Which interface for Garageband? (PT User)

  • Thread starter Thread starter ibleedburgundy
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ibleedburgundy

ibleedburgundy

The Anti-Lambo
I am considering buying a B rig. -One that I can travel with or use at other people's houses. I am considering a an RME babyface or focusrite scarlett 18i8 to use with my Audient ASP008 via ADAT. I've been using pro tools for the last 10 years so I know almost nothing about other software and interfaces.

So here is my n00b question: Do certain interfaces pair with different software suites better than others? Can I use either of these with Garageband/macbook pro? Would I be better off using the recording software that comes with the babyface or scarlett?
 
The bottom line is to just check and make sure but, broadly speaking, any OS supported interface should work just fine.
Gone are the days of ProTools limiting you to digidesign/avid hardware, but you'll still find interfaces that aren't mac compatible at all.

When you find something you like just have a quick google to make sure someone else is using it with PT. ;)

What, exactly, do you need in terms of I/O? I've had nothing but flawless operation from Motu and Presonus interfaces with my macbook pro.
I saw in another thread you were only looking for ADAT input?
If so, I don't see any reason to spend big bucks on big names. Maybe get an old 2nd hand motu 828/mk2/mk3?

I wouldn't consider switching software but that's me. I'd hate the idea of relearning stuff I know.
 
Yeah I hate re-learning too, but using PT on my B rig is not an option unless I want to buy it again. I have 6.9 for PC (windows XP) and never upgraded. I'm thinking this does me no good for using my macbook pro. So I'm trying to use garageband if possible because it's super simple and I've already gotten to know it somewhat. Plus another guy in the band also has a mac/garageband so it would make it that much easier for us to pass files around and mix or add tracks from home, etc.

Seems like a lot of people say good things about Motu so maybe they have something I should consider. I'd just really like to make use of the Audient ASP008. 8-10 tracks is all I need.
 
I use a Tascam 1800 with my MBP. good results. GB 11 is limited to recording 8 tracks simultaneously IIRC.
 
ibleedburgundy said:
Yeah I hate re-learning too, but using PT on my B rig is not an option unless I want to buy it again. I have 6.9 for PC (windows XP) and never upgraded. I'm thinking this does me no good for using my macbook pro. So I'm trying to use garageband if possible because it's super simple and I've already gotten to know it somewhat.
Click to expand...

Ah, Didn't realise you were on an old version.
Yeah, the digidesign hardware tie still applies back on v6.9, so garageband (or logic) is probably the way forward.
If you happen to be on an older operating system (leopard?), you could pick up a 002 rack. They have adat input.
Kinda bulky, but that'd get you PT on the road if you're even half inclined.

ibleedburgundy said:
Seems like a lot of people say good things about Motu so maybe they have something I should consider. I'd just really like to make use of the Audient ASP008. 8-10 tracks is all I need.
Click to expand...

Cool. A lot of the motu interfaces have adat in. I think the traveller might, too? Never used it though. You're on your own with that one. ;)
 
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So I ended up getting a scarlett 18i8 and hooking it up to the macbook pro/garage band. If I wanted to use the pres on the scarlett I'd be fine because garage band recorgnizes those. For some reason when I try to get garage band to recognize the 8 ADAT audient tracks I am not having any luck. The scarlett comes with some mixer software - that software recognizes the ADAT inputs so I know I have it hooked up right and the macbook pro is capeable of seeing it.

Anyone have any suggestions on what I might need to do? I've clicked on pretty much everything in the preferences box on garage band. Garageband lists 18 tracks for the scarlett plus an additional grouping of stereo tracks. None of them are the ADAT tracks though because I tried them one by one.
 
Any luck with this? I'm considering the 18i8 to interface with my M-Audio Octane via light pipe. So:
Octane->lightpipe>18i8>Garageband seeing the 8 ADAT inputs. I have a sinking feeling this just won't work.
 
I got a focusrrite Scarlett 2i4 on ebay for $130. And it came brand new practically. There are some left right now. That's a good interface
 
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