Best USB2.0 Audio interface?

[Pitchfork]

I'm just looking for new (or s/h?) USB2 audio interface basically to power my Monitors, and use ok on a Macbook Pro and maybe a USB hub

I know this question is probably asked every day! but I've always missed those posts, but now due to shuffling a few things around and trying some complicated Audio Interfaces, I just want a solid Interface for the Mac.

I don't really need inputs as I do everything ITB with VST's but if I get my hardware sampler back, 2 inputs would be cool (which I think most of them have as standard!)

The one I keep coming back to is the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2?

Any thoughts welcome

[Marquito]

Apogee Duet 2

[Pitchfork]

Thanks - Any others? I have a bit of a budget, so something small USB powered would be good..

[Bob Moose]

Check the RME Babyface

Cheers
-j

[Andy W]

+1 for RME Babyface. Rock solid, portable and excellent sound quality.

[ronmac]

Another very happy RME BabyFace user! I have been using mine over the past several months on location and in studio and have no complaints.

[Bob Moose]

Disclaimer: I never tried the Babyface
But I have a Fireface 400, and used to have a Multiface 1 at home, plus I have worked with the Fireface 800 and some of their PCI cards + converters in professional projects, on Windows, Linux and OSX.

What I like about RME interfaces:
- great drivers, low latency operation
- many kinds of inputs and outputs
- flexibility (multiple uses)
- Totalmix "generic" routing
- good sound

Few audio/MIDI interfaces have all this at the same time

Apogee should be very good too, though I personally cannot buy an interface that only works on OSX.

I have no idea which has the best sound (A/D and D/A converters, preamplifiers) between the Apogee and the RME. I guess room acoustics and speakers quality are more important as we are comparing two very good products.

Other good USB 2.0 devices include M-Audio, MOTU and Roland but I have no practical experience of them.

-j

[twotoedsloth]

The sound devices USBpre 2 is very impressive. I bought one two weeks ago, and I'm quite happy with it.

[matt keen]

Focusrite Pro 24 - on a budget

[Jeraldo]

The sound devices USBpre 2 is very impressive. I bought one two weeks ago, and I'm quite happy with it.

This is really great gear, very well engineered, and capable of doing a million (or at least a dozen or so) more things than would ever come immediately to mind.

It's not just a box that does what it does, but an extraordinarily well thought out and well engineered box. Its pedigree shows in every aspect of its function and build.

Well worth a very serious look.

And BTW, it sounds great!

http://www.sounddevices.com/products/usbpre2.htm

[geddy]

Only every used one audio interface which is my Audio Kontrol 1. Has done the job for me up to now!

[blackmagicdisco]

have to say though, it does look like my parents car stereo in the 80s (not that it matters what it looks like as much as what it sounds like, of course)

[ef37a]

Pitchfork, I was almost going to buy the Scarlet since I wanted more than 2 lines in/out but eas put onto the NI Komplete Audio6 at the last minute. Sooo glad I was diverted! Fabulous wee box, you wanted to feed monitors? The K6 has a nice knob on top for just that very purpose!

2mic/line/high Z, 2line in, 4 line outs MIDI i/0 and S/PDIF. If you phone around you might still be able to reserve one at the 2011 price of £169.00.

Dave.