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I am currently running my guitar directly into my Mac Pro/Macbook Pro's audio input line using a 1/4" => 1/8" converter. I am sick of the poor sound quality and I want to use my Shure SM57 mic and a synth (either a Microkorg XL or Korg R3 which I have yet to purchase) for recording as well. I record with Logic.

I like the idea of a standard mixer with physical controls, but perhaps a different kind of interface would suffice. I want the interface to run either firewire or USB into my Mac and I want it to have the best preamps possible. I am willing to spend no more than $500. I really want the Allen & Heath Zed-14 but I feel like I can get something smaller and maybe cheaper that will still do what I want.

Can someone suggest me some alternatives?

Thanks.

19th January 2010	#1
buddha Gear interested Joined: Dec 2009 Posts: 9 Thread Starter	Do I need a mixer or some other interface? I am currently running my guitar directly into my Mac Pro/Macbook Pro's audio input line using a 1/4" => 1/8" converter. I am sick of the poor sound quality and I want to use my Shure SM57 mic and a synth (either a Microkorg XL or Korg R3 which I have yet to purchase) for recording as well. I record with Logic. I like the idea of a standard mixer with physical controls, but perhaps a different kind of interface would suffice. I want the interface to run either firewire or USB into my Mac and I want it to have the best preamps possible. I am willing to spend no more than $500. I really want the Allen & Heath Zed-14 but I feel like I can get something smaller and maybe cheaper that will still do what I want. Can someone suggest me some alternatives? Thanks.