Fireface Vs. Digi 002 Vs. Apogee Mini Me

[I <3 The Beatle]

I didn't want to spend this much, but I keep on raising my budget

I need an interface and I will be using the onboard pres and converters on it for atleast a few months. Out of these three choices which do you feel is the best option, and what are the pros and cons.
I never considered Pro Tools until I had a dream about getting a pro tools rig last night (I must be turning intoa gear slut if I am DREAMING about gear thumbsup ). But anyway, I like the idea that a Pro Tools rig, LE or not, it will make it easier to get clients.

In the end I think I am more concerned with quality though, because a majority of projects will be recorded and mixed right at my place.... So anyway, please help me blow my hard earned cash.

[DrDeltaM]

Mini-Me is something different, only 2 Inputs. So if you're fine with 2, get Mini-Me.

Between 002 and Fireface, Fireface is the winner imo, unless you need DAW soft as well.

[fifthcircle]

Can't talk about the Apogee, but...

Did a shootout between a Fireface and a PT HD rig recently- split the outputs of the pres, sent one side to a PTHD 192 interface and the other to the Fireface. The difference was not subtle... Most of the folks in the room prefered the Fireface to the Pro Tools Rig (and the FF was only running at 48K, wheras the HD Rig was at 96K). The PT rig seemed more transparent, but the sound was definitely lacking- especially in the lows and low mids. The FF had more "body" to the sound, but still maintained a good top-end (which was quite apparent with the cymbals of the drumset).

--Ben

[I <3 The Beatle]

Originally Posted by DrDeltaM

Mini-Me is something different, only 2 Inputs. So if you're fine with 2, get Mini-Me.

Between 002 and Fireface, Fireface is the winner imo, unless you need DAW soft as well.

Yeah the Fireface just makes more sense. The Mini is cool I am sure..but it's just not as practical. The only way to monitor is with that mini head phone jack! Damn ....

[I <3 The Beatle]

Originally Posted by fifthcircle

Can't talk about the Apogee, but...

Did a shootout between a Fireface and a PT HD rig recently- split the outputs of the pres, sent one side to a PTHD 192 interface and the other to the Fireface. The difference was not subtle... Most of the folks in the room prefered the Fireface to the Pro Tools Rig (and the FF was only running at 48K, wheras the HD Rig was at 96K). The PT rig seemed more transparent, but the sound was definitely lacking- especially in the lows and low mids. The FF had more "body" to the sound, but still maintained a good top-end (which was quite apparent with the cymbals of the drumset).

--Ben

Wow Ben, very cool...

Obviously RME did something right...the Fireface is a little over my budget but I'll shell out the extra dough for it..it can be the heart of my Studio for years to come....

Thanks a lot for your opinion!