Audio interface preference

[Diego5150]

I recently purchased a Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 for my home studio. I cannot get it to record audio because I recently upgraded to Mavericks OS for Mac and there is an issue with this Focurite interface and Mavericks. It records MIDI with no problem, I am going to return this one and was wondering what you guys were using. I also have the Scarlett 2i4 but when I wanted to have my mic set up while playing and since I am adding the Stage 2 to repertoire I figured I need at leaf 6 inputs, it would make recording easier without having to reset all my gear to record. Please let me know what your preferences are I would appreciate the input.

[maxpiano]

I use a MOTU Ultralite Hybrid Mk3

[Diego5150]

Thanks Maxpiano, How many XLR inputs does it have?

[mjbrands]

There are lots of issues with Mavericks and hardware; this is not just a Focusrite problem.

I have a Steinberg UR824 interface, which has a Mavericks driver since the 22nd of November. I also have an RME HDSPe MADI interface (with a Ferrofish A16 mk2 convertor) and guess what: no driver for Mavericks. Oh, and my Midas Venice U24 mixer which also has a built-in USB interface: they still have to update the driver to support any OS X release newer than 10.5 (I've been hearing 'the new driver is almost ready' for a long time now).

The Steinberg UR824 is rather nice btw. The box still listed 96 kHz, but since they released a new firmware for it a while ago (v2.0) it can record at 192 kHz (should you want to). Excellent Yamaha convertors and effects. I have it linked via ADAT to my Ferrofish and both the Ferrofish and UR824 are clocked by the word clock coming from the RME HDSPe MADI. I can use the UR824 both via USB and via the RME, as it acts as just another 8 in- and outputs (with effects).

I generally don't use microphones though. The 16 inputs of my Ferrofish are permanently connected to the direct outs of my mixer and for the UR824, I can use a patchbay to connect its inputs to a select number of outputs on the mixer. My synths are connected to the inputs of my mixer and some devices also have their inputs connected to the mixer (via a patch panel).

I also have a Focusrite 2i2, which is also used by my girlfriend to record her playing guitar. It is easy to use and generally just works.

As for the question regarding XLR inputs: are you concerned about the number of inputs with a mic preamp, or the number of balanced inputs? For example, my Ferrofish interface has 16 inputs all of which are balanced, but they're all on TRS jacks and none has a mic preamp (though you can boost an input signal by 10 dB) and they also do not provide phantom power. The UR824 has two XLR inputs on the front and 6 on the back; all have a mic preamp and can provide phantom power (switchable per two inputs). The first two inputs can also be used as hi-z inputs (i.e. electric guitars).

Edit: you might want to look at the audio interfaces from Roland, specifically the Quad and Octa Capture. They're supposedly really good (not that your current Focusrite isn't, btw), and the quality of the preamps is probably better than that of the MOTU's. For anything other than microphones and guitars, the quality of modern interfaces is generally so good that vendors need to differentiate themselves with fancy features, brand identity, etc. The bigger companies are generally quicker with updates to driver (though not always) - unstable or otherwise unusable drivers quickly turn a great device into a useless piece of crap.

[Diego5150]

Thank you for the insightful response mjbrands, I was looking for clarification regarding XLR & TRS inputs and you explained it very well. The problem I am have with 2i4 is I have outgrown it or I am being lazy. I am getting the Stage 2 in a few weeks and I would like to keep 2 boards hooked up while having my mic hooked into the XLR port in order to be able to record vocals at will. And I was going to take my 2i4 with me to gig. So at home I can live with 1 or 2 XLR and 4-6 balanced inputs and MIDI in & out and I would be Good to go.

I am sorry about your Midas mixer that must have been very frustrating.

[wruess]

The Focusrite Scarlett interfaces are very good, esp for the $$. Is there any way to 'roll back' the OS update while you wait for new drivers from Focusrite?? (Might me a dumb question; I'm a Windows user).

[maxpiano]

Thanks Maxpiano, How many XLR inputs does it have?

Two http://www.motu.com/products/motuaudio/ ... nputs.html, I forgot to mention that I use it with a Mac Mini running Mavericks (I wouldn't have replied otherwise ) and so far no issues.

[mjbrands]

I am sorry about your Midas mixer that must have been very frustrating.

It was, but the thing still sounds awesome and the USB stuff is not that big a feature.

[Diego5150]

The Focusrite Scarlett interfaces are very good, esp for the $$. Is there any way to 'roll back' the OS update while you wait for new drivers from Focusrite?? (Might me a dumb question; I'm a Windows user).

I have thought of waiting it out wruess but for some reason my sales guy and when of the support tech's are concerned that it may be a while. I do have a little time until I get my Stage 2 so for now I am content using my 2i4. Thanks for the response.

[Diego5150]

I spoke with my Sweetwater sales guy yesterday on his day off and he told me that he has a solution that I am going to love. It is call the i connect midi 2, it basically can be connected to my Mac and (2) keyboards without the need for drivers. It can record both MIDI and Audio as a pass through. I will still use my Scarlett 2i4. Does anyone have this device? Let me know if you have it or if you have seen it in action.