Retooling my setup - audio interface recommendations

[SixStringGeek]

Giving up on my old cheese grater and moving to a MacBook Air M2 24G/2T that I had bought for work but since I'm done writing software I might as well put it to good use.

This means my 828MK2 Firewire interface is pretty much useless, (or is it?). It is also overkill since I've sold all my hardware synths except for my Korg Kronos and that has USB2 MIDI/Audio. Swapped my guitar amps for a Helix - also USB MIDI/Audio.

The only thing I need an interface for is microphones and monitoring and I have outboard preamps. I'm also now very space limited so the desktop gizmos with 4 outs and a knob for monitor switching/control are pretty attractive. I could retire my space eating BigKnob.

I see units from various brands ranging from about $150 to $1500. Is there so much of a difference? Pros and cons on various models appreciated.

Yes, I realize this is probably a bit like heading down to the marina and asking for opinions on anchors.

Looking at
El Cheapo FW400 -> USBC adaptor (is it really likely to be reliable for time critical audio?)
MOTU M4
Focusrite Scarlett 4i4 4th Gen USB Audio Interface
Universal Audio Volt 4 USB-C
Audient iD24 10 x 14 USB-C Audio Interface


Something else? Key features I want USBC, 2 sets of monitors w/switch and volume knob, 4 inputs.

[stubbsonic]

I have a MOTU M4 for remotes and for if/when my RME Fireface 800 no longer works.

The problem I had with the M4 had to do with Mac OS Sleep and waking from sleep.

My FF800 loses MIDI when the Macbook sleeps, so I've had to disable sleep anyway.

I'm not saying you shouldn't get an M4. Just that it might be a good thing to inquire as to how any of them deal with sleep and waking from sleep.

[mikehalloran]

or is it?

Nope. If it still works, a couple of adapters will get you there. But is that what you want? Probably not.

The MOTU M4 will likely get the job done but has only 2 mic pres. The M6 gives you 4.

I’m using the M-Audio AIR 192|14. Like the M6 but with an extra pair of Instrument Inputs and 8 out over USB.

[mikehalloran]

The only adapters that work are the Apple FireWire to Thunderbolt and the Apple TB2 to TB3. You need both to connect the 828 plus a FW400 to 800 cable or adapter. No other setup works.

The Apple FW-TB adapter is no longer available new but there were a few hundred on eBay last I checked.

The correct driver is found under the 828mk3 Hybrid.

[HCMarkus]

Although I use (and love) my MOTU 828ES in the studio, my live rig interface is a third-gen Focusrite Scarlett Solo. It has been flawless on my M1 MacBook Air, used only as an output device for live shows and remote studio gigs.

I carry a spare as part of my rig but have never had to break it out.

[mikehalloran]

I see units from various brands ranging from about $150 to $1500. Is there so much of a difference? Pros and cons on various models appreciated.

Yes, I realize this is probably a bit like heading down to the marina and asking for opinions on anchors.

Something else? Key features I want USBC, 2 sets of monitors w/switch and volume knob, 4 inputs.

Anything released October 2019 and later supporting Fast USB 2 (yea, that's a standard so lk for it) is going to be good and will work over Core Audio. Most will not have Mac drivers. Others that do including the M4 use them to include additional functionality (loopback for the M4). For what you are doing, you have no need for a USB3/Thunderbolt interface that requires drivers just to work on a Mac (everything requires drivers for Windows).

Ignore advertised RTL (round trip latency) numbers. The difference between Core Audio over Fast USB 2 and the few TB3 interfaces out there is about the same as moving your ears 14 inches closer to your monitors. Buffer size and plug-ins can have a great deal of effect.

Shop features. Know your signal flow to make certain that whatever you buy will do what you need. You want to switch between two sets of monitors at the interface and eliminate a monitor controller? The M4 won't do that; neither will the AIR 192|14 although both can drive two pairs of monitors.

[bayswater]

I'd encourage you to look at the Scarlett. They seem to have a reputation as cheap entry level stuff maybe because they are inexpensive. I got the Gen 1 18i8 without time to try it out because my 828-3 stopped working. But I've compared it to many other interfaces, including the new MOTUs since, and I haven't heard anything to get me to change, except I can hear an improvement in the Gen 4 Scarletts so I might be getting one. Very reliable -- I set it up in a few minutes day one and have never had to do anything with it since.
If they still make one, you might want to look at one with an ADAT input. Very convenient if you need to bring in a few more channels from time to time.