Getting Interfaces To Work with Mac's vs PC's

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thefees

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I have been putting together a studio, and am stuck on what to do for an interface. I have built a new PC with a 2.9 quadcore, 8 Gig of ram, 1 terabyte drive, the ASUS motherboard comes with digital audio outs and SPDIF. It has USB2 but no firewire, but I could add it as a card.

So here is my question. Is there an interface that is portable like the Motu 896Mk3, having similar specs, and doesn't have frequent crashing, squealing, noise problems when used with a PC?

It seems that either I am stuck with lower end stuff that doesn't really sound good, and has drivers problems, or higher end stuff that advertises that it works with Windows, for example the 896Mk3 and still has drivers problems. By the way I am running Windows 7 ultimate.

I have been looking so hard, and for so long for an excellent solution, and am ready to throw my arms up, and buy a MAC pro, and Motu's 896Mk3, and what is it called, Logic Pro? Of the reviews that are super happy with the Motu 896, they are all MAC people. Even the MOTU advertisements state that it includes the MAC software with it, and it has Mac capabilities, but oh by the way, it works with Windows too. (well kind of works :-)

Can you mention a good alternative that works, either low end, or middle that will give me good specs on a PC? (I'm not talking about .1% distortion as good specs.) I like USB2 because then I could take it on Gigs with the laptop that I have also.
 
Sorry I can't suggest a USB, but if you go Firewire I'd suggest Presonus. I have moved their Firestudio One interface across 3pcs (now on a custom build laptop with express card, 64 bit, windows 7) no issues whatsoever.
 
Been using a Motu828mkII for years on my XP laptop with zero problems.
The new mkIII has both usb and firewire; use whatever you want.

IF YOU GO FIREWIRE: You MUST get a firewire card with Texas Instruments chips (Belkin and SIIG have cards for <$50 with TI chips). Most interface manufacturers REQUIRE a TI-chip card for proper operation and its the gold standard.
 
+1 ^^^^^^^^^^^
For what both of those guys said.

I have a presonus Firestudio and had problems until I got a firewire card with a TI chipset. Now it works flawlessly.

Oh yeah, I also had to ditch a pci wireless card that was somehow screwing up my firewire, from what I've read that's a common problem.
 
Hey Guys,
Thank you for your input. So there is light at the end of the tunnel. Anyone else want to chime in with their experience, I would appreciate it.
Thanks ahead of time.
 
Nice machine. I tried out a Motu MK 3 Ultralite that I really liked it had nice features but it was a dud and had to be returned. I suspect that another would have worked but I went with RME Fireface 400. Works like a charm. I did opt for a TI based sepereate PCI card to use. BTW the Motu unit was pretty hip but like I said it had issues and the support (factory) sucked+ not a whole lot of love or help on the net for Motu for PC. The RME is 2.5x cost so thats where I stand, poorer but satisfied. I would buy another of either type if I had the need.
 
Wow thanks for all your help. So it looks like there is a Windows based solution that works, and I understand about the TI chipset on the Firewire PCI card.
I was hoping for the universal serial bus USB 2.0 version so I could use my portable laptop as well. Presonus does have a USB1.1 portable that is very inexpensive. I could use my Mackie CR1604 as the 16 channel input that leads to the 2 channel input on the portable unit, but of course that doesn't give me the virgin tracks for each of the instruments to go back to the studio and remix.
I am glad to see that I can get a high quality unit that is reliable for in the 500 to 600 dollar range, with a zillion inputs and high quality preamps, and just pay less than $50 or thereabouts for the Firewire PCI card.
Now that leads me to the next question. What about the software. I see on the PreSonus site that hey just introduced the new free to download for users version something like 1.6 of the Studio One which now includes video. That is what I want. I want to publish music videos.
So the question is..... tah dah,
What is the easiest software out there, yet most comprehensive for recording audio and being able to create video to go along with it. I have several high def (although the smaller versions) cameras.
I can see what the Mac can do. Here is an example; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J4UG0lyDf5M
Here is another one by Juan Carlos. He is using the Mac with the Motu 896Mk3. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oS9L_bZyN8s&playnext=1&videos=zWHgFROKpr0&feature=mfu_in_order I can't get this song out of my head.
So which software alternative can I use that is intuitive in the PC world that incorporates audio and video?
I understand that Presonus Studio One now has audio and video, but I heard someone say that it is difficult to use. I would rather spend some money if need be and get the most intuitive, most developed software.
Your help is appreciated.
Thank you.
 
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