USB/Firewire Interface for MIDI and audio (Garage Band)

Question

USB/Firewire Interface for MIDI and audio (Garage Band)

I want to connect a Roland Handsonic (electronic drum) and Shure microphone to a Mac Pro for recording in Garage Band. What is the best USB/firewire interface for MIDI and audio?

Mac Pro desktop Mac OS X (10.4.8)

Posted on Jan 27, 2007 5:56 PM

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Answer 1

HangTime

Level 9

53,853 points

Jan 27, 2007 6:04 PM in response to psychedelic sunrise

What is your budget?

"Best" could be a couple of grand (but I doubt that's what you mean) B-)>

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Answer 2

Jan 27, 2007 6:28 PM in response to HangTime

Less than $500...

I saw an interface by M Audio for $150. The product received positive reviews, although some readers said it is missing features.

Mac Pro desktop Mac OS X (10.4.8)

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Answer 3

HangTime

Level 9

53,853 points

Jan 27, 2007 6:36 PM in response to psychedelic sunrise

$500 is an easy budget to stay under. Take a look at this:

http://www.bulletsandbones.com/GB/Tascam122.html

some readers said it is missing features.

Were there any particular features you were looking for? If you're just trying to get MIDI and Audio into your computer, this one is very good. If you need more channels, or something else, you have to tell us exactly what you want.

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Answer 4

Jan 27, 2007 6:45 PM in response to HangTime

Will the product you recommend connect the Roland electronic drum and a non-condensor mic to the Mac Pro? Will it connect a condensor mic (needs phantom power)?

If I wanted to record, say, three guitarists and the Roland electronic drum, would this be the best interface to use?

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Answer 5

HangTime

Level 9

53,853 points

Jan 27, 2007 6:56 PM in response to psychedelic sunrise

If you click one of the links you can read all about it in depth.

three guitarists

That's not what you asked for B-)>

Once you want more than 2 audio inputs, the prices start jumping up dramatically.

would this be the best interface to use?

If you really want "Best" then it's a simple answer:

http://www.bulletsandbones.com/GB/FirePod.html

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Answer 6

Jan 27, 2007 7:20 PM in response to psychedelic sunrise

Interesting. Another question now about the included recording software: Will it work with Garage Band and Pro Tools?

Does the Firebox have LED meters that show input levels?

Mac Pro desktop Mac OS X (10.4.8)

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Answer 7

HangTime

Level 9

53,853 points

Jan 27, 2007 7:23 PM in response to psychedelic sunrise

Take a look at this for something more moderately priced:

http://www.bulletsandbones.com/GB/FireWire410.html

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Answer 8

HangTime

Level 9

53,853 points

Jan 28, 2007 8:58 AM in response to psychedelic sunrise

about the included recording software: Will it work with Garage Band

To what software are you referring? GB is recording software.

Does the Firebox have LED meters that show input levels?

No, it only has clip leds, you use GB's meters to see the level.

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Answer 9

Bobsax

Level 1

73 points

Feb 8, 2007 11:39 AM in response to HangTime

Rather then start a new thread I thought I would try to piggyback on this one .

I would like to add two more mics and was wondering what was the best/cheapest 4 XLR in interface without software controls ? I have the Presonus Inspire II 1394 and I really don't like having to do the levels with software . Midi might be nice but I already have a separate midi box .

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Answer 10

HangTime

Level 9

53,853 points

Feb 8, 2007 12:48 PM in response to Bobsax

What is your budget?

As soon as you want more than 2 Mic PREs, costs go up dramatically.

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Answer 11

Bobsax

Level 1

73 points

Feb 8, 2007 1:26 PM in response to HangTime

I'm thinking $300 but there is always eBay the main question is what's the best one/deal ? I'd pay a little more for midi . Is Firewire really necessary with usb 2 ?
thanks in advance for the help

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Answer 12

HangTime

Level 9

53,853 points

Feb 8, 2007 1:34 PM in response to Bobsax

Is Firewire really necessary with usb 2 ?

Even FireWire 400 is faster then USB 2 when it comes to moving large data streams, and if you want 4 channels of data, FW is THE way to go.

$300 is tough, but let me poke around...

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