Audio Interface for Home Studio

WaveLab
#1

Hi everyone,

I am a newbie here! I started electronic music production a couple of months ago using Logic Pro X as my main DAW. After encouraging results, I have decided to invest in a home studio, and the help of experts would be greatly appreciated.

I use a 13-inch Macbook Pro I bought in August 2014 with the following specs: 2.8GHz dual-core Intel Core i5; Turbo Boost up to 3.3GHz 8GB 1600MHz memory; 512GB PCIe-based flash storage.

I purchased a Roland TR-8 Drum machine in November (for Live mix as well as production) and I would like to invest in some gear:

  • Novation Impulse 49 keyboard
  • A pair of KRK RP5 monitors
  • An audio interface

As I am pretty new in that world, I do not know what interface to buy to be able to connect both my keyboard and my TR-8 to my Macbook Pro + my monitors.

So far, I have selected three potential candidates based on positive feedback and given my tight budget (around 300$/500$ tops).

  • Focusrite Scarlett 6i6
  • Focusrite Saffire Pro 24
  • Steinberg UR44
  • Motu Audio Express

Can anyone recommend me one of these interfaces based on his/her personal experience?

Regards

Tanzverbot

#2

I was using a Focusrite Saffire Pro 24 for a long time and it worked great. Audio quality was good and Focusrite Saffire hardware and software was pretty playful with others. I have since upgraded to a UA Apollo which is outstanding for my use. But a Saffire is a good choice in my opinion. And that may just be my opinion but I have some experience there.
Piz

#3

I don’t have personal experience with any of these myself, but I’m sure either one would serve you well. They’re all well known product manufacturers you can trust.

I think it boils down to what features, inputs/outputs you need. I didn’t observe detailed specs on these, but ask yourself, if they each have phantom power for condenser mics, built in mic pre’s, special Hi-Z guita inputs etc. It looks like they each have standard midi I/O, but the Steinberg unit is the only one that I didn’t see s/pdif coaxial I/O on it, which you may or may not need now…will you down the road?

Now, which one’s have better latency, or more reliable drivers, better converters? This I don’t know, but I’d have to guess very acceptable on all.

#4

Don’t eliminate the products by PreSonus from your choices. Of course this is all opinion but, they do offer interfaces for those on a budget or not. Also, interfaces that offer connectivity by USB or firewire if that is your thang. I’ve had very good luck with them for years and never had a problem. Have fun choosing. :wink:

Regards :sunglasses:

#5

Thanks a lot for your replies. I think all four models are well built and reliable.

I was just wondering which one I could use with my Keyboard + my Drum Machine (Roland TR-8) as I do not know if I can link all my devices to one single interface which I then could control in my DAW.

I’ve read a couple of topics covering the integration of the Roland TR-8 with other devices and no there is no clear answer…

#6

Tanzverbot…
Same Tanzverbot that visits (or used to visit really) the SplashDamage forums?

#7

No, I am afraid I am another person! :slight_smile:

#8

Ok, shame :wink:.
Good luck with your new home studio anyway!