Need Audio Card - Interface Suggestions

G

ggrantly

Veteran
I just purchased a new MacPro and want to add some type of audio interface. I am a newb on this aspect of audio, so any advice will be appreciated. My old CPU had a MiaMidi.

Is it true the sound output to my mixer-monitors will improve if I feed from a card rather than the headphone jack? Assuming it would improve my monitor output I would like to achieve the following:

Output audio to mixer-monitors from interface
Record audio w/ phantom power directly to the CPU.
Midi I/O

I need only minimal channels in (2-4), but would like good preamps.

Being Mac based, I am using FCP and or Logic.

I am open to a firewire device or expansion card. When I read the specs - functions on audio cards and interfaces, my little brain has soft focus.

Thanks in advance for your suggestions.

Grant
 
ggrantly said:
Is it true the sound output to my mixer-monitors will improve if I feed from a card rather than the headphone jack?
Click to expand...
Vastly. However, sound quality is a combination of your source material, your listening environment, your gear, your ears and your experience.

As to what audio interface you should get we would need some idea of your budget.
 
unclebob6958 said:
Vastly. However, sound quality is a combination of your source material, your listening environment, your gear, your ears and your experience.

As to what audio interface you should get we would need some idea of your budget.
Click to expand...
My listening environment is a home office...no doubt terrible. We can address that later. I do have a reasonable set of monitors and a Mackie mixer. It seems some of the expansion cards start at $200, but I would be grateful for advice on how much to spend....how good is good enough. My interest is documentary and I have done a couple of corporate videos. I use a DVX100a. My usual mics are NTG-3, RE50B, Mk-012 and Countryman lav. That is the level I am playing.

Is it better to go internal or external for starters?

Grant
 
My personal choice is external.

ggrantly said:
Record audio w/ phantom power directly to the CPU. Midi I/O. I need only minimal channels in (2-4), but would like good preamps.
Click to expand...

The more you spend the better quality you will get (DUH!).

Everyone is going to have favorites. "Opinions are like a**holes, everyone has one and they all stink."

I'm a Pro Tools guy, I am also partial to MOTU gear. What you should do is figure out your budget and start researching interfaces in that price range.

Some things to get you started...

TC Electronic Konnekt 8 - $300

Focusrite Saffire - $350.

Edirol / Roland FA-101 - -$380

ART TubeFire8 - $400

Digidesign M-Box - $450*

Apogee Duet - $500

MOTU UltraLite-mk3 - $550

Digidesign M-Box Pro - $700*

MOTU Traveler-mk3 - $850

Digidesign DIGI- 003 Rack - $1,200*

Lynx Aurora 8/FW - $2,300


*Just remember that when you get into PT stuff you are locked into the hardware in order to use the software.
 
Thanks for the suggestions. The traveler mk3 and Kennekt 8 are both interesting. Though the Traveler lacks midi..I think.

Can anyone recommend and internal card?

Grant
 
Also don't forget the higher end focusrite saffire interface that can emulate multiple pre-amps, its closer to $1000.
 
Thanks for the advice all. It seems there are few expansion cards for newer PCI-x Macs except for the very high end, but that may change over time. All the FW solutions suggested will do fine for me.

New Question: Is it a viable option to record audio (video or otherwise) direct to a laptop via FW interface, or is a dedicated recorder preferable? Would something like the Traveler realistically serve as a field mixer as well as interface realizing the limited portability when tethered to a laptop?

If that would work fairly well, I might consider that as an option over a high quality bag recorder. For really mobile, I have a H4.

Grant
 
Is it a viable option to record audio (video or otherwise) direct to a laptop via FW interface, or is a dedicated recorder preferable?
Click to expand...

Yes, people have been recording to laptops for years. Works great if you don't have to move a lot and need more inputs as dedicated recorders can get really expensive.

Check out some of the FW boxes by Metric Halo as well.
 
So I've been considering my choices.

Has anyone had personal experience with the Moto Traveler? For a few bones more than a good mini-box, it seems like you could do some real work. Would it really serve as a mixer and interface like Motu says?

Grant
 
Gentle Bump

Anyone have experience with the MOTU Traveler. I am very curious how it performs as a mixer?

Best Regards,
Grant
 
Look at the MOTU 828 MkII, it has a a lot to offer. I use MOTU solely as my interfaces, both a 828, and a 1296, and I love them.
 
It also depends on how many inputs and outputs you want, and whether or not you'll be using an internal sound card to connect to your external card/breakout box.

I recently mentioned in another thread that the E-MU 0404 USB and M-Audio FireWire series are good, relatively low priced ($200-$400 range) audio interfaces that are great for beginners and early professionals. They only have a handful of inputs and outputs, but it's enough to run a small setup.

If you have a larger budget and/or need lots of inputs and outputs, the MOTU 2408 mk3 is a great interface. (I hear good things about the slightly smaller MOTU 828 that Doc mentioned.)
 
Call me crazy but have you thought of the ZOOM H4n? Not only is this an absolutely amazing field recorder ( up to four individual tracks) but it is an excellent two channel audio interface for your computer. It offers phantom power and some really descent sounding preamps. The interface option on this unit is often overlooked.
 
Thanks for the reply. I have an H4 for quick and dirty and ultra portable. I ended up thinking about the Motu Traveler as it could wear many hats. Firewire interface for driving editing suite monitors, editing suite voice over input direct to CPU, should work pretty well with a laptop for field recording something like a concert or large meeting, has 4 preamps, MIDI, multiple power options, etc. at a relative pricepoint.

This is how I rationalize a purchase to my wife.....she listens and rolls eyes knowing it is fait acompli. You listers can carve on my idea.

I have to go back and read the specs again since it wasn't clear to me.....does this unit also generate TC? The factory poop sheet talks about generating TC, but I am not sure they are talking about video applications. Anyone know or can splain it to me?

Best Regards,
Grant
 
I think they are talking about their software. Which brings up a point. Software. What are you goint to be using? I would pick the software first and then eliminate any boxes that don't work with it. For instance if you are going to use ProTools that narrows the field considerably, if your going to use Performer that would push you toward MOTU boxes. Second do you need it to be buss powered? The traveler is buss powered but the 828MKII needs AC.
I ended up with a number of interfaces for the laptop for different situations.
 
Noiz,

I am Apple all the way so FCP and Logic. Opinions I have heard is that the Motu software plays well with Apple and is very stable. Is that your experience if you are Apple oriented?

Traveler seemed interesting just because you can power it 3 ways; firewire, AC, and battery.

Regards,
Grant
 
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