Need a 2 channel audio interface for Mac

Sorcerio · 15th March 2008, 04:15 PM

I'll start off with a little background. I have been recording with an Aardvark LX6 on my Windows computer for years and loved it. I recently got Vista on my windows machine and now the Aardvark doesn't work, software incompatible. So I have decided to get a Mac computer, and of course I'll need an audio interface.

What I'm looking for is something that will record 2 channels. I have all physical gear, so I don't care about running virtual instruments or sequencing. Just need sweet sounding stereo recording. I see a lot of multi-channel devices put out by different brands. But I want quality, not quantity. If these aren't available then I'll just use 2 of the inputs in whatever I get. But that seems like a waste when the resources devoted to all those other channels could be concentrated on providing 2 of the utmost quality.

I have heard here and there that MOTU devices don't sound that great. Wonder why that is.

Anyway, maybe some of you who know a lot about digital recording with Macs can make some recommendations.

JPeters86 · 15th March 2008, 04:22 PM

I'd get the Apogee Duet, awesome converters and preamp, and it's a bargain. Works perfect with your Mac as well (especially in Logic).

I don't know why people say MOTU sounds bad, I kinda like the preamps in my 8pre. They're not Neve or something, but they're certainly not bad imo.

kooz · 15th March 2008, 04:26 PM

What software do you you use?
Do you need a simple line level interface, or something with mic preamps in it?
Which Mac are you planning on buying?

Sorcerio · 15th March 2008, 04:46 PM

That Duet looks pretty nice. But Something rackable would be better.

I'm planning on getting a Mac Mini. Since I'm only going to be running a recording program I think it will suit my purposes well. The only thing I am concerned about is that the hard disk is 5400rpms. Will that speed hinder recording?

I have used Sound Forge for recording on my PC. So I'm going to have to look into that issue as well. Maybe the interface will include something usable until I can decide on which software to buy.

I think I just need 2 balanced line-level inputs. Will preamps give me something special if I won't be connecting microphones? My mixer, a Tascam M320B, has a preamp on every channel.

JPeters86 · 15th March 2008, 05:05 PM

Recording just two tracks simultaneously should be no problem on a 5400 rpms disk I guess. And yes, preamps can also hugely improve your line inputs.

Sorcerio · 15th March 2008, 06:02 PM

The more I look at the Duet the more I like what I see. Would it really be the best option for under $1000?

kristofer29 · 18th March 2008, 08:33 PM

The only reason not to get the Duet would be if 2 channels are not enough.

Since you've already said that's all you want, I would very highly recommend the Duet. Believe me, not having it in a rack and instead having the volume knob on the desk is very nice (for the small setup I assume you are describing). Not being large and rack-mounted is of course even more valuable if you're using it as a portable interface, since you don't necessarily need to carry any more than your laptop bag. For the money you'll absolutely appreciate the A/D/A converters, and if you ever get to use the pre's they are better than many.

If you think you might ever want to bring your show on the road, I'd go for a Macbook rather than the Mini (I have both, as well as a Duet), especially since your price tag for the Duet is well under $1000.

kooz · 19th March 2008, 02:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kristofer29

If you think you might ever want to bring your show on the road, I'd go for a Macbook rather than the Mini (I have both, as well as a Duet), especially since your price tag for the Duet is well under $1000.

Yeah, what kristofer said about the laptop! Even if you don't think that your "show" will ever go "on the road", you may be pleasantly surprised (as I was) how many many MANY times it's come in handy being portable like that.
The Duet could be the ideal solution for your needs.

Dysanfel · 19th March 2008, 02:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JPeters86

Recording just two tracks simultaneously should be no problem on a 5400 rpms disk I guess. And yes, preamps can also hugely improve your line inputs.

Yes, you can record 2 tracks at a time with an MBP internal 5400 rpm disk, and play back 30+.

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15th March 2008, 04:15 PM	#1
Sorcerio Gear interested Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 4	Need a 2 channel audio interface for Mac I'll start off with a little background. I have been recording with an Aardvark LX6 on my Windows computer for years and loved it. I recently got Vista on my windows machine and now the Aardvark doesn't work, software incompatible. So I have decided to get a Mac computer, and of course I'll need an audio interface. What I'm looking for is something that will record 2 channels. I have all physical gear, so I don't care about running virtual instruments or sequencing. Just need sweet sounding stereo recording. I see a lot of multi-channel devices put out by different brands. But I want quality, not quantity. If these aren't available then I'll just use 2 of the inputs in whatever I get. But that seems like a waste when the resources devoted to all those other channels could be concentrated on providing 2 of the utmost quality. I have heard here and there that MOTU devices don't sound that great. Wonder why that is. Anyway, maybe some of you who know a lot about digital recording with Macs can make some recommendations.

15th March 2008, 04:22 PM	#2
JPeters86 Lives for gear Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Netherlands Posts: 761	I'd get the Apogee Duet, awesome converters and preamp, and it's a bargain. Works perfect with your Mac as well (especially in Logic). I don't know why people say MOTU sounds bad, I kinda like the preamps in my 8pre. They're not Neve or something, but they're certainly not bad imo. __________________ Best wishes, JPeters86

15th March 2008, 04:26 PM	#3
kooz Gear maniac Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 216	you're not really giving us much to work with What software do you you use? Do you need a simple line level interface, or something with mic preamps in it? Which Mac are you planning on buying?

15th March 2008, 05:05 PM	#5
JPeters86 Lives for gear Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Netherlands Posts: 761	Recording just two tracks simultaneously should be no problem on a 5400 rpms disk I guess. And yes, preamps can also hugely improve your line inputs. __________________ Best wishes, JPeters86

15th March 2008, 04:46 PM	#4
Sorcerio Gear interested Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 4	That Duet looks pretty nice. But Something rackable would be better. I'm planning on getting a Mac Mini. Since I'm only going to be running a recording program I think it will suit my purposes well. The only thing I am concerned about is that the hard disk is 5400rpms. Will that speed hinder recording? I have used Sound Forge for recording on my PC. So I'm going to have to look into that issue as well. Maybe the interface will include something usable until I can decide on which software to buy. I think I just need 2 balanced line-level inputs. Will preamps give me something special if I won't be connecting microphones? My mixer, a Tascam M320B, has a preamp on every channel.

15th March 2008, 06:02 PM	#6
Sorcerio Gear interested Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 4	The more I look at the Duet the more I like what I see. Would it really be the best option for under $1000?

18th March 2008, 08:33 PM	#7
kristofer29 Gear interested Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 1	The only reason not to get the Duet would be if 2 channels are not enough. Since you've already said that's all you want, I would very highly recommend the Duet. Believe me, not having it in a rack and instead having the volume knob on the desk is very nice (for the small setup I assume you are describing). Not being large and rack-mounted is of course even more valuable if you're using it as a portable interface, since you don't necessarily need to carry any more than your laptop bag. For the money you'll absolutely appreciate the A/D/A converters, and if you ever get to use the pre's they are better than many. If you think you might ever want to bring your show on the road, I'd go for a Macbook rather than the Mini (I have both, as well as a Duet), especially since your price tag for the Duet is well under $1000.

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