Best audio interface for big new duo iMac

  • Thread starter Thread starter Flux
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Flux

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Hi, I started this thread in 'Other Equipment and Reviews' but it was sugested that I move it here.

Basically, I have a nicely endowed jam room that I mix into a 16x4 Mackie. I need to be able to record four tracks simultaneously (the Mackie's 4 sub-mixes) and I plan on buying one of the new duo core iMacs.

What shall I use for an interface? The iMac has no PCI slot and choices are limited on Firewire/USB interfaces because most I've seen don't offer more than a stereo output. There again I'm an interface noob.... The Lexicon Omega is an attractive choice because of it's 4 track capability and software bundle but is USB (an inferior choice I'm told). Firewire may be a better choice but I'm not aware of any inexpensive products that compare.

Any suggestions for a hardware/software iMac compatable set-up? :confused:
 
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Flux said:
What shall I use for an interface? The iMac has no PCI slot and choices are limited on Firewire/USB interfaces because most I've seen don't offer more than a stereo output. There again I'm an interface noob.... The Lexicon Omega is an attractive choice because of it's 4 track capability and software bundle but is USB (an inferior choice I'm told). Firewire may be a better choice but I'm not aware of any inexpensive products that compare.
Click to expand...

You don't want any USB device that advertises 8 in, 4 out. The USB audio spec doesn't allow that, and the 2.0 audio spec isn't final yet (any week now?)

Oh, correction, halle-freaking-luia, it's final now! They finally approved the May draft. Of course, this happened in the last four weeks or so, though, so no devices actually support it yet, but... in two or three years, I might not be able to say that all >2 channel USB interfaces are evil. (Just most of 'em. :D)

Anyway... here's a short list (and there are probably others):

Presonus FIREBOX, M-Audio FireWire 1814, Presonus FIREPOD, Mackie Onyx 400F, Edirol FA-101, Echo AudioFire 8 (or 12), Tascam FW1804, Presonus FireStudio, FocusRite Saffire LE Firewire....
 
Thanks! Lots of choices, lots of options. I guess the FireBox is probably the best choice for my simple application needs, the Tascam FW1804 looks great but is more ($) than I need I guess - used versus new it's close though.... Any thoughts on the FW1804? :cool:
 
Flux said:
Thanks! Lots of choices, lots of options. I guess the FireBox is probably the best choice for my simple application needs, the Tascam FW1804 looks great but is more ($) than I need I guess - used versus new it's close though.... Any thoughts on the FW1804? :cool:
Click to expand...

the pres on the firebox sound better than the FW1804's'
 
Had a chance to pop into a local retailer this afternoon. The sales guy pretty much convinced me that I should keep my Mackie board (or buy an Onyx) and think about the FireBox.... so I'm thinking about that... and it does make sense. The I/O is limited but more importantly the sound quality is there.
 
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