Audio Interface for monitoring, mixing 5.1 St Surround in FCP and Sd Tr Pro

I'm a fairly newbie with FCP and Sound Track Pro, and I am doing mostly long form, live event HDV recordings and editing. I'm about to start doing 5.1 Stereo Surround shooting and burning to Blu Ray. What do you recommend for an audio interface for my G4 PowerBook running Leopard w/2GB ram, to monitor/mix my 5.1 audio tracks in Sound Track Pro (since I can't monitor 5.1 in FCP?) I will likely be recording the tracks on the new Sound Devices 788T and inporting them into FCP and/or STP via firewire, but I need to monitor my mix before I burn to Blu Ray discs using Toast 10 and my LaCie BR burner.
Also has anyone found a way to use Bose 5.1 monitor speaker system? It would work fine for the BR player, but what about using with the Mac G4 PowerBook - do I need a digital audio - audio interface?

You'll need an audio-interface with at least 6 outputs. They should be connected to a surround processor or AV-Receiver with multichannel inputs. In line with your budget you could use M-Audio, Focusrite or Apogee products for that, they work with STP & Protools.
When monitoring, you cannot use the Bose system, because S/Pdif is for encoded audio only.

Similar Messages

STP won't use my audio interface for monitoring, but FCP will

Hi, I've been using FCP for a long time, with my MOTU 896 audio interface (firewire). It works fine with FCP for monitoring the mix, playback, everything.
Today, I decided to try STP for the first time (up until now, I've been doing all the audio within FCP). I cannot seem to get the MOTU to work for audio monitoring unless I change the System Sound Preferences to have the MOTU selected (and not the built-in line out).
The STP Manual says that "by default, it will use the settings in the System Sound Prefs", but that you can change it. However, nothing I do seems to make any difference.
- I set the Preferences:Recording tab to Monitor the MOTU 896.
- In the Recording tab of the Inspector to Monitor the MOTU 896.
But it still plays back through whatever is selected in the System Sound Panel. I can change this to the MOTU, but I would rather have my system sounds playing through the regular built-in line out.
Am I missing a setting here? Thanks!
(This is STP 1.1, on a Mac Pro Intel, running OS X 10.4.8.)
MacPro Quad Core 3.0 Ghz / G4 Dual 800 QuickSilver / PBook G4 Titanium Mac OS X (10.4.8)

Go to the AudioMidi Setup app and select the MOTU 896 as Default Output and built-in audio as System Output. That way, the system sounds will still use the built-in audio but STP will use the MOTU. Unfortunately, every other app (like iTunes or QuickTime) will use the MOTU as well. STP doesn't have any preferences to select its own interface like any other pro DAW out there. Maybe STP 2.0 will fix that?

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.

Using M-Audio Fast Track C400 Audio Interface for FaceTime but only input 1 audio is coming through?...

I'm trying to use my M-Audio interface for FaceTime/U Stream for music purposes. I'm a professional recording artist and I'd like to do some "live stream" concerts for fans from home. I have my keyboard in input 1 and my microphone in input 2. Both signals come through just fine when I'm using Garageband or Logic, but for some reason when I select the interface as the "microphone" option when streaming, only audio from input one is heard from my viewers. I've also switched the keyboard and mic to rule out the mic being the problem, but then the mic audio comes through and not the keyboard...I'm wondering if I'm missing some minute setting somewhere?...I don't understand why it's only for video chat applications that it's only receives one channel of audio...Any help would be appreciated, thanks.

Are you using Logic 8 or 9?
What are you trying to hear Logic's output through?
If you're expecting audio output through built-in audio, and you're using Logic 9, make sure your Fast Track is set as the input device, and built-in audio is set for the output device (both in Logic's audio preferences)
However, if you're using Logic 8 or 7, you need to create an aggregate device if you're using built-in output.
Details here:
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?messageID=8813763&#8813763
OR
use the FastTrack's audio outputs to drive your monitoring, NOT your built-in audio.

