Best audio interfaces for Imac

Going to get the new Imac and need suggestions for garage band audio interfaces?

If money is not an issue, look at Apogee. Their devices have a tight integration with Logic/GarageBand
http://www.apogeedigital.com
Others are good too, but if you want to go for quality (and nice design) Apogee is the brand.
Hope that helps
Edgar Rothermich
http://DingDingMusic.com/Manuals/
'I may receive some form of compensation, financial or otherwise, from my recommendation or link.'

Similar Messages

Whats the best audio interface for iMac

In the price range $300 - $800, what is the highest quality audio interface with lowest latency, assuming you only need 2 line inputs, 2 XLR inputs, headphone output, 2 speaker outputs. (More I/O is certainly OK). I plan on buying an iMac quad core i7 with 8 Gs of RAM.

Hope it goes well for you.
I remember back when I was wanting to get a RME Fireface 800. Can't say I've heard of the BabyFace, so I hope it works out for what you need it for, and the AD / DA converters are up to the standard you want.
Good luck!

What's the best audio interface for Logic Pro and Mac?

What's the best audio interface for Logic Pro and Mac?

Depends on the computer model and if you have unlimited funds.

Wanted: Multi-Channel Audio Interface for iMac & GB (USB)

I am looking for an affordable multi-channel audio interface for my iMac for use with Garageband. My goal is to playback old songs from my old computer (Atari ST) through my Yamaha gear and record the audio into GB so I can mix it. (READ: Not interested in transferring MIDI.)
My goal is to get at least 4 and ideally 6 channel/track recording in GB. I’m not sure if the multi-channel units I see, such as the Alesis MultiMix 4 or the Behringer Xenyx Q802USB send all channels to the Mac or if they mix it down to two channels first.
I’d prefer to mix all the channels in GB rather than pre-mix it. Also, I’d prefer to have 1/4” jacks; XLR would be a nice bonus. USB; since Firewire is going away and Thunderbolt is too new.
Any suggestions? I’m trying to keep this under $100. (Also, I know I can use multiple low-budget devices and aggregate them in Audio/Midi, but I do NOT want to go that route.)
Thanks.

As you imply, keeping it below $100 makes it tough.
Generally only the two channel interfaces are close to $100.
Check out Hang Times FAQ:
http://www.bulletsandbones.com/GB/Interfaces.html

Audio interface for iMac????

I just opened the box to my brand new iMac, and to my horror, there is only a Firewire 800 port, and none for 400! I use an M Audio Firewire 410 Audio interface (which I previously used with my now dead Power Mac), and since it connects via firewire 400, I can't use it with my new iMac
So, is there an affordable Fire 800 audio interface? BUT if I do get an audio interface for 800, then I won't be able simultaneously hook up my Glyph drive via the 800 port. In which case, are there any good audio interfaces that connect via USB?

Not sure, but I do think its possible, because last year, when apple introduced some line of Imac, lots of people were having trouble with some specifics soundcard(like RME) cause of the apple choice to use a new type of FW800 port from another companie than Texas instrument. One way some users found to fix the problem was to simply daisy chain the soundcard on the firewire port of an external hardrive. So it should work, but keep in mind that you are gona use some part of the bandwith on your firewire cable to feed your soundcard, and that anyway a FW800 cable cant be as fast as a SATA wire or so. Mean that you may not have as much power as you want with your new HD. If you bought that drive to boost your samplers capacity, it will work only if you install some plugins on your new hardrive and some plugs on your native HD. That way you use both speed at the same time...

Is there an audio interface for Imac with Leopard???

Hi Guys,
Im new here. Just got my IMac 24" 2.8ghz 10.5.1 Leopard last week. I love everything about it but Im having a real hard time finding an audio interface to use with Garageband. I tried the M-Audio Firewire Solo...found out quick it is not compatible. So I figure what the ** i'll downgrade and go with the M-Audio Mobilepre USB audio interface...usb, no fuss no muss right...WRONG! It doesnt work either! I tried downloading the most current driver from M-audio's website but still no go. I guess Leopard and intel machines are hard to please. Also the audio interface has to have phantom power to run a condensor mic. So my questions to you guys is this:
1. Are there any other audio interface options out there with phantom power for $200 or less that will run with my Imac ?
2. If not, why in the ** would Apple design a machine with Garageband then not set it up to accept any reasonably priced audio interface currently on the market? Tell me Im just uninformed...say it isnt so!
Sorry if it sounds like Im aggravated...I am! I had hoped to get some recording time in this weekend but its looking doubtful now.
I did post this in the Garageband discussion as well...thanks.
Any help with the mobile preamp, other interface recommendations, etc. are greatly appreciated!
Paul

