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  #1  
Old 10-02-2017, 01:01 PM
Sting Sting is offline
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Default Best Thunderbolt Interface?

Having used an early 2008 iMac with 11R as my interface until present day and finding increased error messages, clitches and pops disrupting my recording I've now decided to upgrade my system to a 2017 iMac (SSD Drive) http://duc.avid.com/showthread.php?t=384114&page=4 running PT12 with Universal Audio Apollo Twin Duo MKII as my interface.

I had narrowed down my choice of interface to the Focusrite Clarett 4 Pre or the Apollo because of budget and their reknowned pre amps (very important for me to have a good pre amp for vocals after using the 11R).

However looking at just about every review of both interfaces I've decided to pay the extra and go with the Apollo due to unison technology. It was a tough decision for me though as I really did like the air effect, two headphone inputs, plus the seemingly easier work flow of the Focusrite.

I will only be recording one instrument at a time (mainly guitar, bass, vocals and keyboards) as I use EZ Drummer and Strike for my beats.

So I was wondering if any of you have been using either of these interfaces, or anything else with thunderbolt connection and what were your experiences ?

Last edited by Sting; 10-02-2017 at 01:14 PM.
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Old 10-02-2017, 01:09 PM
Darryl Ramm Darryl Ramm is offline
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Default Re: Best Thunderbolt Interface?

I predict expenditure in UAD plugins

Easier workflow? Depends what you want to do. The UAD Console is more complex and can trip up people. Take time to understand the use of the UAD Console for monitoring and keep UAD plugins out of Pro Tools until mixing.
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Old 10-02-2017, 02:24 PM
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albee1952 albee1952 is offline
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Default Re: Best Thunderbolt Interface?

If you're a fan of UAD plugins, then Apollo is the only way to go. Otherwise, the Presonus Quantom has a killer latency numbers
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Old 10-02-2017, 04:08 PM
Sting Sting is offline
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Default Re: Best Thunderbolt Interface?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Darryl Ramm View Post
I predict expenditure in UAD plugins

Easier workflow? Depends what you want to do. The UAD Console is more complex and can trip up people. Take time to understand the use of the UAD Console for monitoring and keep UAD plugins out of Pro Tools until mixing.
Thanks again DR for the advice.

Just going to use the included UAD plugins on the Mic pres of the Apollo to start with and as you say take my time to get a basic understanding of the console. Will be referring to videos on YouTube a lot.

The advice on line is to wait until the sales on UAD plugins hit before purchasing which sounds good to me. In the meantime I’ll just use my native plugins in PTs sessions.

Probably could save more head scratching by going with the Focusrite Clarett as it seems much more straight forward to use but i’ve been saving for quite a while to upgrade my system so going with the best quality I can afford and be done with it.

Bit of a bummer though having to buy a Thunderbolt cable as I don’t think the Apollo comes with one included.
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Old 10-03-2017, 02:08 AM
Sting Sting is offline
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Default Re: Best Thunderbolt Interface?

Quote:
Originally Posted by albee1952 View Post
If you're a fan of UAD plugins, then Apollo is the only way to go. Otherwise, the Presonus Quantom has a killer latency numbers
Great review of the Quantom here
https://www.soundonsound.com/reviews/presonus-quantum

Indeed great latency numbers and I/O options plus apparent ease of use but some not so great youtube reviews concerning the sound of the preamps https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8cHr_ywwfJY which is all important to me as I don't want further expenditure on a preamp after spending so much on the computer and interface. The preamps are apparently totally flat with no colourisation which is probably throwing me as I like a warm tube sound which can obviously be provided by plugins. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HWCL-RXzoiI

The Presonus Quantom is also more expensive than the Apollo which isn't really exciting me.

Last edited by Sting; 10-03-2017 at 02:33 AM.
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Old 10-03-2017, 12:36 PM
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junkgear junkgear is offline
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Default Re: Best Thunderbolt Interface?

Presonus just came out with a smaller, more inexpensive version of the Quantum, which looks very tempting.

https://www.presonus.com/products/Quantum-2
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Old 10-03-2017, 12:59 PM
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Drew Mazurek Drew Mazurek is offline
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Default Re: Best Thunderbolt Interface?

UA's Unison tech makes it the obvious choice to me.

I have two 8Ps that I lightpipe into my HD rig and it's like having a 16 channel SSL/API/Neve console for $6k. No brainer.

I can't imagine tracking through a "generic" interface pre ever. I've gone from my expensive analog gear to UA's unison enabled plugs without missing a beat.
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Old 10-03-2017, 05:56 PM
jjnssn jjnssn is offline
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Default Re: Best Thunderbolt Interface?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Drew Mazurek View Post
UA's Unison tech makes it the obvious choice to me.

I have two 8Ps that I lightpipe into my HD rig and it's like having a 16 channel SSL/API/Neve console for $6k. No brainer.

I can't imagine tracking through a "generic" interface pre ever. I've gone from my expensive analog gear to UA's unison enabled plugs without missing a beat.
+1.

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Old 10-03-2017, 08:12 PM
Darryl Ramm Darryl Ramm is offline
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Default Re: Best Thunderbolt Interface?

Damn I keep oscillating on wanting some new gear and going for an Apogee Symphony and a 500 rack of preamps or a couple daisy chained UAD Apollos. (wanting multiple AES/EBU and S/PDIF is an issue).


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Old 10-05-2017, 08:30 AM
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panamajack panamajack is offline
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Default Re: Best Thunderbolt Interface?

I have passed on the Apollo for the time being. After reading how much hardware will likely be required to run a couple dozen plug-ins, it looks to me like a rich man's toy. I did audition the plugs, and almost took the plunge, but aborted.

The first TB interface I bought was an Apogee Element 46. Liked the features, the mic-pres, the price ($599 to $1,499, less on the street), and the fact it has native control from within Logic 10.3.2. And, at least in Logic, the Control app permits direct monitoring to eliminate latency caused by routing through the DAW. Being a gadget guy, I bought the external controller, but there is also an iOS app for iPad or iPhone wireless control.

But I also bought a Focusrite 8 PreX before the dust settled because it has the MIDI port. I will likely be syncing machines together and like the idea of the on-board MIDI. It also has direct monitoring to reduce latency.

The jury is still out on the Apollo money pit. As far as I know, you can only run their pricy plug-ins in it.
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