Quote:
Originally Posted by Darryl Ramm
And in addition to what connectivity you have (and check macOS driver compatibility as well)... I am not sure I follow the mixer software concern... like I can’t tell from your comments enough to guess what other hardware mixer software would be better for you. Like I think many of the mixers are not very “intuitive”... they all take reading the manual and some time to get used to. And if you are recording drums and live reversals are you having to provide cue mixes for the talent? Or can you/do you want to more ignore the mixer? Or are you using effects in CueMix like reverb to sweeten cue mixes... and want that capability in other interfaces? It all seems such a personal preference that if that is your main issue that you are going to need to look at what different vendors provide and make your own choices there.
What is your budget? Do you have latency performance needs?
You are unlikely to find 16 preamps in a single box, and if you have an ADAT Mic pre you are happy with today... then I assume you would use that... so to be clear you want an interface with ADAT/SMUX In.
For the 18i20 seems you are in the same performance ballpark as your current gear... but with more total mic preamps. You can look up Focusrite Control online and see if that looks better to you.
For thunderbolt interfaces I would add to your list:
UAD Apollo 8p
Apogee Ensemble or Symphony
Both those vendors have good documentation for their control/console software.
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Thanks. In answer to some of your questions, I’d like the option to be able to bypass having to use the mixer softwares altogether if at all possible, as I’m not using their effects really, I do all that in PT. As far as connectivity I’m using an older MacBook Pro however I’ll most likely be upgrading that in the near future along with the audio interface so I’m a bit open on that one.
I don’t have a specific budget in mind yet, I suppose I’d be willing to save up for the more pricey units you mentioned if it would make the workflow/setup easier and more intuitive.
I’m not the most techy type of guy, so I try to keep things simple for the sake of capturing the idea, it can be easy to get bogged down and caught up in the technology. My friend who is an audio guy says he’s had the same experience at his studio with MoTU in terms of their setup being a bit unnecessarily complicated, however I understand if you’re saying the other companies may do the same.
The Apogee units you listed look great albeit on the pricy end. I have an older Duet2 and love it.The Apollo also looks cool, will definitely look into that one as well.
I’m glad the Focusrite unit is also something that could be in the running. I suppose the best things to do is as you mentioned research the mixer software of each company and see what seems most user friendly.
Thanks again for the reccs, definitely will research these.