Audio Interface For G4 Options

[macmusicpd]

I'm getting a great deal on a friend's G4. So I'll be saying goodbye to my G3 iMac. It's time for me to finally get the audio digital interface in order. And I'll be getting a new sequencer program to go with it.

The most I want to spend is $449 for the Mbox package. I've been using Pro Tools Free, so that seems to be a natural choice. But I just got the new Sweetwater catalog and there are a few new things, the Mackie Spike and another interface and software bundle by that reverb maker (I forgot the name, eek).

Does anybody have suggestions about what package would be best for my new G4?

Thanks!

[deathless]

i looked into the three interfaces you mentioned initially, the MBox, the Mackie Spike, and I believe you were refering to the new Lexicon unit. the mackie really impressed me except for 2 things. 1st, the software, Traktion, really irritated me. keep in mind though that i'm an experienced PT and DP user who is looking for a portable home rig. you can download a demo of traktion on the net. just search for the program, it's made by a 3rd party. 2nd were the mackie pre's. they're the standard VLZ pre's, which, while being incredibly wonderful, with loads of headroom, are way too clean to be a front end for a digital interface. with a tube pre i'm sure they would rock. my initial intention was to get an interface and later get the latest version of DP. since the release of the core drivers for the MBox, i went with that. i had too much trouble finding any info on the lexicon rig. as for the firestation, i've heard great things about it, but i don't think it comes with software, but i could be wrong.

-B