Very capable $2-3K interface/clock rig for my needs

24th August 2012	#1
dibs941 Gear interested Joined: Aug 2012 Posts: 1 Thread Starter	Very capable $2-3K interface/clock rig for my needs I would greatly appreciate your two-cents regarding a recommendation for my needs. Ideally, I am looking for a single interface that I can use with the following applications: - In studio and on-location sound recording. (Bus power is nice, but its not a deal breaker for me. I can always power the unit via a portable battery. Any thoughts on the potential risks, if any, of doing that?) - Mixing & Mastering - Electronic composition & performance. Running things like a Monome, dj mixer, MIDI synths, MPC, using Ableton Live, Logic, Native Instruments stuff - Recording acoustic instruments such as woodwinds (saxophone, flute, clarinet), as well as field recording-type sounds for composition purposes, foley work, sound design, etc. For example, I really like the sound of the RME overall. I like the clarity and separation, but when listening through the Apogee Ensemble or UAD Apollo, I get the impression that these interfaces lend themselves well to effects-driven applications (more so than the RME UFX/UCX?). In your opinion, is this a misperception on my part? I currently am running my studio from a 2011 MacBook Pro with ThunderBolt. While currently more a status feature than anything (my opinion), it is realistic to envision the MacBook Pro of the future to simply offer ThunderBolt (like the current Retina MacBook Pro). The appeal of ThunderBolt compatibility on an interface today is that I know that it will mesh very well with whatever update to my computer hardware I will eventually make. I know that you can use cables to go from Firewire to ThunderBolt, but I have no idea what using a "non-native" Thunderbolt device would do to the chain of devices that you can achieve with ThunderBolt (example: ThunderBolt port on MacBook Pro has a hard drive, display, and audio interface chained on it. If you're using a Firewire to Thunderbolt cable on the interface, would that mess with the chain?). So that being said, I am looking for an interface that will give me outstanding performance in (ideally) all of the aforementioned applications, allow me room to grow over time, and be a wise investment in terms of the evolution of interface protocol (usb, firewire, thunderbolt). While the Apollo has the effects power and ThunderBolt features, and along with the Ensemble having (to me) a lean toward that type of sound production (think Deadmau5, etc). The UFX has the ability to record to USB drive, and along with the UCX will soon have Class Compliant capability, as well as outstanding routing flexibility. In your opinion, is there a unit here, or one I am not aware of, that would satisfy my needs the best? The best "bang-for-the-buck", so to speak? For example, which would you recommend: UFX or UCX with the Premium Mod along with Micro Clock MKII -or- UAD Apollo Quad with Micro Clock MKII -or- Ensemble with Micro Clock MKII -or- Profire 2626 with BLA mod and Micro Clock MKII -or- Any alternative that I am not aware of! OR, in your opinion, would it be worth waiting another few months (Dec. '12/Jan. '13) to see what rolls down the pipe from these manufacturers. (Thunderbolt capable Ensemble or RME UFX/UCX) I know these are all great options, but I just want the opinion of individuals/an organization that I highly regard (GS). Thank you so much for reading this. I have been inquiring around Manhattan for the last several months, and most people only seem to be highly concerned and/or educated in the world of camera/video. Much more so than sound. Again, just my experience. If any of you have any recommendations for quality businesses or individuals to provide input, services, products, repairs for this type of equipment in the NYC area, I'd love to hear them! Especially, do you know of a good place to repair things like DJ mixers, MPCs, interfaces, etc.

24th August 2012	#2
tINY Gear Guru Joined: Jul 2004 Location: Orygun Posts: 11,203	So, you want to do on-location, composition, and "captured sound"-type field recording on one unit? How many simultaneous tracks are you planning on? As to the interface, Thunderbolt is fast (essentially PCIe over wire) but only supports 10W of device power. Firewire supports up to 45W and is plenty fast enough for 16+ audio channels. Also, firewire is firmly established in audio capture... If you are working ITB (In the box) you will only need 2 or 6 outputs, but if you are recording a live session, you may need more for monitor feeds. As to one unit or another being more suited for one type of music or another, that sounds like lovely marketing crap. Decide what features you need and get a reasonable quality unit that meets your needs. Converters keep getting better at the low end and there are lots of units with decent, clean, quiet pre-amps available - if you want mojo, get outboard pres. But, you get a lot more mojo for your money buying mics and treating your workspace.... Personally, I'd suggest you take a look at a $300 Echo AF4 to get your feet wet. It'll always be a good choice for field recording (2 tracks) and should meet your needs for live output. If there is another sub $500 2-4 input and 4-6 output firewire unit you like better, get that (just make sure it's built resonably tough). Unless you are dead set on using multiple converters at the same time, I'd forget about the clock. There is no need for it and it often degrades the timing performance of the unit you slave to it - even if the clock is good, the PLL in the converter will not run as well as it does with the clock that's designed into the circuit. -tINY

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