Audio interface for Logic 9

Question

Hi all,
I'm looking into upgrading my home-studio gear, abandoning my Tascam FW-1884 (no LCD, too much space, 2 dead faders) in favor of a new control surface + interface combo. My DAW will not change, still using Logic. I'm trying to catch up with what's been around in the last couple of years, which I've spent mostly away from Logic, tracking old-style on my Yamaha AW2400. Logic has evolved, too... time for a change.
For the control surface, I'm pretty much set on the Euphonix MC Mix, even though there are apparently some problems still. The only other option (in my budget) seems to be the Mackie Control which is just as huge (physically) as the Tascam.
Since I'll be separating the control surface from the interface, I will be needing, well, an interface. After reading tons of stuff on the web about the recent products within my budget, I've narrowed down the options and I would be happy to have some advice, knowing that I compose and record mainly alone, sometimes using guest musicians for some instruments that I don't play (violin) and vocals. A MIDI port would be nice but is not essential, as I'm running everything through my Fantom X6's USB port. Portability is no concern.
I wanted to get an Apogee Ensemble, but then I saw the Focusrite Saffire 56 which is almost a fourth of the price. What I don't get is the difference in price: the Saffire is priced almost the same as the Duet, which only has 2 input channels, no Word Clock, no ADAT or S/PDIF... I know the Apogee preamps are supposed to be unbelievable, but I'm not sure I will be hearing the difference (I'm recording with an AKG C4000 and listening through a couple of KRK V6s). Preamps are important, of course, but most of what I work with are AU instruments (Kontakt and Synful, essentially).
There also seems to be the option of a RME Fireface 400 which has very good reviews but which is not a recent product (I know it's a silly reflex to always get the newest thing, but I'm not immune to silliness).
I know almost everything there is to know technically about the Apogee devices and their tight integration with Logic. However, I'm used to be surrounded by gear and software, and I don't mind a trip to an external applet (Focusrite mixer or RME TotalMix) to handle routing. I'm just trying to find the best interface I can find for my money. I'm not too excited about the "Power Trio" hype from Apple, Apogee and Euphonix, since from what I read in the forums there are issues with every Logic update and the integration is not that wonderful.
Any ideas are welcome.
Thanks.

Answer 1

I use the Power Trio and it works great. There have been a few software issues along the way but what software doesn't have issues. My best advice is to check it out for yourself. The duet is a great interface the sound is fantastic. Based on it's performance and sound I would get the Ensemble if I needed more in's and out's.
I replaced the older Mackie Control with a MC mix and couldn't be happier. My MCU never worked right from the non calibrating faders to the fact it needed it's own midi interface to work properly. I'm sure the new MCU works a lot better but it's still huge.The space on my desktop where the MCU would sit is now taken by MC MIX, MC Transport, 4 Hard drives,Akai MPD 24,FirewireUSB hub, Ethernet Desktop switch. The MC MIx is a gem, plug and play. I'm really starting to dig in to pulling up plugins on it and tweaking them from the MC Mix and controlling duet from the MC Mix also.
I went with these products based on their reputation for making quality stuff and plug in play operation with Apple but if it didn't work I would return it.