Looking to upgrade my interface.

[amagras]

Hello, I have a Protools 10, 11 & 12 bundle, Windows 7 professional x64 and a Fast Track interface. It seems natural to upgrade to one of those new Mbox (specially since the last driver for Fast Track doesn't work well and Avid support couldn't find any solutions). I haven't been able to find the interface without Protools so I decided to create this thread hoping I can get good advice and ideas from the community to clear my mind. I'm looking to get at least 2 mic/line preamps and the best quality/latency response from a very tight budget. I have no preference in terms of brands. Thanks in advance!

[mesaone]

What's the budget?

Do you have a firewire card? If so, what model?

[amagras]

No firewire card and not much over $200

[Craig F]

Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 or 2i4 would seem to be your best options

[amagras]

I must say that Scarlett 2i2 looks fabulous, has anyone had experience with it?

[amagras]

Also, what options would I have if I, hypothetically, get a firewire card?

[mesaone]

You would be able to use firewire interfaces. But the card would cost you $50-$60, so that reduces your remaining budget too low to really have any options.

As for USB, I think the Komplete Audio 6 is the best thing out in that price range. Other contenders are Alva Nanoface, Tascam US366, AKAI EIE-Pro, Behringer UMC404HD.

[Amack]

Meant to respond to your question about Scarlett - sorry!

We just upgraded to 12 and my Scarlett 6i6 still doesn't work (haven't tried their beta driver though). Fortunately, the one that really matters to us (our Roland Studio Capture) finally does! Note that, unlike the Scarletts, AudioFires, and apparently all of the Avids (including their HD I/Os!), it doubles the audio bandwidth when the sample rate doubles.

If you have fire-wire (probably not on a newer Windows laptop) and are trying to save money, you might want to look for a used Audio Fire. Not sure about 11, but our AUDIOFIRE 4 so far it seems to work well on 12.

Note that all of these devices work very well on Reason 7/8, Audacity, and TrueRTA. Also, unlike the others, Pro Tools still won't work with Roland's TD-15 USB audio (though the MIDI in both 11 and 12 works fine).

Originally Posted by amagras

Also, what options would I have if I, hypothetically, get a firewire card?

[Amack]

Your least expensive option would be to use the "native" sound card in your Windows computer if it can satisfy your requirements. To do so with 11, you can download ASIO4ALL for free, 12 supports native "Windows Audio Devices" (but appears to be incompatible with ASIO4ALL). Modern sound cards use technology and components similar/identical to those used in the "high end" interfaces anyway. Just be sure to set the record and playback sample rates and bit depths appropriately (via either ASIO4ALL or Windows) and make sure you turn off the usual default sound playback "enhancements" (Dell laptops' are terrible.)

Originally Posted by mesaone

You would be able to use firewire interfaces. But the card would cost you $50-$60, so that reduces your remaining budget too low to really have any options.

As for USB, I think the Komplete Audio 6 is the best thing out in that price range. Other contenders are Alva Nanoface, Tascam US366, AKAI EIE-Pro, Behringer UMC404HD.

[mesaone]

Originally Posted by Amack

Modern sound cards use technology and components similar/identical to those used in the "high end" interfaces anyway.

Except for low-latency drivers, live input monitoring, microphone preamplifiers, DI inputs for instruments, balanced line inputs and outputs, high S:N, etc etc etc. There's really no contest. Even the inexpensive audio interfaces are a huge step up from integrated sound cards in all respects.