Who’s Interface Will Keep Me Happy?, compatible, reliable, interface Options

[soundpie]

I have been saving for some time now for a new home recording studio. In a couple of months I will be financially ready, so my research intensifies. I have pretty much decided on a Dual 2GHz PowerPC G5 using Logic Pro 7. For awhile I thought I was going with an M-Audio 410 to interface my midi keyboard, microphones and guitars, but now I am not sure this is the wisest choice. I will only be recording two, maybe three, instruments simultaneously, but 95% of the time it will be one instrument or vocal at a time while I add a track to existing ones. What interface might work the best for me?

I want to purchase a unit that will be dependable, compatible and keep me happy through system upgrades. I have read that some users have been disappointed with M-Audio’s driver support, and I am now looking at the MOTU 828MKII. But do I really need all of its features, and is there a better alternative to spending so much money on a device that offers more than I need? In any case, I would gladly invest more money in an interface with continued reliable performance, compatibility and support, than save a little money now on a unit that brings potential disappointment. I would like to “do it right the first time”, if you know what I mean. I would appreciate any suggestions.

[soundpie]

terrywil,

Again, congratulations. You seem to have found a device in which you are truly satisfied. Delving deeper into the MOTU website I see a company that appears to support and update their products, they even offer some online tech support. It sounds like you are a loyal, grateful customer and not a bad spokesman. You have put me back on the road towards the MOTU 828MKII. But I am patient and cautious, and would like to hear more from contented MOTU customers. I would still appreciate any suggestions. Thank you.

[TheKid]

Not sure how long this price is good but I found this on Amazon. $699 is best I've seen.

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detai...uments&v=glance

later -- Jeff

[ourmanflinty]

Go for a digidesign mbox or 002...that way you get PT s/w too mm lovely digi PT editing, Logic will use it no problem, no midi though...mbox has mic pre n phantom n usb n headphone o/p but only two channels. I like the logic 6/2 too, midi and audio all in sexy blue plastic with usb and no extra power leads...but it's on phono plugs which can be a cabling nightmare if you don't know what you are doing. Edirol ( roland ) do some useful interfaces as well, or go for one of the new breed of mini midi keyboard audio interface midi controller whizz bang do it alls with toy keys on like a korg. They're good.

[formatj]

I would not choose Mbox or Digi 002. They will both work great with ProTools but there are many people who have problems with the Digidesign Core Audio driver which is used by Logic, Cubase, Performer etc... There are also limitations with the core audio driver.
You can read about the Digidesign Core Audio driver here.
Also the minimum buffer setting for the Mbox is only 512
Even ProTools' very expensive HTDM system is very unreliable and buggy with Logic in OS X.

Do a search for 002 or Mbox on the Logic Users Group and you will find some very unhappy users of Digidesign products with Logic.

I would recommend RME Fireface (if you want to spend that much) or a MOTU 828MKII because it just works! It doesn't sound as good as the fireface though.

[soundpie]

Still appreciative of all the suggestions. I am still not completely sold on any one firewire interface. Here’s a Pro Logic forum that’s useful on the firewire interface topic. Best FireWire Interface?