Best interface < ~ $1000

ivebenrecording · 7th February 2012

I've started my search for an audio interface that I won't have to upgrade for a very long time. Right now I'm just workin off some cheap Lexicon thing.

I'm running reaper on a windows 64-bit tower, but I would have no qualms over switching to a hackintosh.

I've heard really good things about echo audiofire, rme in general, and the Steinberg 816 x, so I'm mostly looking at those. I did look at Motu and Focusrite for a little bit, but it seems that the general consensus is that the pre's on the first 3 I mentioned are simply better.

I was originally leaning towards rme, but would I need more gear if I did that? Basically all the rme inputs are 1/4 inch. Is there a way to get xlr into that without spending even more money? I almost purely use condensor/dynamic mics, and I use a lot of them. Or should I just use a different interface? I'm just looking for a really clean sound.

tl;dr
- Best pre's under $1000
- must be able to accomodate a fair amount of xlr inputs (eh? ~8?)
- preferably good windows drivers.

DangerousOne326 · 7th February 2012

If you check Musician's Friend's SDOTD they have the Digi 003+ Factory for 999.00 (as opposed to the usual $1699 or so).

bambamboom · 7th February 2012

I would suggest checking out the Focusrite Liquid Saffire 56.

The first 2 channels are Focusrite Liquid Pre's, which are very very good. I use the Neve 1073 model all the time and it is killer. There is a lot of sonic choice with this unit which really sets it apart.

It is a lot of bang for the buck, certainly better preamps than motu and echo, and a lot more flexible than the fairly clinical sounding RME stuff.

It can be had for under $1000 most places.

No problems with drivers on windows or mac for me, it's been rock solid.

anna_britbass88 · 7th February 2012

I'm becoming an evangelist for the Avid MBox Pro, and... Black Lion Audio has an upgrade package for it~ granted no ADAT :(

6th_World · 7th February 2012

I'd say rme ff800 for 1g anyway.. Good, stable and it's actually working with no bugs.. Buy new cables :P

Navigator · 7th February 2012

+ 1 on the Fireface 800. Used, you can usually find them for around a grand, sometimes a little less. Only thing is, you sound like you really need a lot of pres built in. My buddy has the Motu 8pre, which has 8 pres built in. He records his drums with it, and it sounds pretty good.

7th February 2012	#1
ivebenrecording Gear interested Joined: Feb 2012 Posts: 2 Thread Starter	Best interface < ~ $1000 I've started my search for an audio interface that I won't have to upgrade for a very long time. Right now I'm just workin off some cheap Lexicon thing. I'm running reaper on a windows 64-bit tower, but I would have no qualms over switching to a hackintosh. I've heard really good things about echo audiofire, rme in general, and the Steinberg 816 x, so I'm mostly looking at those. I did look at Motu and Focusrite for a little bit, but it seems that the general consensus is that the pre's on the first 3 I mentioned are simply better. I was originally leaning towards rme, but would I need more gear if I did that? Basically all the rme inputs are 1/4 inch. Is there a way to get xlr into that without spending even more money? I almost purely use condensor/dynamic mics, and I use a lot of them. Or should I just use a different interface? I'm just looking for a really clean sound. tl;dr - Best pre's under $1000 - must be able to accomodate a fair amount of xlr inputs (eh? ~8?) - preferably good windows drivers.

7th February 2012	#2
DangerousOne326 Gear Head Joined: Oct 2011 Posts: 33	If you check Musician's Friend's SDOTD they have the Digi 003+ Factory for 999.00 (as opposed to the usual $1699 or so). __________________ http://www.youtube.com/DangerousOne326 http://soundcloud.com/miceandgods http://www.facebook.com/miceandgods

7th February 2012	#5
6th_World Gear maniac Joined: Apr 2008 Location: 3rd Building From Da Stadium Posts: 152 1 Review written	I'd say rme ff800 for 1g anyway.. Good, stable and it's actually working with no bugs.. Buy new cables :P __________________ Smoke two trees but you can't be me 'cause I'm....

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7th February 2012	#3
bambamboom Gear Head Joined: Jan 2012 Posts: 63	I would suggest checking out the Focusrite Liquid Saffire 56. The first 2 channels are Focusrite Liquid Pre's, which are very very good. I use the Neve 1073 model all the time and it is killer. There is a lot of sonic choice with this unit which really sets it apart. It is a lot of bang for the buck, certainly better preamps than motu and echo, and a lot more flexible than the fairly clinical sounding RME stuff. It can be had for under $1000 most places. No problems with drivers on windows or mac for me, it's been rock solid.

7th February 2012	#4
anna_britbass88 Gear maniac Joined: Dec 2011 Location: Los Angeles - USA Posts: 245	I'm becoming an evangelist for the Avid MBox Pro, and... Black Lion Audio has an upgrade package for it~ granted no ADAT :(

7th February 2012	#6
Navigator Gear nut Joined: Nov 2005 Posts: 100	+ 1 on the Fireface 800. Used, you can usually find them for around a grand, sometimes a little less. Only thing is, you sound like you really need a lot of pres built in. My buddy has the Motu 8pre, which has 8 pres built in. He records his drums with it, and it sounds pretty good.