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

Recommended Audio Interface for MacBook Pro w/ Leopard

There is more to getting a
four pin firewire audio
interface to work than
buying one. Tech forums are
full of driver related issues.
Is there a tried and true
FW audio interface for the
MBP w/Leopard that anyone
is using now? Thanks.

not quite understand.....I m using MAudio firewire 400.....is working quite fine.
And lot of people is using it. With leopard I do not know, any way it should work fine as well.
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.

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...

Any reccomendations on a Audio Interface for recording?

Hello!
I’m looking to buy a new Audio Interface for under $500. Any recommendations?
Thanks!

I bought a firebox to do some mobile recording, but it had problems and I had to send it back to presonus. in fact I have had 3 other presonus products and every one of them developed problems and I had to send all of them in for repairs. The good thing is Presonus is a great company and they stand behind their products, but in my experience their quality control *****.
once I got the firebox back, I used it for 3 mobile sessions and it worked fine recording 4 tracks. I used it in the studio once as an aggregate device with my motu and the thing glitches about a dozen times during the session, which forced me to constantly restart or re select the driver. right after the session was over I put it on ebay and got rid of it. and I will never buy another presonus product again
take a look at Motu

Need advice on an Audio Interface for guitar, bass and vocals

I have a G4 Dual Processor 500.
For now I'm using a Griffin 1/4" to 1/8" adapter cable. I plug one end into my guitar and the other into my Microphone jack on the back of my computer. I even tried using a splitter to share my microphone port. This allowed me to share the stereo signal with Guitar and bass ( by setting guitar to left mono and bass to right mono in GB). This doesn't work well at all!!!
My goal is to have my friend come over so we can record live into GB using a custom software drum track with two real instrument tracks, guitar (me) and bass (him).
So, what is a good multi track audio interface (mixer) to do this with. Hopefully one that doesn't have latency problems. I think a four track would be enough, right.
Is firewire better than USB?
What mixers do most GB muscians use?
thanks,
Haifarm

Sorry to highjack this discussion. I'm new to the boards and couldn't figure out how to post a new message.
Does anyone know when M-Audio might be updating their drivers to support Leopard? I've been monitoring the M-Audio site, but they're not being very specific with a time estimate. Does anyone remember how long it took them when Tiger was released? I really miss being able to use my Firewire 410 interface and 88es Keystation.
Thanks in advance,
Chris

Why choose an audio interface over a mixer?

I know there are tons of question out there who are quite similar to mine, but yet none of 'em seem to be able to solve my question.
The main question I'm asking is: what's the difference between a mixer (either w/ or w/o built in audio interface) and an external audio interface?
But the answers to this exact question weren't sufficient because I ran into a practical problem, wich is as follows:
A friend of mine uses his Behringer XenyX 802 mixer as a way to input the signals his mic's send into GarageBand/Logic (kind of DAW is irrelevant). Now i've been wanting to set up my own little home studio myself and basically every tutorial/video out there says: "in order to record multiple instruments into your Mac, you need an audio interface." Now I don't get exactly why, because i've seen someone do it with a mixer. I assume that the mixer in question has a built in audio interface (since it has, amongst other features, phantom power), so it's not neccesary to have an audio interface, or is it?
Then I started searching the web for different audio-interfaces because I thought: "well they must know what they're talking about. So I guess I have to start looking for an interface." I found that a lot of interfaces <€100 have only 2 inputs, mostly an XLR input and a Jack/instrument input. One of the most popular beign the Avid Fast Track MK II USB interface. I happen to know that the Xenyx 802 has 2 XLR inputs AND 2 jack inputs and I can get my hands on one (2nd handed version) for about half the price of the Fast Track. I thought to myself: "why? Why do all those 'experts' who explain it in video's tell me to specifically get an interface?" this is because I found that the more input channels you want from an interface, the higher the price.
Can anyone help me explain why the Fast Trak MK II is twice as expensive as the Xenyx 802 while it offers half the amount of inputs?
Thanks

