Which Audio Interface Looking at 2018?

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Level 1

4 points

Which Audio Interface Looking at 2018?

Hi All. Glad to have found this forum and hoping I'll find a solution to my query.

Just upgraded to latest MacOS Sierra and using latest Logic Pro (I always upgrade).

I work on both a desktop and laptop Mac that have 16GB memory.

I am a songwriter and have no interest whatsoever in producing the ultimate recording. I just need to lay my guitar and vocals tracks down raw and then sometimes add some other software instruments via a keyboard using LogicPro-provided sounds.

I was very happy with an MBox2 as an audio interface. Alas, that piece of machinery is today moot. And finding another interface (one that is compatible with the latest MacOS and LogicPro) to replace my MBox2 with something as simple has proven to be a challenge.

I do my research and, to confuse me, I find that reviews of audio interfaces confuse me.

I am not rich and so, I try to find cheap stuff that works (my needs are minimal).

Here's what I found:

Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 is chosen by many, but reviews by some (not all) folks who have used it more than one year described some issues -- mostly with latency, hardware breakdowns, customer service. So, no.

Also: https://studiogearexperts.com/best-audio-interface/htm

Also: https://www.wirerealm.com/guides/best-audio-interface-for-logic-pro

And: http://logicstudiotraining.com/members/how-to-choose-a-logic-pro-guitar-interfac e/

Then I remembered Apogee's ad as the "Swiss Knife" of interfaces: http://www.apogeedigital.com/products/one/mac

I'm looking for the ultimate replacement for my MBox2. Does anyone have a recommendation?

Thanks.

Rogér

Logic Pro

Posted on Dec 11, 2017 5:32 PM

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Answer 1

kerochan

Level 4

1,065 points

Dec 12, 2017 12:48 AM in response to rogerfahr

Rogér Hi

The latest OS is High Sierra, which many are having various problems with.

You say you have Sierra, which should be fine, though you need to check the websites of whichever interface you order, to make sure it will be compatible.

The Focusrite Scarlet 2i2 2nd generation is a good choice, I have a friend who uses it with Logic and Sierra (not High Sierra), no problems at all.

There are so many choices.

Apogee are a higher end interface, along with RME and Universal Audio etc etc

I would say go for the best you can afford, whichever interface you decide to buy, check the manufacturers website's OS compatibility charts and computer system requirements.

I went from an Mbox to a Universal Audio Apollo, not cheap, but amazing, no problems at all, though my OS is El Capitan.

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Answer 2

S.2

Level 2

158 points

Dec 12, 2017 3:46 PM in response to rogerfahr

If you aren't in a rush, I'd say really take the time to browse the web and maybe your local music store to see what is out there and put it together with what features are important to you, cost of course being a concern. I've looked at the Apollo, Audient, Apogee, Sound Devices, Zoom and more and for my workflow and needs, I've finally settled on the Sound Devices Mix-Pre 6. Just because that's the right mix for me though doesn't mean it will be for you.

BTW the things I like about that one are the super low noise pre-amps, analog limiters, very high dynamic range, high gain pre-amps (in case you use a dynamic) and I especially like the fact that I can record to the SD card at the same time it's active as an interface. So, that last feature gives me a back up as I'm recording should something go bonkers on my mac. It's also fairly portable too. The UA Apollo is also great and has the ability to load plugins directly to it to mimic popular mixers. Just see what makes sense for you.

Good luck!

Steve

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Answer 3

Dec 12, 2017 8:10 PM in response to rogerfahr

Are you sure you need one? From what you say you probably don't. You can do quite good work going straight into the Mac's 3 mm socket for audio in. I have done so myself back in 2006 selling jingles. Grab a Shure sm57 and ya good to go.

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