Which inteface?

[Thetics]

So what in your opinion is the best interface to use with Logic? minimum 8 inputs (xlr pref.). I have a digi003 on backorder through a hardware exchange. (backordered since Sept. 23rd, and im getting really frustrated, they said that it wont be in til first week of november. I was first told it would take one week, then i was told second week of october, and now im being told november.. so you understand my frustrations) Im not even sure if i can cancel the order at this time or not. Anyway, Im pretty sure the oo3 will not work with logic correct? So back to my question, whats the best interface to use with Logic?

-Thetics

[Spectacle]

Research the Alesis i/O 26 ($399). Or if you have loads of cash, the Apogee Ensemble (c. $2,000). In between, perhaps the M-Audio Project Mix?

[Thetics]

wow that alesis actually looks like a lot of back for your buck. So the Digi003 doesnt work with Logic then i assume?

[Spectacle]

Originally Posted by Thetics

So the Digi003 doesnt work with Logic then i assume?

Actually, the Apple website seems to claim that it does:

Apple - Logic Studio - Logic Pro 8

But I haven't tried it myself. Search the forums here and see what you can find.

[kenn.michael]

The Digi interfaces will work, but only using their CoreAudio driver.... Digi's CoreAudio drivers aren't known to be the best (latency-wise and stability-wise).

[teknosmoker]

RME Fireface 800

-8 TRS Analog I/O on the back (with RME's typically excellent A/D D/A), 4 x MIC inputs with phantom on the front, up to 192 kHz sample rate, S/PDIF, 2 sets of ADAT, Wordclock, MIDI, rock solid drivers (which are updated regularly), and TotalMix software routing.

[b_stone]

Originally Posted by teknosmoker

RME Fireface 800

-8 TRS Analog I/O on the back (with RME's typically excellent A/D D/A), 4 x MIC inputs with phantom on the front, up to 192 kHz sample rate, S/PDIF, 2 sets of ADAT, Wordclock, MIDI, rock solid drivers (which are updated regularly), and TotalMix software routing.

If you can afford a tiny bit more you should get into the Apogee Ensemble. It sounds noticeably better than other I/Os. If you compare the Ensemble to the Fireface you will hear the difference in the bass and in the incredibly clear and wide high frequency image.

[Spectacle]

Originally Posted by teknosmoker

RME Fireface 800

-8 TRS Analog I/O on the back (with RME's typically excellent A/D D/A), 4 x MIC inputs with phantom on the front, up to 192 kHz sample rate, S/PDIF, 2 sets of ADAT, Wordclock, MIDI, rock solid drivers (which are updated regularly), and TotalMix software routing.

So no XLR? Just TRS? Our OP was looking (understandably) for XLR options...

[Spectacle]

By the way, b_stone and teknosmoker, are you two related?

[teknosmoker]

Originally Posted by Spectacle

By the way, b_stone and teknosmoker, are you two related?

LOL - It's not what you think! I don't even smoke...

Originally Posted by Spectacle

So no XLR? Just TRS? Our OP was looking (understandably) for XLR options...

Well, he said preferably XLR, not that it was a necessity. I guess I'm just so happy with the performance of mine that I had to share some enthusiasm. The Fireface really sounds excellent. If the Ensemble truly does sound noticeably better than (I have not heard it personally), has solid drivers & good tech support, it would be worth a listen though...

[Silverlode]

Here's the final word (so far) on Digidesign and Core Audio.

Digidesign has it's own audio engine called DAE (Digidesign Audio Engine). They don't have experience developing for Core Audio, so their Core Audio drivers are pretty bad.

The 003 will work as an audio interface in Logic (using the Core Audio driver) but the control surface will not work properly in any DAW but Pro Tools.

M-Audio is owned by Avid, but has it's own development staff. The ProjectMix I/O is a great unit (used to own one) with solid drivers.

[Thetics]

Thanks a lot everyone. I appreciate all the great info. I think for now, since the 003 is around the corner, im gonna give it a go, see what happens (im picking up logic tonight), I cant really afford to blow another 1500-2k on an interface, and most of my recordings will happen in PT, but I will consider that Alesis, the price is good, and i dont need anything that extravagant yet. Once i get good, then ill switch to the good gear, I may have to rob a few banks on the way, anyone down? JUST KIDDING!

-Thetics

[peeder]

Originally Posted by Silverlode

The 003 will work as an audio interface in Logic (using the Core Audio driver) but the control surface will not work properly in any DAW but Pro Tools.

Well I think that's a bug and they are supposed to be working on that. The 003 Console has a mode for controlling other DAWs they just couldn't get it working by ship time. If they abandon efforts to do so I think we can sue them for false advertising so hop to it digi.

I'm enjoying the 003 anyway, I only mix in PT but I'm taking delivery of Logic manana because of the value proposition ($460 for all those synths, sounds, and Wave Burner, and oh yeah, you get a DAW and a post production tool...). I imagine Logic will work with the 003 but I couldn't work without the 003 (or an HD equivalent).