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

It all depends on your input and output needs. The MOTU is a good choice, assuming it fits your requirements.

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.

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.

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...

Within the same price and in/out range, the choices are pretty much similiar.  Most modern interfaces work pretty well and sound pretty pretty much the same.

The real trick (and not much of one at that) is getting an interface that works w/o a lot of work on your system.  Just buy from a place that will let you return your interface for a different make if interface A has a problem w/ your system.  The moto is good - if it works fine.  If not, return it for the focusite.  If that doesn't work, it is your system not the interface's fault.

It is always good to get the best equipment you can afford.  That way you don't wonder if it is you or this crappy ....  On these boards, the most problem free interfaces seem to be RME, Roland, focusrite from  what I can tell.  OF course, I have a TC which many people seem to have problems with.  But you can't depend upon boards.  Most people that come to a forum are there because they are having a problem, not to praise.

16 tracks is going to put you into an upper bracket, although you could get an interface w/ a cheaper ADAT A/D for the times you need all those inputs.

@

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 have an RME UCX which I love....plenty of ins and outs for what I need.....I would also recommend Roland Octa Capture, and the UA Apollo.....I wanted the Apollo but the drivers weren't available for Windows at the time....in any event I was looking for great converters and the UCX has it in spades

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

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

Hey tac, I love my TCK 48 too.  Great sound here at home, esp. w/ a couple of external preamps.

@