Audio Interface with Logic-best bet?

I've been using a Firepod for the last 2 years and it's fine but today a friend of mine brought over a MOTU MK3 Traveller and it sounds so much better. He got it recently but has to sell it and offered it to me for a good deal. It's got me thinking that maybe I should have a look at some other stuff before committing so now I'm looking at the Duet or maybe even an Ensemble. The Firepod was nice because of all the inputs but I could live with only two(Duet) but would much prefer four mic inputs(Ensemble).

The Ensemble might be out of my budget at the moment so do I buy the MOTU MK3 Traveller(four inputs) off my friend or get the Duet?

Any Advice?

MacPro, Mac OS X (10.4.10)

Posted on Aug 26, 2009 4:44 PM

25 replies

Oct 1, 2009 9:17 AM in response to spidernook

I would make sure you actually listen to a pricier interface and make sure it sounds better to before passing up a deal and spending more.

I was all set to buy a box that had tons of recommendations for great sound, but it didn't end up beating out my cheaper alternative in a listening test. I had a bunch of audio guys make the comparison and we were all surprised how little difference there was in the sound of each.

So do a comparative recording/listening if that's possible.

Oct 1, 2009 9:27 AM in response to spidernook

I had a Duet, no actually I had two, one defective one that was replaced by another defective one, and since Apogee had two strikes against it, I returned my Duet and got a MOTU Ultralite mk3. No problems with MOTU, and I can't tell the difference in quality between the few recordings I could make with the Duet before it crapped out and the Ultralite. The Duet does look nice, tho.

gyanjha

Level 1

0 points

Oct 1, 2009 12:23 PM in response to James Bouchard

I am a singer, looking for an audio interface for my home studio. My only requirement is, it should support one microphone input for vocal and one midi input from my keyboard. I went through this thread and got to know about Duet. It is really impressive, but is it going to fulfill my requirement? My only confusion is whether Duet supports midi input. If Duet is not for me, can anybody please suggest me some other audio interface in same price range.

Oct 1, 2009 1:05 PM in response to gyanjha

gyanjha

Are you recording your keyboard "sound" (via analog stereo outs) or are you recording your keyboard "performance" (via MIDI)?

Does your keyboard output MIDI via USB or via the older MIDI port/cable?

Is your requirement to record both vocal and keyboard simultaneously?

The answer to these two questions will help folks steer you to the right solution.

gyanjha

Level 1

0 points

Oct 1, 2009 8:18 PM in response to SeattleMoose

I am recording my keyboard via MIDI not my keyboard sound.
My keyboard output MIDI via USB.
Recording vocal and keyboard simultaneously is not my requirement. Most of the time I record them separately.

Oct 1, 2009 10:47 PM in response to gyanjha

Since your keyboard is MIDI via USB it plugs directly into your Mac and would not be a factor in your decision for an audio interface.

You just need a quality audio interface for your vocals.

The Apogee One for $249US might be a good candidate for you. It is half the price of the Duet and is one channel whereas the Duet is two channels. It has a feature that the Duet does not have and that is a built-in microphone which would be nice for recording "on the fly". The Apogee One has the same quality A/D converters as the Duet. It would be the only audio interface you would ever need for "pro" sound on your vocals.

gyanjha

Level 1

0 points

Oct 2, 2009 8:46 AM in response to SeattleMoose

Thanks SM. It was really useful. One last question.
If I am recording MIDIs through USB and Vocal through Apogee One, will Apogee One output (to headphone) contain all MIDI as well as Vocal tracks? Or I will be able to hear only the Vocal track.
Requesting all audience to bear with my silly questions.

Oct 2, 2009 9:59 AM in response to spidernook

Apogee Duet... do-it.

Oct 2, 2009 10:44 AM in response to spidernook

If you're looking for the Best! option sound wise then the Rosetta series is the best way to go. I use the Apogee Rosetta 800, crisp highs and cleaner lows. I've had no issues with it and have been using it for the past 5 years. If its in your budget..GET IT! Its better than the Ensemble. If you're going to get anything better than the Rosetta you'll be paying over $4000.

Oct 2, 2009 12:38 PM in response to gyanjha

gyanjha

Yes, both the One and the Duet allow for realtime stereo monitoring of what is happening in Logic. If you have 32 tracks of vocals/MIDI playing that is what you will hear via these interfaces. Most audio interfaces allow for stereo monitoring.

I would buy the Duet if you can afford it as you never know when you may need the 2nd channel. But if money is an issue the One should cover the requirements you have specified.

You can't go wrong with Apogee's sonic quality.

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Audio Interface with Logic-best bet?