I got an AX8- recommendation on recording interface for Mac?

[jkdsteve]

As per the topic....playing my AX8 though MOD50 FX return, sounds great..would like recommendation on how to record/play through my Mac.

Not too expensive though.

 

[jkdsteve]

Apogee.

One or Duet seem kinda pricey at $350 and almost $600 :-/

 

[crwnedblasphemy]

Thunderbolt or firewire?

 

[jkdsteve]

Thunderbolt or firewire?

Are Firewire drivers even still supported in later versions of OS X ?

I have Thunderbolt on my Laptop and Firewire on Desktop (MacPro 2009)...prefer to use my desktop I think.

 

[Revson]

If you only need a couple channels, look into the Audient id14. USB connection and very good sound quality, maybe not quite up there with the Apogee though.

 

[crwnedblasphemy]

I use my mbox pro FireWire with Last version of El Cap fine. Haven't upgraded to Sierra yet

 

[Elric]

Focusrite Scarlett: USB, Class compliant: worked with Sierra day one, no latency, direct monitoring, reliable, inexpensive, came with Ableton Live Lite license and some really nice plugins. Literally no downside.

 

[jkdsteve]

Focusrite Scarlett: USB, Class compliant: worked with Sierra day one, no latency, direct monitoring, reliable, inexpensive, came with Ableton Live Lite license and some really nice plugins. Literally no downside.

I was looking at that but concerned about USB due to latency...does require it USB 3.0 or will 2.0 work?

 

[Elric]

It's a 2.0 device. I haven't had issues with audio interface latency in like five or six years, heck maybe longer, and I was a huge hater prior. This is coming from PC where USB was it.

 

[nigelpkay]

Apogee, they are top quality and you won't regret it. I frigged around with all sorts of other interfaces in the past and have always suffered various latency issues, bad drivers, and poor build quality. (I had not one, but two Presonus Firebox's fry on me).

My Apogee Duet has had no issues whatsoever and totally solid. Super easy to setup and use.

Go for the Apogee One as that's all you'll need.

 

[ejecta]

Focusrite Scarlett: USB, Class compliant: worked with Sierra day one, no latency, direct monitoring, reliable, inexpensive, came with Ableton Live Lite license and some really nice plugins. Literally no downside.

I was looking at that but concerned about USB due to latency...does require it USB 3.0 or will 2.0 work?

I use one with my 2011 Mac Book Pro and no issues with latency.... USB 2.0 is fine.

 

[jkdsteve]

Thanks guys! \m/

 

[SkyhighRocks]

I use the scarlett 18i6...haven't had any issues.

 

[BadCat]

Universal audio Apollo Twin Duo isn`t bad either. Quality is up to par with the Apogee but you have the plugins that you can hear while recording. Don`t think there is another interface that offers that. But UAD is made in China while Apogee is made in the USA. Don`t know what is better but my impression is that on Gearslutz the majority seems to prefer UAD.

 

[CaseyCor]

UA Apollo, Apogee for high end. I get great results with a Focusrite iTrack Solo (use it with my MacBook, have given it a go with an iPad a few times).

How are you planning on running the AX8 into the interface? SPDIF?

 

[jkdsteve]

UA Apollo, Apogee for high end. I get great results with a Focusrite iTrack Solo (use it with my MacBook, have given it a go with an iPad a few times).

How are you planning on running the AX8 into the interface? SPDIF?

You know I never thought about SPDIF...was thinking old school with the pre's on the interface I guess....I hear the AX8 has a great SPDIF.

 

[CaseyCor]

Fractal stuff has great quality D/A converters onboard. Use that to your advantage!