Some advice needed...

TelePaul

Hey chaps, how are things?

After much hacking about with PCs, I've picked up my first Macbook Pro. I had given very little thought to compatibility with existing hardware or software, but managed to download my scant few high-end plug-ins without issue. Success!

The thing is, I need a new interface as my Alesis crapped out on me...again. I'm thinking firewire and would like something with 8 inputs, but I'd really like to get things right this time. I've been very impressed with the way in which the Mac handles things out of the box but would like a rock solid interface.

It might also be time for me to chnage sequencers. I've been stuck on Cubase SE3 for what seems like forever now, and I'd something with some workable bundled synths which I could add EZ Drummer and a Keyborad VSTi to. I was considering Logic studio given that it's Apples proprietary sequencer but would really welcome any input you guys might have. Its the first time in a long time that I've had to buy anything audio-related.

Cheers,

Tele

studiorat

Apogee > Logic.

TelePaul

studiorat wrote: »

Apogee > Logic.

Cool, thanks for that Mike (is it Mike? I think its Mike...). that hardware is a little out of my price-range. Is apogee a sequencer, no? A hardware interface?

studiorat

Logic 9 is great value for what it contains. It will run all your plugins and add lots more useful ones included. Even Logic express is great and worth looking into, garage band is even enough to keep you busy. Apogee make A/D convertors, very good ones at that!!

Regarding interfaces I think we could see a big change soon, with REAC and DANTE systems trickling down into the home studio market.
I'd consider a discrete interface and A/D conversion set-up, if the budget allowed.

I also like the look of this cheap and cheerful thing : http://www.thomann.de/ie/mackie_onyx_blackbird.htm

Yeah Mike I like the sound of that.

TelePaul

studiorat wrote: »

Logic 9 is great value for what it contains. It will run all your plugins and add lots more useful ones included. Even Logic express is great and worth looking into, garage band is even enough to keep you busy. Apogee make A/D convertors, very good ones at that!!

Regarding interfaces I think we could see a big change soon, with REAC and DANTE systems trickling down into the home studio market.
I'd consider a discrete interface and A/D conversion set-up, if the budget allowed.

I also like the look of this cheap and cheerful thing : http://www.thomann.de/ie/mackie_onyx_blackbird.htm

Yeah Mike I like the sound of that.

Sorry about the identity issue! I did see that Mackie, though the similarly spec'd MOTU seems popular. I see Logic doesn't actually support VSTs but I suppose most of the stuff I have is multi-format...

studiorat

TelePaul wrote: »

I see Logic doesn't actually support VSTs but I suppose most of the stuff I have is multi-format...

You're right it doesn't. I guess you could use the FXexpansion wrapper if you were really stuck.

TelePaul

studiorat wrote: »

You're right it doesn't. I guess you could use the FXexpansion wrapper if you were really stuck.

Ohhh wait, by 'Apogee > Logic', did you mean apogee as a converter into the Logic sequencer? As opposed to 'greater than'?


Fridays are a bit of a ridiculous day to consider DAWs.

Paolo_M

The M-Audio Fast Track Ultra 8R fits what you want and has been rock steady for me on my MacBookPro.

TelePaul

Paolo_M wrote: »

The M-Audio Fast Track Ultra 8R fits what you want and has been rock steady for me on my MacBookPro.

Great, thanks for that mate. Can I ask what sequencer you're using with this?

I didn't know they had cracked 8 simultaneous inputs with USB 2.0

Paolo_M

TelePaul wrote: »

Great, thanks for that mate. Can I ask what sequencer you're using with this?

I didn't know they had cracked 8 simultaneous inputs with USB 2.0

I'm using Reaper.
You need to be prepared to put time in figuring out all the customisations, if you do it's the most powerful and tailored DAW.
If you don't have that time to invest, it pretty basic and I'd suggest ProTools M-Powered which the M-Audio will work with.
I tried drums using all 8 channels for over 4 hours @ 44.1kHz, 24 bit without single hiccup. In fact I've never had it crash. Latency is non-existent too.

sumtings

Paolo_M wrote: »

I'm using Reaper.
You need to be prepared to put time in figuring out all the customisations, if you do it's the most powerful and tailored DAW.
If you don't have that time to invest, it pretty basic and I'd suggest ProTools M-Powered which the M-Audio will work with.
I tried drums using all 8 channels for over 4 hours @ 44.1kHz, 24 bit without single hiccup. In fact I've never had it crash. Latency is non-existent too.

Hi Paolo_M, I use reaper too and am quite happy with it, just wondering what you mean by its basic if you don't figure out a customisation?