Best Audio Interface I can get for ~$300

by **Cov** » Tue Mar 08, 2011 3:15 am

Most bang for the buck?
PROBABLY used.

Apogee (Duet), TC Electronic (Impact Twin), MOTU (UltraLite), Presonus... Focusrite (Saffire), Mackie Onyx Blackbird (heard great things about Onyx preamps).

For use with latest Logic Pro and possibly PT 9 eventually.

Electric & Acoustic Guitars and Vocals... for now

Thanks!

by **Parkol** » Tue Mar 08, 2011 4:58 am

I used Focusrite Saffire and I would buy it agaian and again, but also MOTU (UltraLite) is the best choice...

by **Scott Jackson** » Tue Mar 08, 2011 6:11 am

http://www.guitarcenter.com/PreSonus-Fi ... 1471883.gc

by **Cov** » Tue Mar 08, 2011 4:02 pm

Any specific reasons? (So I learn something)

by **Scott Jackson** » Tue Mar 08, 2011 4:09 pm

Cov wrote:Any specific reasons?

For what?

by **triplets** » Tue Mar 08, 2011 7:52 pm

Probably your reasons for the Presonus, Scott.

If you can get your hands on a used Ultralite mk1 (previous generation), which had 2 FW ports in the back, go for it.

by **Scott Jackson** » Tue Mar 08, 2011 8:08 pm

triplets wrote:Probably your reasons for the Presonus, Scott.

Oh, I wasn't sure if the OP was addressing me or Parkol.

by **Cov** » Thu Mar 10, 2011 6:33 pm

triplets wrote:If you can get your hands on a used Ultralite mk1 (previous generation), which had 2 FW ports in the back, go for it.

Why something that old? and 2 FW ports?

by **druu** » Thu Mar 10, 2011 9:55 pm

Something that old = cheaper but same function
Extra fw port so you can daisy chain a drive if need be

by **David** » Sat Mar 12, 2011 9:26 am

If the Duet has all the features you need, go for it, it's the best sound quality of the pack in that price range. If you need more features, look at offerings from MOTU or Presonus.

by **Cov** » Sat Mar 12, 2011 3:46 pm

David wrote:If the Duet has all the features you need, go for it, it's the best sound quality of the pack in that price range. If you need more features, look at offerings from MOTU or Presonus.

I can't afford the Duet, it goes for more than I thought..
Looking at the Focusrite new ones

by **THEjohncarroll** » Sat Mar 12, 2011 5:49 pm

I'm a big fan of the Firestudio Mobile. I was only using it when I travel, while using my FS Project at home. Did a a/b between the two recently, and the mobile sounds better to me. Not sure why, maybe a better clock or newer converters. Anyway, you won't go wrong with Firestudio Mobile.

by **Cov** » Sun Mar 27, 2011 12:11 am

David wrote:If the Duet has all the features you need, go for it, it's the best sound quality of the pack in that price range. If you need more features, look at offerings from MOTU or Presonus.

What do you think of the Focusrite Saffire David?

by **k.veenvliet** » Mon Mar 28, 2011 5:22 am

Take Motu. Not a TC Electronic, because of the drivers. Motu and pre drivers are very good...

by **David** » Mon Mar 28, 2011 12:13 pm

Cov wrote:What do you think of the Focusrite Saffire David?

I don't have any experience with them.

by **manofra** » Mon Mar 28, 2011 2:04 pm

k.veenvliet wrote:Take Motu. Not a TC Electronic, because of the drivers. Motu and pre drivers are very good...

+1 here. MOTU always worked fine. TC Electronic was nothing but trouble for me, and quality was certainly inferior.

druu wrote:Extra fw port so you can daisy chain a drive if need be

Yes. That's what I do here with my 828 MK2. I can boot AND run the computer from the backup drive if the main HD fails. Really sweet.

Mano

by **Cov** » Wed Mar 30, 2011 8:49 pm

k.veenvliet wrote:Take Motu. Not a TC Electronic, because of the drivers. Motu and pre drivers are very good...

pre.. sonus?

by **druu** » Tue Aug 09, 2011 4:44 am

Duet for sure!

by **David** » Tue Aug 09, 2011 2:06 pm

druu wrote:Duet for sure!

The OP already eliminated the Duet because it's too expensive.

I would consider either the Presonus Audiobox or the Presonus Firestudio mobile (depending on your I/O needs).

by **bobsbarricades** » Thu Aug 25, 2011 7:58 am

David wrote:
druu wrote:Duet for sure!

The OP already eliminated the Duet because it's too expensive.

I would consider either the Presonus Audiobox or the Presonus Firestudio mobile (depending on your I/O needs).

@David - the audiobox seems like a pretty solid deal. My issue- I'm using a Focusrite SaffireLE right now that is pretty much dying. Only on input left that works and I'm told they're designed to break! >.<

I don't want to get into this situation again and was curious if these little guys are gonna break down on me like Focusrite (lost customer...) or if it's a different mindset for budget consumers and they get the proper goods.

that you recommend it speaks volumes but I'm still curious.

Best Audio Interface I can get for ~$300

Best Audio Interface I can get for ~$300

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