VO-BB - 20 YEARS OLD!

ZNCramer · Joined: 29 Apr 2013 Posts: 20

Well, since I just scored an MKH 416 on ebay for a pretty spectacular price. Looking forward to getting it. I also acquired a Mackie 1402 VLZ Pro for an even better price. So now I need an interface. Haven't picked up my new Mac yet, but I've decided to go with a USB interface instead of a Firewire. Software wise, i'm very familiar with Audition so i'll probably get that as well. Any recs on a good Audio Interface?

SkinnyJohnny · Posted: Sun Jun 02, 2013 7:29 pm Post subject:

Hi ZN,
I'm using an Apogee Duet II with my Mac Mini and have been pleased! I considered the RME Babyface as well.
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heyguido · Posted: Mon Jun 03, 2013 6:24 am Post subject:

Both 1st class interfaces.... Also in that class.... The Sound Devices USB Pre2.... And because it's Core Audio compliant, requires NO drivers on Mac. Smile

Also Core Audio compliant (and my new favorite).... The Propellerhead Balance.
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Jason Huggins · Posted: Mon Jun 03, 2013 7:36 am Post subject:

If I didn't have a Duet 2 I'd be looking at the Balance for sure. The Duet 2 audio quality is stellar, but the interface is not the greatest. I'd much rather have all the knobs instead of having to cycle through a menu to change volume on headphones and speakers. That Balance (and many other interfaces) have dedicated knobs for each function. Really speeds things up of you jump between headphones and speakers frequently. Also great for having lots of stuff plugged in. I record music too, so the ability to have my guitar and mics plugged in and swap from one to the other with a button push would be heavenly.

Rob Ellis · M&M Joined: 01 Aug 2006 Posts: 2385 Location: Detroit

Lots of good choices out there. I use the original Apogee Duet, and have
a MOTU Ultralite which I also like but Source Connect doesn't.
(SC defaults to the "Mic 1" input, which means you have to use the MOTU preamps on a SC session which IMO are not as good as my Safesound Tracking Toolbox Pre-amp)

With the 416 and the Mackie you have the official Bob Souer signal chain.
May you voice long and prosper with it as Bob surely has. cool

Jason Huggins · Posted: Mon Jun 03, 2013 8:18 am Post subject:

I've been looking at that Balance seriously for a long time (well...since it came out at least), but couldn't justify getting it because I already have a Duet 2. Well just for comparison, I hopped on eBay, and check on the Balance, and there just happened to be one on there only a couple months old for $245. I had to grab it.

SO...when I get the interface, I'll do a complete A/B test of the Balance compared to the Duet 2, and then I'll probably sell the Duet 2 (I really wanted the functionality of the balance since I don't use a mixer).

graemespicer · Posted: Mon Jun 03, 2013 8:56 am Post subject:

Jason - definitely interested in hearing your feedback on the Balance! Please share. George Whittam has been talking about this unit for several months, but I don't think he's actually had his hands on one.
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Ben Amos · Posted: Mon Jun 03, 2013 8:58 am Post subject:

I upgraded to a Focusrite Scarlett 2i2, and have had no complaints whatsoever.
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scottnilsen · Posted: Mon Jun 03, 2013 9:28 am Post subject:

I too am using a Scarlett2i2 with my 416. Was a good upgrade over Tascam US-144.
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heyguido · Posted: Mon Jun 03, 2013 9:44 am Post subject:

Graeme....

Jason doesn't own one.... But I do....

Clean and quiet.... And I love the ergonomics. Very user friendly.

I'd put it right up there with the Duet pre's and converters. I run a 415 thru it, and it sounds great.
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Steve Knight · Posted: Mon Jun 03, 2013 1:42 pm Post subject:

I've heard the focusrite 2i2 doesn't play well with Source connect..can anyone verify?

scottnilsen · Posted: Mon Jun 03, 2013 2:15 pm Post subject:

Ah, well I can't speak to that Steve, as I don't have SC. What about you other folks?
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graemespicer · Posted: Mon Jun 03, 2013 7:18 pm Post subject:

I use the Focusrite Scarlett 8i6 with SC Pro with no hiccups. Knock on wood.

YMMV Smile

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heyguido · Posted: Mon Jun 03, 2013 10:28 pm Post subject:

8i6.... Solid.... 18i6....amazingly versatile.

Forte? The shizznit. Ninja

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georgethetech · Posted: Tue Jun 04, 2013 12:55 pm Post subject:

Could the Balance be used in conjunction with an ISDN codec? If it can provide a mix-minus into your headphones, that'd be awesome.
Say the output of the codec feeds Line In 2 and you selected it for input two, would it output a signal to output 1? Also, how do you control whether monitoring is Mono or Stereo? Do you hear your mic in one ear?

Interesting read: http://www.propellerheads.se/products/balance/index.cfm?fuseaction=get_article&article=behind-the-scenes

Only 40dB of gain MAY be a deal breaker for some, or just use a Cloudlifter with your SM7b and be happy with 65dB of ultra-clean gain.

Loving this thing, look forward to installing one soon.
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