Decent audio interface

[StylesAndFlavor]

Ordered some studio monitors. Looking for a decent audio interface. Anyone got any suggestions? Also do you suggest trs to trs or trs to xlr?

[Horizon.es]

My first audio interface was a M-Audio Fast Track Pro. It wasn't bad but for that price you got better options in my opinion, it depends on what are u looking for (focus on inputs, conversors, etc.)

At the moment I own a TC Electronics Konnekt 6, and I think is really fine for that price, better than the Fast Track Pro

[krushing]

What kind of budget do you have and how much and what kind of inputs and outputs do you need? Firewire or USB?

[LDNsoundproduction]

I got an M-audio Mobile Pre USB (Preamp/audio interface). It cost about £80 and I bought it with my first set of monitors and it's standing strong still today. I'd recommend it on a tight budget...

[jmack953]

Focusrite. Have used both the Saffire and the Scarlett from Focusrite and they are really great interfaces. Now, as far as firewire vs usb, just as well go with USB. From what I understand (and if you are a computer guru correct me) but Firewire 400 series ports are actually slower than USB 2.0. However, Firewire 800 series ports are a little (only slight fraction) faster than USB 2.0. Meaning that firewire 800 is usually only found on most new high end Macs, I say just use the USB. You don't gain much by going to Firewire. Now, back to Focusrite... these things have AWESOME preamps built in to even thier lower grade/lower price units, so you're not sacrificing anything by going cheaper, just number of input/output channels. Plus, from what I've used, they work well and play well with most major DAWs out on the market. Cheers man! Hope this helps! And again, take that firewire/usb comparison with a grain of salt, i'm not 100% sure on that. Check em out, or check out my personal favorite (usb if you're wondering) the Focusrite Saffire 6. Got it almost a year ago from American Musical Supply for I think around $200.00. And, have been having fun with it ever since.

[krushing]

From what I understand (and if you are a computer guru correct me) but Firewire 400 series ports are actually slower than USB 2.0.

I'm not really a computer guru by any means...but in real-world situations Firewire 400 is quicker even though USB 2.0 has a slightly faster theoretical bus speed. This is because USB architecture relies on the CPU to "decide" which data packets go through, while Firewire has, well, a more direct path. However, it doesn't really matter - if the audio interface has good drivers, they'll practically perform very similarly, so it really comes down to a matter of preference. Most of us already have a number of USB peripherals, but not so many FW ones, so if that's the case, it might be a good idea to choose FW.

[Isaac Rife]

-1 for mobile pre, I use one and I really don't like the preamps. Its all taste tho!

[jmack953]

I'm not really a computer guru by any means...but in real-world situations Firewire 400 is quicker even though USB 2.0 has a slightly faster theoretical bus speed.

By all means, I'd take that as a good enough rebuttle for me!! Haha! I have heard things about Firewire having this more "direct path" you mentioned. All in all.... enough clarification for me I really do like the Focusrite line though, that was my main point of the post. And yes indeed, I have to agree, with basically all computers nowadays coming equipped with the USB 2.0 periphs, but not enough, it would make sense to eliminate at least one of them out of the equation. Especially since most of the hardware we use has to be bus powered.

[Project-Ghost]

I have the Focusrite Saffire 6 USB interface, and it's awesome. Very well built, solid metal, nobs are great, and the quality that it produces is excellent for the price. I got mine at best buy on sale for i think $175, and you could find one on Ebay for around the same price.