|
|
Post by nick8801 on Dec 13, 2020 19:05:27 GMT -6
Reading through the Apollo off for repair thread got me thinking....
If I was to leave the Apollo behind, what would I get? Here are some thoughts I had. I'm hoping some of you could chime in with yours as well.
1. I don't need 16 channels anymore. I've moved away from mixing with outboard, and I don't track full bands. So I'm looking at 8 channel units.
2. I would still pick up a quad satellite so I could use the plugins.
3. On the cheap end, I could pick up a Motu 828es. I would probably come out on top here, but I wonder if I would be sacrificing any audio quality. I have a friend who uses Motu exclusively, and he seems to make good recordings. Motu is also due for an upgrade on some of their units, so it's possible a new one may come out in a year or two.
4. Apogee Symphony. I've always dug the Symphony sound, but the fan makes me nervous. I'm in a small one room project studio that's very quiet. I've heard mixed experiences with the fan, and I don't think I'm willing to take the chance with that kind of money.
5. Lynx Aurora n. I'm also really into the Lynx sound...or lack thereof. I'd really love something super clean like that, as I have a great preamp and mic selection. I would need a monitor controller since there is no option for that on the Aurora, but I was looking at something cheap like the Heritage Baby Ram, so no real big deal there. Kind of leaning this way at the moment. An 8 channel USB unit wouldn't kill my bank account, and if I ever went back to a bigger space, I can expand the unit easily to accommodate.
6. PrismSound Titan. Sweetwater just started carrying these. They are definitely a sexy all purpose interface. Also has 4 preamps so I could ditch a few in the studio and consolidate even more. This would also give me more money to invest in the interface. Seriously considering this one as well.
7. Not really interested in any older used interfaces, so I'm keeping it to new stuff on the market. I'm open to other suggestions as well. Sound quality is paramount as well is functionality. I don't want something unstable that will have me messing with drivers all day and night. Also, I could just get like an x8 Apollo or something, but the point of this thread is, what if I didn't. Anyway, go. Lemme hear some ideas.
|
|
|
|
Post by matt on Dec 13, 2020 19:32:32 GMT -6
Are you a Pro Tools user? If so, while it's a budget stretch, I'd look at the Carbon.
As the years pile up, I'm coming around to the idea that there's some merit to buying the same brand as your DAW where possible. So, Studio One > Presonus, Pro Tools > Avid, Cubase > Steinberg, Luna > UAD, etc. IMO, these days, most interface brands can deliver fine results. Avid's Carbon gives nearly half an HDX card's low-latency performance without having to empty your wallet (as much).
|
|
|
|
Post by nick8801 on Dec 13, 2020 19:47:25 GMT -6
No Pro Tools. Reaper here.
|
|
|
|
Post by matt on Dec 13, 2020 20:00:36 GMT -6
No Pro Tools. Reaper here. So no brand match for hardware. Since stability is #1 for me, it would be a main consideration for an interface- next to the feature set, of course. Good luck! |
|
|
|
Post by Tbone81 on Dec 13, 2020 20:15:17 GMT -6
Motu or Lynx. I’ve used both and can recommend both. The lynx probably sounds better, but the Motu is cheaper so...either way you’d have a killer setup.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Dec 13, 2020 20:16:42 GMT -6
Lynx Aurora (N) over Thunderbolt. Best drivers and sound. Prism has great sound but drivers aren't the best. Maybe the Dante rules? MOTU is cheap but the AD is not as good as the DA on it. The DA is very good though.
|
|
|
|
Post by tasteliketape on Dec 13, 2020 20:17:36 GMT -6
I’ll just add Motu support is AWSOME . That’s worth a lot to me .
|
|
|
|
Post by nick8801 on Dec 13, 2020 20:19:17 GMT -6
If the Reaper team made an interface, I’d be all in lol! I think all the interfaces I mentioned are very stable. I don’t need any kind of over the top routing, so any would do there. The Prism and Motu are closest in functionality to the Apollo as far as what the physical box does. Apogee and Lynx would require some kind of monitor controller. Really looking at sonics. A great DA is a must, and the AD should be equal but preferably better than what I’m getting now.
