Audio Interface under $500

Chieftain Jake · 4th May 2008

Hi I am new to this,

I am looking at the best bang for money in regards to an Audio Interface under $500.

I am most likely going to use Pro Logic 8 into a MacBook Pro. I record everything from Metal to blues and hip hop.

I have considered these so far: Mackie ONYX Satelite, Apogee Duet, Firebox can people with some experience please provide some input and suggestions? Will need it to support a condenser mic.

Thanks people!

barronsteele · 7th June 2011

I've been looking at getting an Apogee. It'll be a little over 500 but if you have the money, it's worth it.

smoovemode · 27th February 2012

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chieftain Jake

Hi I am new to this,

I am looking at the best bang for money in regards to an Audio Interface under $500.

I am most likely going to use Pro Logic 8 into a MacBook Pro. I record everything from Metal to blues and hip hop.

I have considered these so far: Mackie ONYX Satelite, Apogee Duet, Firebox can people with some experience please provide some input and suggestions? Will need it to support a condenser mic.

Thanks people!

Look at the Mackie Onyx Blackbird. Good preamps, decent ad/da and great digital IO as well. Which I found lacking in other units. The only issue I have (which is a huge issue) is that they have not, to buy knowledge, released the Drivers for the latest version of OSX. Which left me scratching my head.

RonGherkins · 27th February 2012

So your advice is to buy an interface for OSX where they have poor osx support/updates? And right now it's unupdated? k...

I guess my advice would be to buy an interface you are sure works with your operating system, has well designed drivers and solid stability. The duet is fine if you don't need extra ins and outs.

smoovemode · 27th February 2012

If they don't need the latest drivers the blackbird is a great value. I believe mackie mentioned a release no later than march, which is in a few days.

Rapslashrnbking · 28th February 2012

Mbox3 mini or apogee duet......I've used the mini on my rnb album...beautiful....I have an apogee ensemble now and I was told the duet is a good piece to

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I997 using Gearslutz.com

smoovemode · 28th February 2012

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rapslashrnbking

Mbox3 mini or apogee duet......I've used the mini on my rnb album...beautiful....I have an apogee ensemble now and I was told the duet is a good piece to

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I997 using Gearslutz.com

I almost purchased the ensemble. Then I saw the Apollo. But, I have a UA 4-710, but I was informed, has the same converter as the Apollo. So, IO complexities aside I'm not going to see that much of a variation or upgrade if I get the Apollo or I get an Onyx Blackbird since, either way, I'll be using the converters in the 4-710d.

Does that make sense?

rhythminmind · 28th February 2012

Bang for the buck, impact twin.

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O.F.F. · 28th February 2012

Echo Audio AF12.

As good as Apogee at a fraction of the cost with rock-solid drivers.

Rapslashrnbking · 29th February 2012

I just love apogee sound.....but I know for fact mbox 3 mini steppes wayyy up

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I997 using Gearslutz.com

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Jazz	8	20.51%
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4th May 2008	#1
Chieftain Jake Gear interested Joined: May 2008 Location: Sydney, Australia Posts: 1 Thread Starter	Audio Interface under $500 Hi I am new to this, I am looking at the best bang for money in regards to an Audio Interface under $500. I am most likely going to use Pro Logic 8 into a MacBook Pro. I record everything from Metal to blues and hip hop. I have considered these so far: Mackie ONYX Satelite, Apogee Duet, Firebox can people with some experience please provide some input and suggestions? Will need it to support a condenser mic. Thanks people!

27th February 2012	#4
RonGherkins Lives for gear Joined: Dec 2010 Location: Toronto Posts: 952 3 Reviews written	So your advice is to buy an interface for OSX where they have poor osx support/updates? And right now it's unupdated? k... I guess my advice would be to buy an interface you are sure works with your operating system, has well designed drivers and solid stability. The duet is fine if you don't need extra ins and outs. __________________ soundcloud.com/lamontp Check out the new 3-Card CD Economy Class FREE DL - www.Harmlessdanger.com

28th February 2012	#6
Rapslashrnbking RapSlashRnbKing Joined: Jan 2012 Posts: 171	Mbox3 mini or apogee duet......I've used the mini on my rnb album...beautiful....I have an apogee ensemble now and I was told the duet is a good piece to Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I997 using Gearslutz.com __________________ Support Ferno and Buy His Rnb/Rap Album On #itunes http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/mva...ed/id515347890 FOLLOW ME ON TWITTER @rappaslashsanga

28th February 2012	#8
rhythminmind Lives for gear Joined: May 2007 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 1,076	Bang for the buck, impact twin. Sent from my T-Mobile G2 using Gearslutz App __________________ "Any experiment of interest in life will be carried out at your own expense."

7th June 2011	#2
barronsteele Gear interested Joined: Feb 2011 Posts: 7	I've been looking at getting an Apogee. It'll be a little over 500 but if you have the money, it's worth it.

27th February 2012	#5
smoovemode Lives for gear Joined: May 2008 Posts: 732	If they don't need the latest drivers the blackbird is a great value. I believe mackie mentioned a release no later than march, which is in a few days.

28th February 2012	#9
O.F.F. Lives for gear Joined: Apr 2006 Posts: 2,288	Echo Audio AF12. As good as Apogee at a fraction of the cost with rock-solid drivers.

29th February 2012	#10
Rapslashrnbking RapSlashRnbKing Joined: Jan 2012 Posts: 171	I just love apogee sound.....but I know for fact mbox 3 mini steppes wayyy up Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I997 using Gearslutz.com

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