Dr. Pee wrote:
Any help with the mobile preamp, other interface recommendations
Could you be a little more specific about what you mean
by "not compatible" -- is it a lack of Leopard drivers,
or what?
I haven't fiddled with GarageBand, but I have been using
[M-Audio's Fast Track Pro|http://www.m-audio.com/products/en_us/FastTrackPro-main.html] with audacity, and it seems to
work OK. (My beta-release ov audacity has some stability
problems, but I don't think they're M-Audio-related.)
Did you check M-Audio's web site for Leopard-compatible
drivers? The one for Fast Track Pro wasn't released 'til
mid December, if I remember correctly.
Although firewire is probably technically superior, I
went with USB to avoid conflicts between the audio box
and my Firewire external HD. There have been too many
reports of flakey operation with iMac firewire drivers.
I like the Fast Track Pro, but I'm not sure it would
be my first choice if I had it to do over. It's main
drawback is that it's USB 1.1 -- so, there are some
tradeoffs in the number of simultaneous I/O channels
versus data rate and resolution.
I've listed a few other USB options worth exploring
below -- I believe they all have phantom power:
[E-Mu 0404 USB|http://www.emu.com/products/product.asp?category=610&subcategory=611&produc t=15185]
[Edirol UA-25|http://www.rolandus.com/products/productdetails.aspx?ObjectId=704&ParentI d=114]
[Line6 TonePort UX2|http://line6.com/toneportux2>
I'm not sure what the situation is WRT Leopard-compatible
drivers for any of the above -- you'll have to check the
manufacturers' web sites.
Check amazon.com and MusiciansFriend.com for prices; also,
be sure to check the customer comments on MusiciansFriend.
They're often very thorough and informative -- typically
much better than Amazon's.
...rock on!
Looby

Best Audio Interface for Macbook Pro

Hey I'm looking into getting a new Macbook and wondering what the best option for portable audio interfaces is... I know RME has a PCI card that might be able to work... I'd like to avoid using the firewire bus because I'd like to use FW drives fairly intensively for audio playback. But from what I have seen, it seems like the Express 34 audio interface is a rarity, with FW being the most common interface type.
I'm not interested in comments from users who only know and use one interface...but prefer rather comments from people who have compared or researched multiple choices.
Thank!

your question is easy to get lots of responses, but difficult to come up with any truths... mainly because much of this question is very very qualitatively different for different people.
where to start with some of the questions...
do you need low latency - do multi-track recordings, or simply audio down in independent takes?
how many channels do you need to record at any 1 time?
here are some of the items that i have been looking at, personally...
Grace Design Lunatec V3 - with toslink optical digital option.
http://www.gracedesign.com/products/V3/lunatecV3.htm
can be battery powered. great preamps and A/D converter. no integrated monitoring option. only does 2 channels. the MBP has an optical digital input, so the optional optical output model could be hooked up directly to the MBP without any intermediate interface
Apogee Mini-Me USB option
http://www.apogeedigital.com/products/miniseries.php
can be battery powered. great preamps and A/D converter. integrated monitoring option. only does 2 channels and up to 48KHz sampling rate. built in compression / limiting can be useful to some, but not others.
Apogee also has the firewire option card coming up and the reason that I suggested the Mini-Me with USB option vs. FW, is that you could also get a Mini-DAC equipped with FW and then when you need to, can plug the digital output of the Mini-Me into the Mini-DAC and use the FW interface (with up to 96k up / 192k down) to the computer... so would basically have the choice of USB or FW with this combo.
obviously the above options are very limited and hardly qualify as "interfaces" in the traditional sense, unless you have very minimal I/O requirements, but my application requires only 2 channels and battery power for me is a must.
my idea of portable might also be different than yours. that expresscard solution looks good if you can afford it.

Help!!! The best audio interface for Logic Studio

Hey y'all,
I'm looking for an audio interface. Requirements are: microphone- (XLR), instrument- (1/4") and midi-connectors. I'd like to record everything 1 by 1 all by myself, without audio playback/slowing-down issues. I'm quite new with recording and have no idea which one suits my system and software the best. I want to record as easy as possible and with the most beautiful results available. Price range of up to €500.
My MacBook Pro:
Mac OS X 10.6.8
Processor 2.66 GHz Intel Core i7
Geheugen 4 GB 1067 MHz DDR3
My software: Logic Studio
Thanks!

If Midi connectivity is important: Focusrite Saffire 6 (USB). Check out the User Guide:
http://www.focusrite.com/downloads/saffire_6_usb/
Otherwise, I would strongly recommend Mackie's Onyx Blackjack, especially when also out gigging. Check out the product page and you can also download an Owner's Manual:
http://www.mackie.com/products/onyxblackjack/
I use the Mackie . User Guides/Manuals are a great way of checking out detail about a product when deciding what to buy.
I thought that Sennheiser were well known for headphones, not microphones.

