
Nov 10, 2009 I take it then that Firewire 800 is my best choice since I'm now learning that USB 2.0 is slower. I'm not sure what you mean about needed inputs. I'll only be connecting my TD-12, MBP and the Audio Interface together. Do you have a recommendation for an Audio Interface. Our picks for top 10 best audio interfaces. The following is our list of top 10 best audio interfaces for both Mac and PC. Do some sifting through as we provide the retail price for your budget, the compatibility in terms of connectivity, how many inputs.
Whether you want to call it an audio interface or a soundcard, if you make music on a Mac, PC, iPad or even iPhone, it makes sense to get the best box of I/O tricks that you possibly can. But how do you decide which USB audio interface you should buy in 2018, or even if you should buy a ThunderBolt audio interface? Well, the product for one person might not be the best one for another. Firstly, you need to decide how many audio inputs and outputs you need. If you're going to be recording lots of instruments at the same time - in a band, for example - then multiple inputs will be very useful, but if you just plan on plugging in a mic or guitar once in a while, a 2-in device will be sufficient. Think about MIDI connectivity, too - do you plan to plug your MIDI controller directly into your computer over USB, or would full-size MIDI ports on the interface be useful?
Then there's the issue of how the interface connects to your computer. Stock control software for mac. A majority of models work over USB 2, but you'll also find ThunderBolt interfaces that promise better performance but typically cost a little more. Whichever you go for, make sure it's compatible with your PC/Mac/iOS device and DAW before you buy. You also need to decide if you want DSP (Digital Signal Processing) in your interface, which will enable you to use dedicated plugins that won't place any load on your computer.
Universal Audio, with its UAD products, is the undisputed king of this market. Form factor is a consideration, too: is your interface for the studio or do you want to take it on the road with you? Audio interfaces comes in all shapes and sizes; some are designed to sit in a rack or on a desk while others can be stuffed in a laptop bag and taken anywhere. Finally, but crucially, there's the issue of price. You can get a decent audio interface for well under $200/£200, but spend a bit more and you're likely to see better quality, performance and specs. So, there are lots of great audio interfaces, but which one you should buy depends on your requirements and budget.
Whether you're looking for the best budget audio interface - the Audient iD4 is our current recommendation - or something from the top end, read on for MusicRadar’s picks of the current crop. There's not much to complain about at this price Arguably the best audio interface you can buy for less than $200, The iD4 is a simple two-input/two-output offering featuring a mic preamp - complete with phantom power for using condenser mics - as well as an instrument level DI for plugging in your guitar or bass. On top of this, there’s a main output for your speakers and dual headphone outputs. The whole thing is powered via USB and, with Apple’s camera connection kit, it can also work with an iPhone/iPad.
However, the studio devilry is in the detail; Audient has really thought about everything with value and usability in mind, making what is a budget solution feel anything but inexpensive. The best USB audio interface we’ve seen at this price for a long time. Read full review.
No DSP processing A couple of years ago, Focusrite’s original Clarett interfaces introduced premium quality mic pres, ISA transformer mic pre mode (Air) and super-low latency operation at a great price. They also required a Thunderbolt-equipped computer - fine for Mac users, but not for Windows. Thankfully, the Clarett Thunderbolt interfaces are now joined by USB versions. Much like the Thunderbolt version, the Clarett 4Pre USB is an 18-input, 8-output interface with MIDI I/O.
Sos Forum Best Audio Interface For Mac
On the input side, that’s achieved via two combo mic/line/instrument inputs, two combo mic/line inputs, four line-level inputs, stereo S/PDIF and eight channels of ADAT optical. Meanwhile the eight outputs comprise four line-level and two stereo headphone outs. A great all-rounder, the addition of USB brings this high spec’d yet reasonably-priced audio interface to a wider audience.
Best Audio Interface For Mac
Performance issues when battery levels are low The iRig Pro Pro Duo is IK Multimedia's best mobile audio interface yet. It's got everything you need from a two-channel audio interface - MIDI, phantom power, direct monitoring, signal metering, combi XLR/Hi-Z inputs - and can be either battery- or mains-powered.