Cyclone13 wrote:
Thank you for your response, it helped quite a lot. Just to make sure if I understand correctly:
You can only record 2 instruments simultaneously at max using a mixer (on their own track, because I have seen it done before), but you would be able to record, say, 6 mic's at the same time if you had the proper interface (an interface with at least 6 inputs and outputs that is). Now the M-Audio has only two inputs I believe, and therefor I take it has a stereo output as well, so the maximum simultaneous recording for the fast track is 2, just as that of the Behringer?
Regarding the Mixer... The Behringer you posted is just a standard Mixer, it doesn't have USB output, in which case you have to use the Mac's audio system (the Line-Input) and run a cable from the Mixer's main or monitor outs into the Mac's Line input. Computers use inexpensive audio chips that do not provide the greatest sound.
I thought you were talking about this Behringer:
http://www.amazon.com/Behringer-Xenyx-Q802USB-Audio-Mixer/dp/B008O517IC
It is a mixer and an audio interface rolled intro one.
The M-Audio is a true separate Audio Interface that provides it's own Inputs and Outputs, (Like the USB Behringer).
Regardless, all three, the Behringer stand alone mixer that uses the mac's audio, The Behringer with the built-in stereo USB audio interface and the M-Audio with USB interface are all stereo units. The USB audio interface will only show two inputs and a stereo out. The most you can record separately on either is 2 instruments.
Here is one step up:
http://www.motu.com/products/motuaudio/audio-express
The MOTU unit has 4 analog inputs as well as a stereo digital input.
The next step is an interface like this with 8 Mic inputs. It would show up in Logic as 4 stereo pairs or 8 individual inputs. You could use 4 mics on a set of drums, 1 for guitar, bass direct, stereo input for keys and record everyone playing at the same time on 8 separate audio tracks giving you full control (in Logic) of the final mix. http://www.motu.com/products/motuaudio/8pre

Audio interface for iPad

Can you record 2 or more tracks of audio simultanously with garage band for iPad using an interface? Which interface/sound card would you recommend? Any experience with connecting an audio interface to the USB-camera connecting kit?

And there you have it. Tascam dropped that makett and decided to stick with the main computer platforms. This was probably due to lack of interest in recording that way. Thanks for sending me the link. I contacted harmonic dog and they said the us800 does work so maybe you can find one of those used or still kicking around. Good luck and don't let that steer your creativity away. Sounds to me like you want to record a band live and have the ability to have mix control of each of the live performers. Ther are some pretty good stand alone digital recorders that are not too expensive with 8-16 inputs at once. For now the iPad is mostly a two channel input device but as more and more people show interest than these devices will be everywhere. As a guy who sold digital audio for many years I know that the home recording devices are mostly geared to solo or duo performers and their products reflect this. Live and field recording fit into a different category with recording manufactures and generally come in at higher prices due to their pro like features. Good luck.
Here's a cheap and fun way to record a band a d still preserve control. First you center the mics for say the drummer with baffles to isolate the other members and record that drummer in stero. Then have the band play together again and do this for every player in the band. In other words a four piece band will play the song four times live never to a monitor just live and hopefully the drummer can stay on a constant tempo. Then simply assemble the individual takes and drag them around to sync up to the other tracks and then proceed to record the drummer again this time he listens to the recorded tracks of his band and have him lay as many tracks as you need to separate the drum parts. Believe it or not most studios record the drums with lots of mics but to only aboutb 4 tracks which control the toms, cymbals, snare, kick. They might also record an overall stero ambient track to blend in some space. You can do all of this with a few mics , a mixer and a stereo digital recorder. Good luck.

Which Audio Interface for Me?