4 channel audio interface for iMac / SL - Recommendations

All,
it is amazing how much of my investment in audio software and hardware went south when moving to my new iMac.
Native Instruments and Steinberg saw a welcome opportunity to sunset (slaughter) some of their instruments and both seem more or less turning to sample only instruments. I am particularly angry about the cynical sell-off of Komplete 5 days before they drop three lovely instruments (which do not work in SL of course).
But today my problem is Line6 who did not manage to produce reliably working drivers and associated modelling software in six months.
Has anyone personal positive experience with a USB or Firewire audio interface on SL with the following minimal specs:
- 2 line inputs (symmetric or not)
- 1 high-z input
- 2 line outputs for active monitors (symmetric preferred)
- low latency
Nice to have: mic preamp, more line-ins, hardware monitoring
I am using Logic 9.
I have looked into the new USB version of the Fireface400 but thats past the upper limit.
Andreas
Message was edited by: atoenne

As you imply, keeping it below $100 makes it tough.
Generally only the two channel interfaces are close to $100.
Check out Hang Times FAQ:
http://www.bulletsandbones.com/GB/Interfaces.html

What is the best audio interface for new mac ?i

I'm new to Apple and have been with tacsam neo 2488 and would like to know witch audio interface would to start with

Is there a reason you don't want to use your current Tascam?

Whats the best audio interface to use w/new Imac?

Hey now! I;ve just bought a brand new Imac 20"
and I'm wondering whats the best Audio interface to use w/ garageband? Also firewire or USB. I want record guitar,bass, vocals, etc.. thanks!

You may want to ask this question in the GarageBand forums.
USB is cheaper but Firewire is generally better.
PreSonus is a good brand and I think they are class compliant, so no driver needed - plug and play.
M-Audio is another popular brand. Sometimes may have driver issues, though.
But a lot depends on your budget and what your needs are. How many input will you need, etc?
If just for solo recording then the PreSonus Inspire would be good. For a full band their FP10 (Firebox) is great.
Check out this site to get you started (lots of great GB info too):
http://www.bulletsandbones.com/GB/Interfaces.html
Also check Sweetwater, MusiciansFriend for interfaces.

The best audio interface with Mac Mini using new & existing equipment?

Hi,
I got my existing set-up back in 2003. I'm now about to update it.
I've talked to Apple Technical Support re which computer is best for me.
Some important questions remain in terms of the audio interface or sound bridge I should use.
I've detailed below my existing set-up, my existing configuration, my desired set-up (as recommended by Apple expert) and questions I have.
Existing set-up:
Hardware...
1. ViewSonic HDMI 1080p Full HD LED monitor
2. PowerMac G4 (PowerPC processor) computer
3. PCI-424 soundcard within computer (works in conjunction with MOTU 2408 mk3 unit)
4. MOTU 2408 mk3
5. Quested monitors
6. Focusrite Session Pack ff ISA220 compressor
7. MOTU micro lite (midi-usb interface)
8. Keyboard (yet to choose - I'll explain later)
9. ADK Tube Condenser Commemorative Edition microphone
10. ADK Tube Condenser Commemorative Edition microphone power box (supplies both power and phantom power)
Software...
11. Tiger 10.4.11 operating system
12. Logic Studio 8 music program
Desired set-up:
1. ViewSonic HDMI 1080p Full HD LED monitor
2. Mac Mini full spec = £999.00
3. _______________________________________
4. _______________________________________
5. Quested monitors
6. _______________________________________
7. _______________________________________
8. _______________________________________
9. ADK Tube Condenser Commemorative Edition microphone
10. ADK Tube Condenser Commemorative Edition microphone power box (supplies both power and phantom power)
Software...
11. Top-end operating system = Comes with Mac Mini
12. Logic Pro X music program = £139.99
Existing configuration:
ViewSonic HDMI 1080p Full HD LED monitor goes into PowerMac G4 (PowerPC processor) computer
PCI-424 soundcard within computer (works in conjunction with MOTU 2408 mk3 unit)
MOTU 2408 mk3 used as my audio interface for sound in and sound out. This means that the sound comes out of computer via the MOTU 2408 and out of my Quested monitors (they are active so self-powered) which are attached to the MOTU's outputs.
When I record vocals I sing into my ADK microphone (this microphone sources its own power from its own box which also feeds it Phantom Power) which is connected by a mic to jack cable to the Focusrite compressor which is connected by jack to jack cable to the MOTU 2408 which then goes into my computer via a firewire cable.
When I play keyboards or use my keyboard as a midi controller it connects to my computer via the MOTU micro lite (midi-usb interface).
I don't currently have a keyboard. I used to use my basic Yamaha PSR-540 keyboard as a midi controller but as it's not weighted and faulty I needed to get a new one. We got a new one via Thomann which was the M-Audio Pro Keys 88 keyboard but this quickly became faulty. We returned it and have since been considering other weighted keyboards. I am simply wanting a keyboard with Aftertouch, either 76 or 88 keys, weighted keys and very importantly, hammer action where the action is fast. I don't care for other controllers on the keyboard, on-board sounds, iPad compatibility or whatever.
My Questions:
Q1) Can you recommend any keyboards meeting my specifications?
Q2) I can't imagine any of the Blue or other USB mics competing with my ADK and I'm quite happy with it. For vocals and when I've wanted to play the keyboard in as audio (not as a midi controller) I've used the Focusrite compressor to boost the sound. I'm not using many functions/presets on the compressor as I know it's best to record the sound of vocals mostly raw, is this correct, and if so is it worth me continuing to use this compressor or sell it?
Q3) Do I need to have the MOTU micro lite (midi to usb) unit? Don't most keyboards these days connect direct usb to usb on the computer?
Q4) I'm happy and used to the sound out from my Quested monitors. I'm happy and used to the sound in using my ADK microphone. What do I need for these to work best with the Mac Mini? Is my MOTU 2408 good for this, or is another MOTU product needed, or another product altogether?
Q5) Depending on (Q4) do I need a soundcard installed in the Mac Mini as I read on a forum that these days the audio interface acts like the soundcard?
Q6) I have such a bad connection to the internet it's like I have Dial-up!!! I use Airport Wireless which is connected to a router downstairs, which is 02 Broadband. Internet's not an issue downstairs on my girlfriend's intel PC which also uses a wireless connection but not Airport. Is this a problem because of my Airport, or do I need to get a router for upstairs, or should I connect it directy to the router downstairs by ethernet cable?
Many thanks!

