Audio Interface Suggestions

Hello All,

I just upgraded to a new computer due to major hardware crash and I'm looking for opinions, please, on audio interfaces. (My computer specs are at the end of this message.)

I'm leaning toward the MOTU 2408 mk3 as I've seen good comments about it plus I have two Tascam DM-24 boards (one for backup) and am hoping to get more life out of them (no support for the tascam if-fw/dm anymore. 'nother topic). I see that it has TDIF interfaces.

Any input would be greatly appreciated. Horror stories, accolades, etc.

I'm, currently, using my digi002 with WDM drivers. The ASIO drivers work, but SONAR's transport does not move and some tracks fade out. Besides the fact that I have an aversion to Avid and Pro Tools (ack! Ptooey!).

Thank you all in advance.

Wally

Computer Specs:
• 1 Asus Motherboard SABERTOOTH X79 Core i7LGA2011 X79 DDR SATA PCI Express ATX
• Intel Core i7 i7-3930K 3.20 GHz Processor – Socket R LGA-2011
• 2011 Cooling Fan
• 32 GB DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) RAM
• 2/Crucial M4 2.5" 256 GB SATA III
• NVIDIA GeForce GTX 570- 1.25GB GDDR5 RAM PCIe2.0
• NZXT Whisper Black Full Tower Computer Case
• OCZ ATX 700W Power Supply
• LG Blu-Ray Disc Burner
• Microsoft Windows 7 Pro 64Bit

Other Software:
• Vegas Pro 11/DVD Architect Pro
• Sound Forge Pro 10/CD Architect

Yep, Paul's pretty much got it nailed - what's the MAXIMUM number of tracks you'll want to record simultaneously?

If it's only 2 for example, the MOTU is overkill.

You'll like the performance of the 2408mkIII with the PCIe 424 controller card.
Assuming the DAW is well configured, you can go all the way down to a 16-sample ASIO buffer size.
Good choice for use with the digital console...

wtreppler


Thanks. I record, mostly, a few tracks at a time, but want to keep flexibility and ability to do full bands. At least up to 16 tracks at a time, if need be. What I really want to find out is what hardware to stay away from and what hardware is a very good value.

Upgrading my system opened my eyes to those companies that value their customer base and those that don't.
For instance Colin, I see you have the Saffire Pro 26. How is it? Has Focusrite supported it with drivers for new operating systems? 64 bit? Any problems getting it to play well with other gear/software in your system?

I just want to try and purchase something that has a better than average chance of becoming a boat anchor in 3-5 years. And, possibly allow me to use some of my existing equipment a few more years.

Thanks.

When my new DAW was built, the company that built it offered to install & configure the Pro 26 which I gladly accepted.
It turns out that although there is no specific 64 bit driver for it, Focusrite make a fully compatible one available which runs really well on my system.

On saying that, it will probably be the next thing that I upgrade in my system as modern units can achieve a lower latency than I can currently achieve.

I love my interface, can't beat the features.

http://www.tcelectronic.com/StudioKonnekt48.asp

I would really suggest against the MOTU compared to the sound of Focusrite. Compared my 2 MOTU 2408 mk2's to 2 Focusrite Sapphire pro 40's- no comparison! Much clearer, less digital-ish- by far. That's if latency isn't much of a problem for you and you're not doing a lot of MIDI and soft-synth work. I found the MOTU's are better latency-wise. 

Some guy on here had some MOTU's modified by... Black Lion?? ...something like that- and he was very pleased. Either way- both good interfaces. But the Focusrite's were much more musical sounding to my ear- and no comparison. But I do almost exclusively acoustic recording, monitoring through a vintage mixer- so latency is no big to me.

I would really suggest against the MOTU compared to the sound of Focusrite. Compared my 2 MOTU 2408 mk2's to 2 Focusrite Sapphire pro 40's- no comparison! Much clearer, less digital-ish- by far. That's if latency isn't much of a problem for you and you're not doing a lot of MIDI and soft-synth work. I found the MOTU's are better latency-wise.

 
If the OP is looking for 24 channels of TDIF I/O (on the audio interface)... he's probably using the Digital Console for A/D D/A.
 

• Focusrite's forte' is fidelity for the buck.
• MOTU's forte' is excellent ultra low latency performance for the buck
• RME - you get the best of both (and the price reflects that)

If 16 channels of I/O would suffice, the RME RayDat with two TEB (TDIF Expansion Board) units would be another option.

The Steinberg interfaces are picking up some positive feedback with their latest driver release apparently making them a very solid option. Supposedly they are good sounding units. I would like to hear one up close. 

I'm slowly shopping my way through a few of these with presonus vsl and steinberg as being the most interesting to me right now.

I want great sound, low latency and dependability at a decent price point. It seems like a crap-shoot sorting through all the offerings not named RME. 

Didnt MOTU and RME use the same converters at one point? I have this in my brain for some reason. I dont know if they still do or if they did in the past. Or maybe im just missinformed

Gaffpro


I have an RME UCX which I love....plenty of ins and outs for what I need.....

I have the RME Fireface UFX and love it over my Tascam FW-1184 (which is now just a control surface and 8 additional inputs via ADAT lightpipe to the RME).


Excellent sound quality.

My FW-1884 has never been buggy. If I had not sprung for the RME, I still be using it for an audio interface as well as a control surface.

I've got the 2408 MKIII with the PCIe card and love it!  I've had no issues at all and the input selection is huge, price is right as well  ; )