Ultralite MK3 vs. the competition?
Posted: Sat May 09, 2009 4:20 pm
I'm in the middle of deciding on what audio interface to upgrade to, as I'm sick and tired of the one I've been using (Line 6 Toneport UX2)--it's very unstable even after trying it on a few different computers. I'm now looking for a rock solid performer to replace it, and I have narrowed it down to just a few choices. My requirements are:
-PC compatible, and ideally XP and Vista, both 32-bit and 64-bit as I may use it with both my desktop and laptop.
-Rock solid performance, with no crackles, pops, bursts of noise, audio dropouts, or latency problems.
-Good quality converter. I know in this price range I won't find high-end converters, but I hope at least something that is good.
-Not cost an arm and a leg--I can't afford high-end units like the RME Fireface 400.
-Good preamps. Once again I know at this price range I won't find preamps that can match standalone units, but I hope at least something that is better than the average preamp on cheap mixers and audio interfaces. Lots of gain and clean sound is most important.
-Ideally it'll have onboard DSP so I won't tax the CPU when doing direct monitoring with effects while recording. But if all the other features are excellent I may live with no having onboard DSP, especially that a really good driver will allow me to do direct monitoring in the DAW host software without too much latency or CPU spike.
The interfaces I've narrowed my list down to are (all firewire, since I don't trust USB anymore, and PCI is tied to only one format--either desktop or laptop):
TC Electronic Konnekt 24D - They are still working on the driver for 64-bit, but I keep reading that it's got excellent converters and the preamps are nice too. The DSP effects are also suppose to be high quality. It doesn't seem to have a good reputation in terms of stability though. Also, it doesn't have a separate volume control for the headphones, which is kind of annoying.
Focusrite Saffire Le - The Le version has extra set of inputs, which the original version does not have (and is a deal breaker), but the Le version also does not have onboard DSP. The sound quality is suppose to be high, especially the preamps.
MOTU Ultralite MK3 - Seems to have a good reputation, but more expensive than the others, and doesn't have analog volume control placed after the DA conversion like the TC or Focusrite. Also read that the converters aren't all the great, nor is the preamp--they're just middle of the road.
M-Audio Profie 610 - Too new to know much about it, but appears to have good features, but no onboard DSP.
Next two are solid workhorses with proven record, but nothing great about themin terms of converter or preamps, and no onboard DSP.:
Edirol FA-66
So, please, if anyone here can comment and help me make a decision, I'd be very grateful.
PreSonus Firebox
-PC compatible, and ideally XP and Vista, both 32-bit and 64-bit as I may use it with both my desktop and laptop.
-Rock solid performance, with no crackles, pops, bursts of noise, audio dropouts, or latency problems.
-Good quality converter. I know in this price range I won't find high-end converters, but I hope at least something that is good.
-Not cost an arm and a leg--I can't afford high-end units like the RME Fireface 400.
-Good preamps. Once again I know at this price range I won't find preamps that can match standalone units, but I hope at least something that is better than the average preamp on cheap mixers and audio interfaces. Lots of gain and clean sound is most important.
-Ideally it'll have onboard DSP so I won't tax the CPU when doing direct monitoring with effects while recording. But if all the other features are excellent I may live with no having onboard DSP, especially that a really good driver will allow me to do direct monitoring in the DAW host software without too much latency or CPU spike.
The interfaces I've narrowed my list down to are (all firewire, since I don't trust USB anymore, and PCI is tied to only one format--either desktop or laptop):
TC Electronic Konnekt 24D - They are still working on the driver for 64-bit, but I keep reading that it's got excellent converters and the preamps are nice too. The DSP effects are also suppose to be high quality. It doesn't seem to have a good reputation in terms of stability though. Also, it doesn't have a separate volume control for the headphones, which is kind of annoying.
Focusrite Saffire Le - The Le version has extra set of inputs, which the original version does not have (and is a deal breaker), but the Le version also does not have onboard DSP. The sound quality is suppose to be high, especially the preamps.
MOTU Ultralite MK3 - Seems to have a good reputation, but more expensive than the others, and doesn't have analog volume control placed after the DA conversion like the TC or Focusrite. Also read that the converters aren't all the great, nor is the preamp--they're just middle of the road.
M-Audio Profie 610 - Too new to know much about it, but appears to have good features, but no onboard DSP.
Next two are solid workhorses with proven record, but nothing great about themin terms of converter or preamps, and no onboard DSP.:
Edirol FA-66
So, please, if anyone here can comment and help me make a decision, I'd be very grateful.
PreSonus Firebox