nocturnal Posted October 30, 2011 Share Posted October 30, 2011 Hi Guys, My normal set up is a G5 (PowerPC) with a MOTU 24io but I'm getting a Mac Book Pro (with Intel finally) and I'm researching my options for a USB Audio Interface under about $200 or so. My first choice would have been an Apogee Duet 2 (great sound quality) but they are a bit pricey for my budget and I'm not crazy about their breakout cable setup. I don't do much recording (the occasional vocal hook once in a blue) and so would need it for mostly monitoring on my headphones or Mackie HR824 monitors. I also want something that has a quick and easy volume control. So I was considering: 1) Mackie Onyx Blackjack (I'm leaning toward this one) 2) Focusrite Saffire 6 or Scarlett 2i2 3) M-Audio Fast Track Any feedback, opinions or suggestions would be appreciated. Since I'm leaning toward the Mackie and the Saffire is the obvious competitor...I guess I'm looking for any possible reason to go with the Saffire instead (does it sound better or more transparent than the Mackie). The other thing I was wondering was that almost all of these are USB 1.1 (except the Scarlett which is USB2.0) should I be worried about using 1.1 and go for USB 2.0 instead? Thanks in advance for any help. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
triplets Posted October 31, 2011 Share Posted October 31, 2011 I would stay away from M-Audio, their drivers suck big time. From that list you gave I'd probably pick the Scarlett 2i2. Also get a FW800 external HD to record and save your projects to, that way you give the internal HD a break and the laptop will perform better. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nocturnal Posted October 31, 2011 Author Share Posted October 31, 2011 I would stay away from M-Audio, their drivers suck big time.From that list you gave I'd probably pick the Scarlett 2i2. Also get a FW800 external HD to record and save your projects to, that way you give the internal HD a break and the laptop will perform better. Thanks for the feedback triplets (M-Audio is off the list as I've heard negative reviews on them)! The Scarlett 2i2 is looking pretty good to me too. I have a Glyph 500GB 7200 RPM external (with Firewire and USB) to run my audio samples from as well as save my projects too. I also upgraded the Mac Book's internal drive to a 7200rpm. I'm going with the 17inch Mac Book Pro as it has 3 USB ports as oposse to the 15 inch which only has 2 (1 for my Controller, 2nd for the audio interface and 3rd for a mouse) Why would you go with the Scarlett over the Blackjack? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
triplets Posted October 31, 2011 Share Posted October 31, 2011 I like the layout of the Scarlett better. Big volume knob. Other than that at that price range, there's no real difference. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Red Robin Posted October 31, 2011 Share Posted October 31, 2011 I've got a Mackie Blackjack. Your research has doubtless already informed you that it doesn't have any MIDI ports but if that doesn't matter to you I'm gonna say it's truly a great bit of kit. Again, as you probably already know, the Onyx and other components inside are exactly the same as in other high end Onyx gear, so the quality is beyond question. It's also built like a tank (typical Mackie) and the angled interface is much more useful than you might realsie until you've used one. The angled bracket is removable if it doesn't suit you. Due to its Onyx preamps, converters, circuitry, it actually IS better than the competition at that price range. I really can't fault it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nocturnal Posted November 1, 2011 Author Share Posted November 1, 2011 I've got a Mackie Blackjack. Your research has doubtless already informed you that it doesn't have any MIDI ports but if that doesn't matter to you I'm gonna say it's truly a great bit of kit. Again, as you probably already know, the Onyx and other components inside are exactly the same as in other high end Onyx gear, so the quality is beyond question. It's also built like a tank (typical Mackie) and the angled interface is much more useful than you might realsie until you've used one. The angled bracket is removable if it doesn't suit you. Due to its Onyx preamps, converters, circuitry, it actually IS better than the competition at that price range. I really can't fault it. Thanks Red Robin. My original choice was the Mackie when I happen to come across the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2. They both have good solid reviews and look like they can do the job. From what I've read the Preamps seem to be pretty even but I don't do too much recording and if I did I would do it on my G5 with the MOTU 24io. For me the converters will be more important since I'll need them to do semi decent mix downs while on the road. From what I've read they both have pretty good AD/DA for their price point so it's tough to choose based on that research so far (without actually hearing them both). They have a lot of the similar if not exact the same features so the main difference I see are: * The Mackie is at a nice ergonomic angle but the Scarlett has a nice big volume knob. My current rig is hooked up to a Mackie 1642-VLZ Pro mixer and I never liked the monitor knob. It seemed to go from no sound to a bit too loud as soon as I touched it (if that makes any sense). * They both have dedicated 0 latency direct monitoring but from reading the user manuals only the Mackie has a dedicated volume knob for the input monitoring and the ability to monitor in mono or stereo. The Scarlett only has the the switch to turn direct monitoring on. * Mackie is USB 1.1 but does not need a driver to work on a mac. The Scarlett is USB 2.0 but you need to install a driver for it to work. I'm thinking for the quick audio and a few VSTi's dance/club type stuff that I'm doing I wouldn't notice a difference in the USB speed so I'm not sure if this even matters. Unless the USB 2.0 contributes that much more stability to make me go for the Scarlett, I think I will go for the Mackie for the ergonomic angle and the direct monitoring input volume control. I know I'm being way to picky for such a lower cost interface but I'm geeky that way. Thanks again for the feedback guys, much appreciated. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Red Robin Posted November 1, 2011 Share Posted November 1, 2011 ^ I can definitely see the attraction in the Scarlett and its plug-in suite might be useful when playing live gigs. As a huge amount of data isn't being sent, I don't think the USB difference is critical - Isn't it more important that the Mac has the processing power? [someone please correct me if I'm wrong]. There's no clear winner as I first thought perhaps, but..... The decision is down to you. Scarlett vid: http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b308/RedRobin_05/Music/Blackjack_435v2.png Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
onewave Posted November 2, 2011 Share Posted November 2, 2011 I'm going with the 17inch Mac Book Pro as it has 3 USB ports as oposse to the 15 inch which only has 2 (1 for my Controller, 2nd for the audio interface and 3rd for a mouse) I hope you enjoy your new 17" MBP and the Mackie as much as I do, they are amazingly powerful and portable. I did get the Blackbird, and I must say it sounds way better than I had expected. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nocturnal Posted November 2, 2011 Author Share Posted November 2, 2011 Thanks Red Robin and onewave, I decided to go with the Mackie. I couldn't resist after seeing the pic Red Robin posted. It should arrive in a few days, I'll report back as soon as it does and I give it a go. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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