Is there a reason you don't want to use your current Tascam?

What is the best audio interface to buy to record drums?

What is the best audio interface to buy to record drums? Looking for something with 8 inputs to mic my drum kit. Don't want to go past $1,000. Been looking at the Presonus Firestudio and M-Audio Profire 2626, for example. This is my first time setting up a home studio so any suggestions would be appreciated!
Thanks.

The MOTU interfaces are a good value, and as Pancenter notes, they have rock-solid drivers. I've had good experiences with the Traveler, although I'd bypass the mic pres if possible.
And if you're able to spend a bit more, the Metric Halo 2882 also has excellent drivers and noticeably-better sound--it's my fave in the <$2k range. If you can find a used Apogee Ensemble, that's another great-sounding interface, although it can't match the latency performance of the MOTU or Metric Halo. So, for software instruments, the Ensemble is not a good choice, but for recording acoustic drums, a used one for $1300-1500 would be excellent.
-James

What is the best audio interface?

Hi,
I want an audio interface for around £100 to allow me to record vocals and guitar into my macbook pro.
I was wondering if anyone on this forum would be able to help me decide which is best (latency/quality) etc.
So far, i've found these two which i think one of them is probably my best option - i just don't know which one:
http://www.gak.co.uk/en/alesis-io-2-portable-usb-audio-interface/624
http://www.gak.co.uk/en/m-audio-fast-track-usb-v2/30573
Oh, and i will only be playing my guitar through a jack, not mic'ed up. So that won't be an issue with the M Audio.
Thank you in advance,
Tom.

Before doing anything, might be a good idea to try a couple of things.
First, re-install the control panel software then repair permissions.
try the fp10's
If that fails, reboot the Mac, set the Fp10's up the way you normally use them, then open Activity Monitor and Quit or Force Quit and running Presonus applications.
Try the fp10s.

Laptop audio interface for Studio work?

I'm looking for a solid (works when you plug it in) 2 channel audio interface for my laptop. (G4, 1.67GHZ, 1gb ram, 7200rpm internal HD, LP 7.01, Tiger)
All I need it for, is to use as an output to play sounds via keyboard from Logic, for a live studio session.(Ivory piano, EVB3, synths, drum programming and etc.)
My laptop wil be used like a sound module so it would be nice to have this interface to have midi ports as well.
It doesn't have to be the best convertors in the world just want them to be clean and as good as you would find in a stock Yamaha or Roland keyboard ($2k -range).
Oh yeah - which is better?: Firewire or USB 2.0

Ooo, that is awesome, except it costs twice as much as the studio monitors! The other solutions I was looking at are in the $150 (Presonus Audiobox USB) to $190 (E-MU 0404 USB) range. I was hoping for something under $100, ideally with balanced audio. Probably too much to ask for!
But I have a question for you... do you get a lag in sync when you go through the FireWire mixer? On a different forum I was reading that if you want sync for video it's better to find an external converter that connects to the optical digital out (TOSLINK, S/PDIF) than one that connects via FireWire or USB as that means a new digital clock master. I would like not to have to worry about adjusting to get sync, but if it's less than a frame I'm not worried about it.

Best audio interfaces for Imac

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