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Deep Fried · 2012-07-23, 12:34:02

Hey guys I've recently purchased a midi keyboard and analog synth but I'm in search of an external audio interface that can be plugged into my laptop via USB. I don't mind spending a bit of money and was wondering if anyone could give me some advice on good brands, interfaces etc.. HELP!

R0B0 · 2012-07-23, 14:03:11

What's your budget?

Are you looking to send the MIDI through the interface or do you have a separate USB connection cable for that?

Also, do you have a firewire port? Would be much better to connect via that.

This is pretty cheap and will get you recording stuff pretty sharpish - BUT, the recording quality won't be great.
http://www.google.co.uk/products/catalog...ps-sellers

If you're willing to spend a little more money, I'd recommend the focusrite range (depending if you've got firewire). I have a saffire pro 14 and I've not had a single issue yet. Very good quality pre-amps for the price. Well-built. 4 ins, 4 outs. MIDI in, MIDI out.

Evangelink · 2012-07-23, 16:05:06

Yeah I've got the Focusrite Saffire 6 and it is lovely and easy for connecting my analog synths through it.

http://www.google.co.uk/products/catalog...430744874#

R0B0 · 2012-07-23, 17:31:45

Silly question - but what does the mixer knob actually do? Fade between the recording elements and what is coming out of the master?

Deep Fried · 2012-07-23, 21:46:24

My budget is about 500 don't really wanna spend that much but I would like to get somethig that will last a while with what I have and is good quality.

I have check if I have a FireWire connection, I don't think I do but not 100%.

Would you recommend the focusrite even tho I may not have a FireWire connection?

What do people think about the native instruments audio 6 interface?

R0B0 · 2012-07-24, 23:02:02

From me, I can't fault my Focusrite so I would definitely recommend.

The NI Audio 6 looks pretty good. But can't tell you anything about the build quality/usability of it. It does look a bit "plastic" from the photos.

Deep Fried · 2012-07-25, 08:46:35

As im a noob to this whats the difference between these? i dont mind paying the extra if im going to get better quality recording out of the 8i6.... HELP!!

Focusrite Scarlett 8i6 USB 2.0 Interface vs Focusrite Saffire 6 USB 1.1

R0B0 · 2012-07-25, 09:26:04

Can't get on the focus rite website for some reason - so can't see full specs. But from the ones listed on DV247, the Scarlett 8i6 looks better.

BUT. Looking at the reviews, if you have another USB device plugged in with the Scarlett 8i6, you'll get crackling through speakers because of poor power distribution.

It does have more I/Os than the Saffire, but that crackling issue is a definite worry regarding recording quality.

EDIT: It seems the issue with the Scarlett 8i6 is the USB socket that you plug into.
http://forum.cockos.com/showpost.php?p=8...ostcount=9
Focusrite have also done a recent update of drivers/software which you can see at the bottom of that thread.
So I guess it depends on the USB sockets on your computer as to whether you get that one or not.

If you're worried about expanding your synth collection etc. in the future - maybe you want to have a look at this?
http://www.gear4music.com/Recording-and-...erface/9EF

8x8 I/Os.
Built-in 1 x 1 MIDI interface.
2 analog inserts.
24-bit/96kHz professional audio on all I/O simultaneously.

Don't think you'd be needing to buy another interface in a hurry with this one (or ever). ;)

Deep Fried · 2012-07-25, 10:26:54

I have a MacBook and would plug it straight into the USB slot on the side. I think It should be alright :)

I had a look at the M-audio, I stumbled across it in a review on YouTube! That would be nice but bit too expensive for now I think. Maybe an upgrade in a couple of years ;)

Thanks for you help ROBO

R0B0 · 2012-07-25, 11:16:33

Which macbook do you have? Could swear most of them have firewire...

Evangelink · 2012-07-25, 13:23:48

My Focusrite works fine over USB if that helps... although I am PC guy.

Deep Fried · 2012-07-31, 11:40:13

I may have firewire but i jumped the gun the other day and bought a focusrite scarlett 8i6...

I was wondering how i go about setting up this... I have a Focusrite Scarlett 8i6 audio interface that is plugged into my computer. But im not entirely sure what i do next, do i MIDI OUT from my midi controller/keyboard to my SYNC IN in the TB303? and how do i go about connecting the TB303 to my Focusrite...

My TB303 is modified as this (description i was given):

This unit is in excellent operating order and pretty damn good cosmetic order. It has been retro-fitted with midi to operate as a sound module for the 21st Century. Keyboard on front panel has been disconnected but is reversible if required.

Evangelink · 2012-07-31, 13:01:21

Yes, MIDI Out on the Scarlett goes into MIDI/SYNC IN on the TB 303. This will allow you to send MIDI signals from your DAW to the TB303. You will then need to take the AUDIO OUT to and AUDIO IN on the soundcard to b e able to hear anything.

Deep Fried · 2012-08-02, 05:27:15

Ive done exactly what you said Evangelink... MIDI Out from the Scarlett to MIDI/SYNC IN on the TB 303. Ive got my Audio OUT in the TB running INPUTS on my Scarlett. I open up Live and make a MIDI track and draw notes in it but when i press play I dont get any sound.. Is there something i have to do with the MIDI channels INPUTS and OUTPUTS in Live? or is there something in Live's Preferences?

Evangelink · 2012-08-02, 07:32:42

Look in the Live library, in the Instruments there is one called 'External Instrument'. You need to insert this onto a MIDI track in Live. There are options on the 'external instrument' to select whatever MIDI channel and audio input your TB303 is hooked up to. This Gould get it making noise.

Good luck, these things are always a pain to set up, but will all suddenly start working soon!