Lookin for a cheapie, nothing fancy. Thinking about the M-Audio M track. The M track is around $100 and looks like everything I'd need, but wondering if there's a better one for the same price that some of you's guys use.
Quote from: jighead81 on February 17, 2014, 06:02:24 AM
Lookin for a cheapie, nothing fancy. Thinking about the M-Audio M track. The M track is around $100 and looks like everything I'd need, but wondering if there's a better one for the same price that some of you's guys use.
I have a M- Audio Fast track and it does the job perfectly! Its quite small and easy to use!
Cheera
Not sure whats around for $100
Presonus stuff is quite popular, and you also get a free version of their studio one DAW.
Alesis stuff is also nice quality.
Native Instruments have one that sells over here for £199.00. Comes with Guitar Rig (which is amazing).
M-Audio used to be a bit cheapy, but I haven't bought anything from them for years so they may have improved.
Can't say I know too much about USB stuff these days (I pawned my firewire interface a few years ago), but I'm thinking the new focusrite stuff looks pretty good.
I was able to find a used/like new Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 for $108 on ebay. I've only been able to try it a little bit, but it sounds great to me. Here's a link to the listing I got it from. (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Focusrite-Scarlett-2i2-USB-Recording-Interface-Used-/371007552914?pt=US_Computer_Recording_Interfaces&hash=item5661c5fd92)
yep i also got the little focusrite scralett off some dood on craigslist for a c-note. i have barely used it but it seems pretty decent for the basics. you just get the 2 combo jacks on the front though. if line-in is important for you, keep shopping.
If you only need one input, I've been using a Pod Studio GX (http://www.amazon.com/Line-6-POD-Studio-GX/dp/B001EHWD0I). It does what I need, which isn't much :) I don't use it for modeling, really, just an interface. As I recall, though, it was kind of a pain to set up the software so that it worked with Reaper. Absolutely no latency once it's setup right, though. And only $80.
I've owned a few brands, including M-Audio PCI cards (1010), and the Presonus AudioBox. I'd pick an AudioBox every time at this point.
Jacob
I just bought my wife an iMac and would love to use it on there. Would I better off using something with FireWire?
I'll have to check out some of your suggestions, thanks guys
I think the question these days is less about firewire/usb and more about features and drivers. I've had issues with the M-Audio drivers. I've never had issues with the Presonus drives at all.
For the record, I used the M-Audio stuff with a PC, and the Presonus stuff with a Mac. I've used both firewire and USB interfaces, and they all work fine. I think when you start to run 8+ signals in or out, Firewire might be better, but if you're looking at a mini device, you will only really be looking at new USB interfaces. You might find a used Firebox out there somewhere though.
Jacob