Audio Interfaces 2012(Experiences and opinions)

[daChayce]

Just going to break it down for you briefly. I'm looking to upgrade my setup and need some quick feedback and opinions. I know they say buy once and buy big but I'm on a budget due to personal debts I'm in the process of paying.

I'm currently running Mbox 2 w/ Le 8 and a M-Audio DMP3 Pre-Amp. Looking to upgrade to 9 or 10, but very unsure about what interface to buy. Been doing a lot of research, searching these forums up and down.

Ive looked at MOTU, Mackie Blackbird, Steignbern UR28M, Fastrack and came down to my two final decisions for my price range.

Its either the Mbox 3 Pro(Because I mainly run Protools) or Focusrite Pro40.I've read lots of topics on this, but[bleep]NONE[bleep]that are updated or recent.

People continue to stress the fact that the Pro40's pres are way better, but are they really? Also, which converters are honestly better for your money? Some say the Mbox 3 Pro is a lot more reliable and has much cleaner/warmer pres than old Mbox models, but is this true?Im looking to spend anything under $800 and if there are any better options please give me feedback. I'm not looking for what people have heard, but what people have experienced. Please, Thank you !

Give me some feedback on mbox 3 Pro if you have any.

[albee1952]

I would include the Focusrite Saffire LS56 on the list too. I have seen B stock new for around $700 and it has a lot to offer. You also could get a used 003 with an 8 channel lightpipe preamp within your budget range(genuine Avid hardware still holds a slight edge in smooth integration IMHO, but there is a lot more to consider, for sure).. For me, I am looking at HD/Native and Focusrite RedNet, but that calls for a higher budget.

[EGS]

Originally Posted by daChayce

... looking to upgrade my setup ... read lots of topics on this ... what people have experienced ...

Long-time audio pro here. Get a Pro 40 or LS56 (sound the same but one is more expandable), plus upgrade your mics, monitors, plugins, cabling etc. Stop reading and ... listen !!!

[JazzyJ]

Why not just get an Apogee Duet?

Job done and you can get one second hand from ebay.

Saying that, a good room, with a good singer, with the 'right' mic, with a Digi 001 will blow away a crap room, with an average singer, with the 'wrong' mic with an Orpheus Prism......

It's always about a percentage improvement.

What improvement are you expecting with changing your Mbox (that you already use with an external pre?) 10% or 80% or somewhere in between?