mount will run about 500 bucks but will give you many years of quality.

IMO you don't have to get caught up in the Thunderbolt stuff. I have recorded a whole mic'd drumset, with live bass and guitar without any latency issues.

I would get a MOTU MIDI I/F, separate from my audio I/F; a combo I/F probably only makes sense on a PC. Beyond that, Antelope, Apogee, UAD and Focusrite all have some good stuff goin' on.

Hi Loren,

I love my Focusrite clarett 8prex. Connects to Mac by thunderbolt and has 8 channels for multi tracking drums.

There seem to be many good choices available. I hope you find one that is perfect for you.

Michael

Sometimes the mirror suggests I need to replace my outerface...