Audio interface "upgrade" advice/suggestions?

dappey2 · 7th February 2012

Hello all. I was planning to get a new audio interface for some time now, currently using a Presonus Audiobox, which I use to record a synth (microkorg into Ableton Live). I've read many reviews, stories of this and that interface, which one has the better converters, mic preamps etc.

Can anyone tell me what the advantages are in getting a more expensive interface?

I've had my eye on the Babyface by RME, but have now read in a couple of converter/preamp "shootout" test threads that their converters aren't even great in comparison to a cheaper MOTU interface. Also I'm not sure if converters/mic preamps are especially important for my method of recording, which is like I said straight into Ableton, no mics used.

I would be ready to pay about 700 or more $ (if I know that it's something like a good "investment") in a interface but am not even sure what the advantages of that would be, so can someone give me advice on this topic?

Tapwater · 8th February 2012

RME makes great interfaces. Very reliable which for me is just as important as sound quality. However, I just jumped from a MOTU to an Apogee and the sound quality is definitely better. Richer, more accurate, and smoother in the sibilance range on vocals (MOTU was a bit smeary with the S's and T's). Also, take a look at Lynx and Metric Halo's offerings.

dappey2 · 8th February 2012

thanks Tapwater!

subzero · 22nd February 2012

I'll also put a vote in for RME. I've had a Fireface 800 for 3 years and have had zero downtime. It's a very stable and reliable unit plus TotalMix is AWESOME! I'm in the process of upgrading the AD/DA myself but plan to use the FF800 as my interface for a while.

It looks like the Babyface has optical I/O, so expansion is always possible.

dappey2 · 23rd February 2012

thanks guys!

@KevBonds - yep, been following this thread for a while now, and it has kept me from buying a RME (among other factors)... (I don't know if that's necessarily a good thing though

)

7th February 2012	#1
dappey2 Gear Head Joined: Jan 2012 Posts: 45 Thread Starter	Audio interface "upgrade" advice/suggestions? Hello all. I was planning to get a new audio interface for some time now, currently using a Presonus Audiobox, which I use to record a synth (microkorg into Ableton Live). I've read many reviews, stories of this and that interface, which one has the better converters, mic preamps etc. Can anyone tell me what the advantages are in getting a more expensive interface? I've had my eye on the Babyface by RME, but have now read in a couple of converter/preamp "shootout" test threads that their converters aren't even great in comparison to a cheaper MOTU interface. Also I'm not sure if converters/mic preamps are especially important for my method of recording, which is like I said straight into Ableton, no mics used. I would be ready to pay about 700 or more $ (if I know that it's something like a good "investment") in a interface but am not even sure what the advantages of that would be, so can someone give me advice on this topic?

8th February 2012	#2
Tapwater Gear interested Joined: Feb 2012 Posts: 18	RME makes great interfaces. Very reliable which for me is just as important as sound quality. However, I just jumped from a MOTU to an Apogee and the sound quality is definitely better. Richer, more accurate, and smoother in the sibilance range on vocals (MOTU was a bit smeary with the S's and T's). Also, take a look at Lynx and Metric Halo's offerings. __________________ Tapwater Productions Mac Pro 8-Core 3.2Ghz, Apogee Symphony I/O, Universal Audio 4-710d, Avalon Vt-737sp, Genelec 8040s, Logic Pro 9

22nd February 2012	#4
subzero Gear nut Joined: Oct 2010 Location: Detroit, MI Posts: 79	I'll also put a vote in for RME. I've had a Fireface 800 for 3 years and have had zero downtime. It's a very stable and reliable unit plus TotalMix is AWESOME! I'm in the process of upgrading the AD/DA myself but plan to use the FF800 as my interface for a while. It looks like the Babyface has optical I/O, so expansion is always possible. __________________ UREI 1176 Clones - http://www.subzerorecording.com/szr76/samples.html Interested in a completed clone with warranty, PM me.

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23rd February 2012	#5
dappey2 Gear Head Joined: Jan 2012 Posts: 45 Thread Starter	thanks guys! @KevBonds - yep, been following this thread for a while now, and it has kept me from buying a RME (among other factors)... (I don't know if that's necessarily a good thing though )