Seeking audio interface advice for the Mac Pro

[Rowl]

Can anyone advise on replacement options for my MOTU 2408mk3 - looks like there's no connectivity compatibility with the Mac Pro at all

I've already been advised that the 16a is the way to go but its a little pricey at 1k+ and wondered if there are any other suitable options that compare favourably with the MOTU 2408mk3 ?

[EMRR]

First, have you already bought a Mac Pro? Are you sure you need a Mac Pro? The iMac will do a whole lot for a lot less $$$$.
The 16A sounds great and is totally worth the extra cost for the sound acquired. But if you don't use AD/DA converters, it would be wasted on you.

[mikehalloran]

Yes, a 27" iMac i7 is a great machine with DP... Or not, depending on what you are doing and how. This we do not know.

The 2408 will not work with an iMac either. Frankly, I've not missed mine which is our on permanent loan to a friend.

As to the ideal interface, MOTU has choices. Without knowing how you are using your 2408, we're guessing blindly. My 828mkII does great for me. If I were to go to an nMP, I'd be looking at the 828 mkIII or 828x. But that makes sense for me and I am not you.

[Rowl]

Thanks very much for your replies.

I compose and record music using Cubase. Until recently I was using a G5 mac which has since expired and is all but redundant nowdays anyway.

Now I have a Mac Pro/os x Yosemite 10.10.3 (not just for music) and I only need to be able to connect my 5 instruments to an audio interface again.

I have x3 piano synth keyboards, an instrument effects interface and a drum machine which were routed through my MOTU 2408mk3 and the MOTU MIDI express128. These are connected to a mixer.

I now understand that I’ll need to replace my MOTU 2408mk3, probably with the 828x.

As I’m not a professional and not very technical I’m afraid, here are a couple of questions:

I’m assuming the latest/Thunderbolt audio interfaces have integrated internal sound cards now?

What is nMP?

Any advice gratefully welcomed

[monkey man]

nMP = new Mac Pro = Darth Vader's Helmet

Soundcards aren't integrated if you're referring to synth-voice cards, such as were found in some old PC interfaces.

If it's a PCI-424e-style card you're thinking of, the answer is yes. Sort of. There's more DSP available for effects and fancy routing in the newer units, but I suspect that much of the work done by the 324 / 424 cards has been passed off to the 'puter now.