usb/firewire interface + software for OSX

[SteveMcB]

Hi all,
I'm about to buy a new G4 mac (already decided, no mac vs. PC please), and I want some advice on USB/firewire audio interface and OSX-capable audio software.

I currently have a recording setup based around a roland VS 840 (4-in, 4-out, max 8 tracks playback, data compressed). I have decent (not outstanding) mics (C1, NT1, 57's, 603's, PVM 520i), pre's (Mackie 1402VLZ, SP VTB1), and comps (RNC, Behringer), monitors (Yorkville YSM1P's). Don't play keys, so midi is not a big issue for me, but it's something I'd like to look at expanding into...

I want to get an audio interface for my G4 to allow 2 things:
1) To allow me to mix down tracks recorded on the 840 and "master" them maybe (we're obviously not talking pro-level here). Interface must therefore have spdif I/O as well as analog
2) Probably to allow me to do tracking for new songs on the G4 and then subsequent mixing/mastering

Budget for box + software is around $500-600US for interface and software (which must be OSX compatible)...

Options so far obvious:
1) M-box - 2in, 2out, spdif, no midi, 2 pre's I don't really need, software included, have some PT experience from PT free
2) Audiophile USB - 2in, 2 out, spdif, midi. Then software - I know of Logic big box and Cubase Studio case as options, but I'm open to others
3) Second hand MOTU 828 + software. This really appeals due to larger # of simultaneous inputs (eg for tracking drums). But will be hard to find software that keeps me in budget and allows that many simultaneous inputs...

Does anyone have any advice on these options or other options? Cheap, capable but reasonably simple OSX compatible software?

Thanks,
Steve

 

[dwillis45]

Is there a reason that you want USB/Firewire versus a card-based interface that would plug into an open slot on the G4? Are you buying a "tower" G4 or an Imac G4? The Imac G4 flat panels don't have available card slots, so you can only input audio via USB/Firewire. The tower models normally accept cards and you may want to consider the pro's and con's of choosing a card-based system over a USB/Firewire interface. The USB/Firewire models are handy because they typically incorporate preamps. The card-based approach would allow you to use your existing preamp or upgrade later if you want to go with a higher grade unit.

Firewire has the repuation for delivering data at faster speeds with greater reliability, although the quality of USB has greatly improved with USB 2.0. Unfortunately, I would guess that most of the Firewire interfaces are out of your budget range. The M-Audio 410 might be an option at $399 but that limits your software budget to around $200 or less. There is also a new product made by Ego Systems called the Quata Firewire interface. It lists for around the same price but it’s fairly new and I’m not sure what kind of user track record it has. The MOTU 828mkii is much more expensive but, as you mention, there are some older 828’s listed on ebay for around $400. The older 828 would need updated drivers to function with OSX, so check out Versiontracker for downloads under OSX audio. Originally, the 828 also came bundled with it’s own software--AudioDesk. AudioDesk is a trimmed down version of Digital Performer but it lacks MIDI capabilities. The software is decent (I use it on a G4) and it comes with a small suite of plugins. You can also use MAS plugs. If you buy a used 828, see if you can get the software disk, especially if they have an unregistered version. You could then register and get an upgraded version of AudioDesk (version 2.0, I think) which would work with OSX. I don’t think the original AudioDesk works with OSX, however.

 

[SteveMcB]

Thanks for the reply - yeah, I'm going to buy slotless (unless I can find a really good deal, which doesn't seem likely at this stage. The original Audiodesk isn't OSX compatable, and it seems looking at the MOTU site that they don't sell the updates to OSX for audiodesk (although I know Audiodesk 2.0 is shipping with the 828 mkII.

Thanks again, appreciate the input,
Steve

 

[dwillis45]

Many of the newer I-Mac G4's and some of the G4 towers are bootable from both OSX and OS9. If your new Mac comes with OS9, you could buy a used 828 and run the older version of AudioDesk. Just a thought.

 

[SteveMcB]

That's a good thought, but my understanding is that all the new macs now neither come with or will boot in OS9. I'm planning on buying at the lower end of what's available new, rather than chancing it with second hand. Also, the way things are here, macs have recently dropped in price because of exchange rates and Apple's pricing structure in general, so people with second hand macs are not willing to sell for realistic prices - I can get a faster machine new for less money than people are willing to part with second hand machines for!

I'm also (flame suit on) quite keen to try out Garage Band (though this is NOT the prime reason for purchase by any stretch).

So unfortunately, no OS9 for me! Thanks for the idea though,

Steve