Okay, I have decided to make the switch from my iMic and a mixer to an audio interface that has two inputs so I can record two channels at once. I may be using external pre's at times so it must have line-in's. Also, right now I am using a Rev. A Mac Mini, but soon I will be upgrading to a Mac Intel Book to be named later. I will mainly use this to record acoustic guitar, vocals, bass, and ocassionally drums (using a mixer to sub mix and then into the audio interface). I will do everything for my own home enjoyment so my standards are real high. Here are the possibilities I have come up with from the Sweetwater catalog in my price range ($150 - $300):
1.)Lexicon Alpha (this is a new model) or Lambda - both are USB
2.)Tapco Link.USB
3.)Makie Spike (USB)
4.)Alesis io I 14 (what is this thing USB or Firewire?)
5.)M-Audio Firewire 410
6.)Presonus Firebox
It doesn't matter to me if it is USB or Firewire, I guess my biggest requirement is the ability to use the line-in for external pre's. Thanks for any help!

I guess you guys mean that I could pan channel one
left and two right and then into the iMic?
That's correct
There are two jacks on the iMic I see,
No, one of those is the input, one of those is the output (you could plug headphoines into that one)
but I guess I don't
understand how I can have those on two seperate
channels in garageband.
That's the easy part. Create a New Basic Track and click the "I"nfo button, then set the input popUp menu to "Channel 1 (Mono)". Create a second New Basic Track and set it's Input popUp menu to "Channel 2 (mono)". Make sure the little red Record Enable buttons are on for both track and hit record. You'll be recording 2 tracks.
Also, I think one thing for
me as that my mixer didn't have in/outs on each
channel so I can use external pre's.
Okay, like I said, I would never dissuade someone from getting a better interface, and the iMic is nowhere near the Top Of The Line...
I use PreSonus' FirePod and for the year+ that I've had it I've been thrilled with it. I have no person al experience with the FireBox, but PreSonus has an excellent reputation so if it has the features you want, I'd expect it to be a great product.
Finally, I guess I should say that I'm using
Garageband now, but had thought about Logic Express
in the future. Thanks for the help
Any of the interfaces you listed should work fine with whatever software you want to use (the compatibility question is not really with the software, but rather the hardware. If the interface works on your Mac then it will work with GB and Logic).
Hope that helps --HangTime [Will Compute for Food] B-|>

Audio Interface for Mac OSX 10.4.7?!?!?

Hey all,
After a lot of saving, tons of research and some patience I purchased an M-Audio Firewire solo. I thought alll was good, having checked the m-audio site which said it carried recent drivers for intel Macs. So I bring the interface home plug it in and while checking to see exactly which OS I was running, it turns out I have OSX 10.4.7, not .6 which is the most recent for this tool.
Gack!!!! I assumed I just run the latest updates and presto, .7 which is not carried by M-Audio yet.
So I calls M-Audio and the guy says 8-10 weeks!!!!! Wha???
anyone else with this problem? what's a guy to do? somhow install a less recent OS?
Help....
thanks!
J :")

Ok.
I installed the firewire solo and the latest driver for the firewire solo (10.4.6 intel - I have 10.4.7 intel but there are no drivers out there for that. This may be the problem... dunno)
I the went to audio prefs for my mac (not GB). Selected Firewire Solo as the audio input.
Output is listed as Line out output. I haven't ever changed this.
When I test the audio input plucking my guitar, it is picked up on the little sound meter.
When I sing (open air) nothing is picked up, which leads me to believe that the signal actually is the firewire solo and not the macs built in mic.
I open GB3
I open an existing project that has only g piano listed.
I add a real instrument track.
I select guitar>no effects.
my details on this track are as follows:
Input: 1 & 2 (stereo) - could this be the problem? Not sure, but I think I've checked them all.
Volume at mid
monitor on
all other volume settings are on mid... guitar (has volume knob), GB main volume, comp speaker, all mid. Maybe I'm missing a volume level?
check GB prefs - audio settings> audio output = built in output, Input = Firewire Solo.
No other settings have been modified.
Plucking guitar. GB is picking up nothing..... nadda. No static, no indicator lights.. nothing.
I am only assuming that if the mac picks up the signal but GB does not means that the FW solo is working as it should and that there might be a GB setting somewhere I've missed.
Whew.... ok.. does that help out all?
Thanks everyone!!!!
J

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.

Audio Interface for monitoring, mixing 5.1 St Surround in FCP and Sd Tr Pro

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