|
|
|
|
Post by nick8801 on Dec 13, 2020 20:21:02 GMT -6
I’ll just add Motu support is AWSOME . That’s worth a lot to me . Support is very important to me! That’s what sparked this thread! I’ve heard really wonderful things about Lynx as well. Prism is overseas, and I’d love to support an American company. |
|
|
|
Post by nick8801 on Dec 13, 2020 20:29:37 GMT -6
Lynx Aurora (N) over Thunderbolt. Best drivers and sound. Prism has great sound but drivers aren't the best. Maybe the Dante rules? MOTU is cheap but the AD is not as good as the DA on it. The DA is very good though. I was leaning USB. Thunderbolt is always changing and for what I do I think USB would be more than fast enough. Still on the fence on that choice though! |
|
|
|
Post by the other mark williams on Dec 13, 2020 20:41:09 GMT -6
You don’t have it on your list, but you should at least take a look at Metric Halo, IMO. LIO-8 if you’ve already got some good pres you like. Great features, great sound, great support, future-proof.
|
|
|
|
Post by ragan on Dec 13, 2020 20:42:45 GMT -6
If the Reaper team made an interface, I’d be all in lol! I think all the interfaces I mentioned are very stable. I don’t need any kind of over the top routing, so any would do there. The Prism and Motu are closest in functionality to the Apollo as far as what the physical box does. Apogee and Lynx would require some kind of monitor controller. Really looking at sonics. A great DA is a must, and the AD should be equal but preferably better than what I’m getting now. Symphony doesn’t need a monitor controller, FYI. |
|
|
|
Post by nick8801 on Dec 13, 2020 20:54:53 GMT -6
If the Reaper team made an interface, I’d be all in lol! I think all the interfaces I mentioned are very stable. I don’t need any kind of over the top routing, so any would do there. The Prism and Motu are closest in functionality to the Apollo as far as what the physical box does. Apogee and Lynx would require some kind of monitor controller. Really looking at sonics. A great DA is a must, and the AD should be equal but preferably better than what I’m getting now. Symphony doesn’t need a monitor controller, FYI. Your right, my bad. I meant it doesn’t have dedicated monitor outs. |
|
|
|
Post by nick8801 on Dec 13, 2020 20:55:21 GMT -6
You don’t have it on your list, but you should at least take a look at Metric Halo, IMO. LIO-8 if you’ve already got some good pres you like. Great features, great sound, great support, future-proof. Totally forgot about that one....it’s on my list. |
|
|
|
Post by gwlee7 on Dec 13, 2020 21:45:25 GMT -6
I don’t have you skills or experience. I do have a Motu 828es and use it with a quad satellite. I use it with USB like you are wanting to. I have had no problems.
|
|
|
|
Post by OtisGreying on Dec 13, 2020 21:48:19 GMT -6
Does Lynx Aurora N require a monitor controller? I've read some say you can "control the monitor volume digitally" through the front black knob on the faceplate. Anyone know for sure? I also wonder how sonically superior it is to the apollo X line, X series does sound pretty good to me..
|
|
|
|
Post by svart on Dec 13, 2020 22:40:51 GMT -6
Been using the 828es for a month or so now.
As good or better than my SSL alphalink. Better than any UA device I've heard.
|
|
|
|
Post by mdmitch2 on Dec 13, 2020 23:49:04 GMT -6
Another one not on your list, but I keep going back to RME interfaces. The drivers and stability are second to none — you’re pretty much guaranteed an interface that will be supported for 15 years or more. I’ve had a multiface, Madi pcie, ufx+, and now have added a babyface pro fs — nothing but praise for all of these. The Babyface is a sonic improvement over my Apollo twin mkii (preamps, headphone amps, conversion) and Totalmix is much more versatile and stable.... not to mention, there’s already working M1 drivers for the Mac Mini I just ordered.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Dec 14, 2020 0:15:05 GMT -6
Lynx Aurora (N) over Thunderbolt. Best drivers and sound. Prism has great sound but drivers aren't the best. Maybe the Dante rules? MOTU is cheap but the AD is not as good as the DA on it. The DA is very good though. I was leaning USB. Thunderbolt is always changing and for what I do I think USB would be more than fast enough. Still on the fence on that choice though! For USB, Lynx and Prism use Xmos chips. MOTU is more stable with an FGPA. If you need low latency over USB on Windows, RME is the best option but the sound of the Firefaces is not as good as the three I previously mentioned. I still prefer it over UAD though. RME is less honky. The only other option for reliable low latency USB on Windows is Steinberg and I don't know anyone who owns an AXR4 and have never even heard of one out in the wild and I know a guy who bought the Slate interface so that says something about how popular it is. MOTU USB is more reliable than say a Focusrite and can take higher plugin counts than Prism but it is too latent for amp sims. |
|
kcatthedog
Temp
Super Helpful Dude
Posts: 15,133 
Member is Online
|
Post by kcatthedog on Dec 14, 2020 1:38:40 GMT -6
I had two symphony mkii 8 and 16, fan noise was never an issue and it was right beside me, . Mkii were redesigned to facilitate airflow.
