computer interface: which one to get?

[Gian]

Hi all

I am trying to decide on what computer interface to get and so I am looking at suggestions, opinions, etc.
Up until recently I was using a MOTU 828 (mark I).

I am only able to spend up to, but not over $1000.

Here is a bit about what I have/do.

I will be recording every month or so for several days at a time.

I have a macbook.
I have some good hardware pres and eqs (JLM).
I can use either cubase or reaper.
I am happy with either Firewire or USB connection.

I will be recording vocals, acoustic/elec guitar, bass and percussion, but only need to record two balanced inputs at once.
I would like to have at least two balanced outs (that are independent of main/monitor outs).

My recording chain will be:
mic -> jlm pre -> JLM EQ -> JLM Comp -> Interface -> Macbook

Here is what I have been looking at:
* TC Electronic Konnekt Live (or 24D)
* MOTU UltraLite-mk3
* Presonus Firebox

The Ultralite retails for over $1000 but you can haggle with retailers, or I can keep a look out on ebay for stuff, for under the $1000 mark price point.

I like the TC Konnekt Live and would probably have bought it this morning, but the sales person said there were driver problems. I did a google search and some articles suggest there are driver issues that have plagued it. However, I am still open to purchasing it if people here have had positive results with it.

Any thoughts/suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

[TimS]

I think you answered your own question Gian - you said the Ultralite is possibly over your budget and the Konnekt Live is plagued with driver problems.
Presonus would be a good option - quality items and stable gear..
I guess however, it depends on what each piece brings to the table in regards to your needs.. particularly if you want to EXPAND your system later..

[Gian]

*snip*
I guess however, it depends on what each piece brings to the table in regards to your needs.. particularly if you want to EXPAND your system later..

True, I agree about the expandability. The Konnekt and the Motu allow you to daisy chain up to 4 items via the firewire.

Most of these types of products at this price point have built into their pres phantom, pad, phase, gain, etc. But if I already have some good pres, is there such a product that doesn't have the bells and whistles in the pre area, and just has good AD and DA?

[heathen]

Maybe check out some of the RME stuff as well, usually pretty good gear.

[walding]

Maybe check out some of the RME stuff as well, usually pretty good gear.

Yep a notch over Motu thats for sure.

[chris p]

http://www.gearslutz.com/board/low-end-theory/156921-echo-audiofire-4-presonus-firebox.html

http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/may07/articles/echoaudiofire4.htm

At this price point its still a step up from the old MOTU. However, as per our emails I still think you'd be better off hiring the odd converter for the couple of days per month while saving for a converter you can keep rather than one that's just another step on the road to where you want to be.

[beatmad]

I've got an RME Fireface 400. You can pick them up second hand for around $1100-1200. There are plenty of cliche's around about the sound of converters but all I can say is since getting the RME everything I record is much clearer. I didn't realise that parts I thought need EQing were just cloaked in converter haze. I'm doing electronic stuff and I can't imagine needing anything better than these for my purposes.

[jkhuri44]

last time i spoke to tturra music about the driver issues on the konnekt devices, they said they were resolved.

now, i'd hope that was a statement they'd back, if i bought when after our conversation.

[Gian]

last time i spoke to tturra music about the driver issues on the konnekt devices, they said they were resolved.

now, i'd hope that was a statement they'd back, if i bought when after our conversation.

Hi, I spoke to Steve at Turra music, and he was pointing me away from the Konnekt devices and I asked if the issues were current ( as in today) and he said yes. I spoke to him on 3rd April (last friday). In fact after seeing the features I was prepared to purchase the Konnekt Live there and then over the phone, but he talked me out of it.

[Gian]

ok, I have had a look at all the interfaces mentioned, and I appreciate everyones suggestions.

I like the thought of the RME (second hand - will keep a look out)

However, I was thinking (I know, dangerous), and as I mentioned before, most of these products have preamps with their various features like phase, phantom, etc. but since I have good pres I should (theoretically) only need the AD/DA part.

I had a look at RME and apogee and they have converters with no pres, but these were well above my budget than the products that included the pres.

So, does anyone have any suggestions of products that have the AD/DA but, it need to be able to connect to my macbook so I guess it needs firewire or USB.

Oh, perhaps I am barking up the wrong tree, if that is the case, please set me straight.

thanks

[Sammas]

I'm a strong advocate for quality over quantity. Have you considered the Apogee Duet?

[Gian]

I'm a strong advocate for quality over quantity. Have you considered the Apogee Duet?

Hi, yes I have considered it.

It has 2 balanced In but the 2 outs are unbalanced, and I was hoping to keep everything balanced in my setup. I could get some unbalanced to balanced converters, but then I am adding extra bits, which is not necessarily out of the question.

[Gian]

I'm a strong advocate for quality over quantity. Have you considered the Apogee Duet?

OK Nat, I have been thinking more about it.

Have you had experience with the Duet? I have read reviews and they are all very positive.

[heathen]

you really can't go wrong with Apogee gear, the thing is there is'nt much in between cheap prosumer and good pro gear, always a big price gap and usually quality gap.

I went through the same dilemma and ended up just saving for my Rosetta 200, I liked so much I then saved up for a Rosetta 800, but these units are way off your budget as you said. If I were you (which I'm not ) :) I'd save up for something which has more inputs and outputs so you can expand later if needed.

Also our dollar is creeping up in value again, maybe have a look in the gears#$%^ classifieds or ebay and buy something from os.

Ebay aus: 190298609172
ebay us: 300306418282
ebay us: 270369975557
ebay us: 140311701840

Just a few examples.

[PeterR]

I have a K24D and it works fine on the 3 PCs I've used it on (including a ricoh FW laptop @256 samples) but I wouldn't get one because its still a big risk. Sounds a LOT better than my Mbox though.

I dont think buying a FW interface is a good idea at all anymore. Since apple dropped it from their macbook and RME have released specs for FireFace UC which is a FF400 with usb2. That would be my choice - they are claiming less than 20 samples minimum buffer on OSX!!

If the FireFace UC had existed 12 months ago I defninitely would've bought it over the K24D.

[Gian]

OK, I have done it. I ordered a Duet. Hopefully receive it Wednesday or Thursday next week.

If I need to record with more ins and outs, I will hire something or go somewhere.

Thank you all for your help and suggestions.
I have appreciated it. It has helped me make a decision.