Pro tools 10, best non HD interface recommendation?

[harks]

Could I get some opinions on the best interface to use with PT 10 (not HD), that would be comparable to the Mbox pro and in the same price range? I've heard that a Focusrite might be a good option? If so, which model? The last time I used PT was years ago with a digi 002. This is for personal use in a home studio. Thanks for the help.

[PD-John]

I've got the Focusrite Saffire Pro 40 and love it. This is probably the most comparable to an Mbox Pro, with a few more I/O options and flexibility (the router software MixControl is very versatile).

The Liquid Saffire 56 is a very nice step up which provides even more I/O and 2 "Liquid channels" that emulate popular preamps. If you have the money, a Metric Halo interface is pretty close to as good as it gets.

[promixr]

Why don't you want to use the MBox Pro?

[weezul]

definitely NOT the M-Audio ProFire2626. run. run like hell.

[nst7]

Yes, why not the Mbox Pro? The new one is one of the best sounding interfaces you can buy for under $2000.

[Pinball Wizard]

I know that many people here have their problems with the mbox 3pro and I too have some complaints.....but all said, I am happy with it. I have been using it for over a year. I have reasonable work-arounds for the problems. The pres & converters are very good. You will have trouble matching this level of audio quality at the price.

I also have a mbox 3. It, too is not without problems, but I am also happy with it. It has the same quality converters and preamps as the pro.

[Lance Smith]

Originally Posted by weezul

definitely NOT the M-Audio ProFire2626. run. run like hell.

I was thinking of getting the ProFire 2626 as a 2nd interface. What about it do you not like?

I personally have the Saffire PRO40, great sounding interface, easy to set up and use. Also, you can find them at pretty decent prices if you shop right.

[JMDNYC]

I think for a project studio the RME Babyface would be really nice. I have a Fireface 400 on a second system, and I'm impressed with both how it sounds and how easily it interfaces with Pro Tools. I set up a small studio for another composer, and I got him an Apogee Uno. If I were to do it again I might recommend the Babyface. Of course the Uno was only about $300 while the Babyface is about $750.

On a related note I just recorded my first VO using the built in mic pre's on the HD Omni, and my first impression is that the RME Fireface mic pre's sound better. I would have to really do some A-B testing to see if my impression is correct.

[Dave Lang]

I was thinking of getting the ProFire 2626 as a 2nd interface. What about it do you not like?

Doesn't support Low Latency Monitoring like third party interfaces do, even though it's still in production (not EOL) and is made by the same company that makes Pro Tools.

From pg. 458 of the Pro Tools 10 manual.

HD Native, 003, 003 Rack, 003 Rack+, Digi 002, Digi 002 Rack, Mbox Pro, and Mbox Pro 2 systems can use the Low Latency Monitoring option
to record with an extremely small amount of monitoring latency, to as many tracks as each system supports.

Likewise, certain Core Audio and ASIO audio interfaces that have a built-in mixer (such as the RME Fireface or the MOTU 828) can use the Low
Latency Monitoring option.

But not the Avid M-Audio 2626. That may or may not matter to you depending on how you want to use it but that's why I don't like the 2626 and part of why I don't like Avid interfaces period.

[Killjoy]

Focusrite PRO 40. Integrates flawlessly, and the routing is awesome. I can monitor anything, and any audio heard through my monitors can be routed any where!( I took this for granted when I didn't have it)