In the price range $300 - $800, what is the highest quality audio interface with lowest latency, assuming you only need 2 line inputs, 2 XLR inputs, headphone output, 2 speaker outputs. (More I/O is certainly OK). I plan on buying an iMac quad core i7 with 8 Gs of RAM.
iMac, iOS 4.3.3
I use the Firewire Apogee Duet. They have newer one's out now which are supposedly better & lower latency.
Mine has been brilliant! And the AD/DA converters are second to none.
Thanks for your response.
I forgot to mention an impotant detail. Beyond the minimum needed 2 audio inputs, I also need midi inputs. The Apogee Duet unfortunately does not have them. Do you know what might make a good choice then for a quality audio interface with at least 2 line inputs, 2 XLR inputs, headphone output, 2 speaker outputs, + midi IN/OUT.
Thanks,
Craig
Well I don't really use MIDI, because the contoller I use is a AKAI MPK25, which connects via USB. So running MIDI isn't really needed.
I'm guessing your using an older controller without USB capabilities?
yes I have an older Motif es6 and it doesn't have usb for it's MIDI interface
How about something like this: http://www.amazon.com/Cable-Converter-Music-Keyboard-Window/dp/B0017H4EBG
hmmm! I wonder if that would work?! I'll check it out. That would certainly give me more options
Thanks! Good suggestion.
craigfromaptos wrote:
hmmm! I wonder if that would work?!
Yeah, not too sure. Worth checking it out though. Would even be worth buying for the price. And if it works, it works. If it doesn't, you're only $5 out of pocket.
I use a MOTU UltraLite mk3 Hybrid and it works great. Look at the other motu stuff at www.motu.com
thanks for the suggestion jeff. However I just bit the bullet and finally ordered an RME Babyface. So I'll see what happens with it.
Thanks,
Craig
Hope it goes well for you.
I remember back when I was wanting to get a RME Fireface 800. Can't say I've heard of the BabyFace, so I hope it works out for what you need it for, and the AD / DA converters are up to the standard you want.
Good luck!
Thanks AussieDJ. Supposedly RME designed Babyface to be an Apogee Duet killer. I don't know if it achieves the goal but since it gets a lot of good press from professionals, I'll thought I'd go for it.
Oh really? I didn't now that, but it makes perfect sense now. I was wondering when i had a look just before, that it appears to target a similar market with it's design etc. So that will be interesting to find out what you think of it when you get it.
Let us know.
Yes I will.
I should recieve the equipment in about a week and a half. After I install it and use it, I'll post my experience. Of course I won't be able to compare it to anything else since it is my first AI experience.
I've tried many, but it you want the best but still at reasonable price try the Roland Cakewalk UA-25EX. Very reliable, excellent specification, well made. See http://www.roland.com/products/en/UA-25EX/
whats the best audio interface for iMac
