Recommendations needed for another audio interface

[NealF]

Hi.

I'm on a Mac Pro 2010 and have been using the Apogee firewire Duet for at least 20 years.
From time to time it gets totally distorted. I've been able to fix it by unplugging the FW cable and replugging. Sometimes I just reinstall the software.

Well, those fixes no longer work. So I'm looking for another audio interface. The Focusrite Scarlett 4i4 3rd Gen USB Audio Interface has all the ins and outs I need, but I thought I'd check to see if anyone has any recommendations.

I'd like to keep it below $300 if possible.

Thanks.

[bayswater]

I’ve been using the Gen 1 version of the Focusrite for a while. It plods away and does what is expected of it. I’d check to make sure they’ve got the latest OS drivers. When I set up a Ventura test volume last year, it gave me a dire warning that I might disable the interface if I carried on. No doubt they’ve updated the software but that should be checked.

[NealF]

Thanks.
I'll check into it.

[NealF]

OK. This is weird.

The distortion is only happening on certain projects. Was working fine for months on those projects. Didn't change anything except tweaking mixes.

But the weird part is that when I route the audio outs to line out or any other output than the Duet, there's no distortion.

So now I don't know if it's a Duet problem or a DP problem.

[Guitar Gaz]

Just got the Motu M4 which I am really liking a lot.

[stubbsonic]

I'm curious how people would rank SSL, Focusrite, UA, and Audient.

[NealF]

Me too.

I loved my Duet. But they don't support it anymore. And it's gone weird at times for many years.
Now it's gone weird for good, I think.

[mikehalloran]

Reset the NV RAM. This rebuilds your FW and USB ports. If using FW devices through a hub, try direct connections only. I spent a lot of time with Apple on these issues with my G5 and 2010 iMac trying to get my FW connections bulletproof.

As for a new interface, read this thread.

https://www.motunation.com/forum/viewto ... 2&start=30

On the third page we get into mixers and the Mix/Blend/Balance control. If the interface does not have a mixer or something like CueMix then an I/O balance knob is most handy. I'm spoiled. No Scarlett interfaces have this, BTW.

SSL, Focusrite, UA, and Audient.

Since late 2019, most of the lesser priced interfaces are using the CL chip set. If you see Fast USB 2, 192k/24 Near Zero Latency in the specs, chances are good. SSL and NI are the only ones admitting it but MOTU M2/4/6, M•Audio, Mackie, PreSonus and many others are, too. All support Core Audio (required if connecting to an iPad) without drivers including the M2/4/6 though MOTU has Mac drivers that add Loopback functionality and lower the RTL slightly (about the same as moving your ears 14" closer to your monitor speakers). Where all differ are features and preamp sensitivity before getting to the CL chip, All have fixed Line Input levels that are probably not hot enough for most keyboards without a DI.

Audient does not and advertises 96k/24 USB 3 and requires Mac drivers. All of the marketing on their site can't make me ever consider one of their devices. Users report a number of problems connecting to iPads though the Apple Silicon iPads should. No thank you.

I have an M2, M4, a couple of Mackie FxProV3 (with built-in effects but only 2 channels out over USB—even the 33 input version). M2 does not have the I/O balance control—the rest do.

The one on my desk is an M•Audio 192|14. It's similar to the MOTU M6 but with an extra pair of DIs with input trim (5/6) and input gain settings on 1–4 that are just weird (plenty of gain but it's all between 9–10 on the knob). Can be found under $300 if you look around. Read my reviews here.
https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail ... -interface

I wish that MOTU would make an M8 with those two extra DIs and better input trim settings.

Most other MOTU interfaces have a built in mixer and CueMix (the MicroBook IIc Mobile has CueMix only) plus the ability to set Trim Levels in the Mic and Line inputs in 1dB steps. Some also let you chose between -10 and +4 before fine tuning digitally. Only the $249.95 MicroBook IIc is priced new below $300.
https://motu.com/products/motuaudio/microbook

[James Steele]

I've had really good luck with my MOTU interfaces and I tend to favor them since I work mostly in DP. That said, I've heard very good things about RME.

[mikehalloran]

I've had really good luck with my MOTU interfaces and I tend to favor them since I work mostly in DP. That said, I've heard very good things about RME.

RME rocks but this

I'd like to keep it below $300 if possible.

is Not possible with the latest Babyface at $999 and going up from there.

https://www.sweetwater.com/c682--RME--A ... b=low2high

[James Steele]

Wow. Had no idea they had nothing more budget friendly. They have a rep for writing the best drivers in the business.

[rickorick]

I just got an 828 MK2 for $90 and it works perfectly. It would work with a 2010 MacPro, I haven’t tried it with mine yet but it works with the 2006 MacBook Pro and the 2011 MacBook Pro.

[mikehalloran]

I just got an 828 MK2 for $90 and it works perfectly. It would work with a 2010 MacPro, I haven’t tried it with mine yet but it works with the 2006 MacBook Pro and the 2011 MacBook Pro.

There was a FireWire and a USB. Mine (FW) still works great and a few others around here have them as well. Components do age; heat is not kind to these and the last ones built are over 16 1/2 years old now. Mine was the one I was referring to in my first reply when I was working with Apple on FW problems.

[stubbsonic]

Thanks for that breakdown, MH. I'm happy to hear that the M-Audio passes muster. It wasn't on my radar because I was always looking for MIDI DIN (to interface my older gear). But for audio, it seems like a nice option.

[mikehalloran]

Thanks for that breakdown, MH. I'm happy to hear that the M-Audio passes muster. It wasn't on my radar because I was always looking for MIDI DIN (to interface my older gear). But for audio, it seems like a nice option.

It has MIDI DIN but on dongles (grrrrrrr). The included ones are black but they look like these. Lots of interfaces are going to them. Really? No one can find room for proper sockets? (why I oughta...)