Do you never track with UA plugs?
If you aren’t using the X, try to demo one, best sonics yet, also received $2k in plug ins, so maybe factor in deal sweeteners if that matters to you?
|
|
|
|
Post by wiz on Dec 14, 2020 2:16:08 GMT -6
I had two symphony mkii 8 and 16, fan noise was never an issue and it was right beside me, . Mkii were redesigned to facilitate airflow. Do you never track with UA plugs? If you aren’t using the X, try to demo one, best sonics yet, also received $2k in plug ins, so maybe factor in deal sweeteners if that matters to you? Even though I have been through what I have....I would still recommend the X8 |
|
|
|
Post by phantom on Dec 14, 2020 4:52:34 GMT -6
Imo, MOTU is the best bang for the buck and will sound at least as good as the Apollos.
Lynx and Prism would be an upgrade in audio quality.
|
|
|
|
Post by nick8801 on Dec 14, 2020 5:35:07 GMT -6
Lots of really great info here guys. Thanks everyone for chiming in. The Motu is looking pretty sweet at the moment. Price wise it’s a no brainer, and it has the most full feature set out of the bunch. I do track midi instruments and amp sims since I started doing more producing, so the fact that it can run thunderbolt is really appealing, plus it has usb as well if for some reason I can’t use thunderbolt in the future. I’ve never tracked with the UA plugs short of a monitor reverb or something on a vocal and Motu also offers that. I also have 2 sets of monitors and Motu allows you to switch between two pairs. It’s not like I hate Apollo or anything, it’s just that I only mix with the plugs and I feel like for the price I can get some better sonics and then just pick up a UAD card for mixing. If I got a Motu I could also afford a few tube traps for my room I’ve been looking at, and I’ve learned that treatment makes a bigger difference than any interface anyway. The gear slut in me really wants to see a prism or lynx in front of me, but I think Dan kind of ruled out the Prism due to latency. That’s a lot of coin to drop on something I would struggle to track through. The Lynx thunderbolt is very appealing, but again, very pricey. I looked into it, and you can’t use that rotary knob to control volume. Also, I’ve heard the preamps on the Motu are actually pretty decent. I don’t really need them for anything other than extras if I ever track a drum set, but it means I could also sell one of my stereo outboard pres and come out even more on top here. I’ve looked at RME. I feel like they are very close to Motu as far as support/stability and sonics go. At least nowadays. I’d rather get a piece of gear from an American company in case there is an issue. Motu is also only about 6 hours from where I live. Yikes....my very first interface was an original 828! It honestly sounded pretty damn good. Can’t believe I might go back! Someone convince me Lynx sounds 3 times better than Motu so I can justify a purchase like that if I go that route!
|
|
|
|
Post by mrholmes on Dec 14, 2020 5:50:07 GMT -6
Reading through the Apollo off for repair thread got me thinking.... If I was to leave the Apollo behind, what would I get? Here are some thoughts I had. I'm hoping some of you could chime in with yours as well. 1. I don't need 16 channels anymore. I've moved away from mixing with outboard, and I don't track full bands. So I'm looking at 8 channel units. 2. I would still pick up a quad satellite so I could use the plugins. 3. On the cheap end, I could pick up a Motu 828es. I would probably come out on top here, but I wonder if I would be sacrificing any audio quality. I have a friend who uses Motu exclusively, and he seems to make good recordings. Motu is also due for an upgrade on some of their units, so it's possible a new one may come out in a year or two. 4. Apogee Symphony. I've always dug the Symphony sound, but the fan makes me nervous. I'm in a small one room project studio that's very quiet. I've heard mixed experiences with the fan, and I don't think I'm willing to take the chance with that kind of money. 5. Lynx Aurora n. I'm also really into the Lynx sound...or lack thereof. I'd really love something super clean like that, as I have a great preamp and mic selection. I would need a monitor controller since there is no option for that on the Aurora, but I was looking at something cheap like the Heritage Baby Ram, so no real big deal there. Kind of leaning this way at the moment. An 8 channel USB unit wouldn't kill my bank account, and if I ever went back to a bigger space, I can expand the unit easily to accommodate. 6. PrismSound Titan. Sweetwater just started carrying these. They are definitely a sexy all purpose interface. Also has 4 preamps so I could ditch a few in the studio and consolidate even more. This would also give me more money to invest in the interface. Seriously considering this one as well. 7. Not really interested in any older used interfaces, so I'm keeping it to new stuff on the market. I'm open to other suggestions as well. Sound quality is paramount as well is functionality. I don't want something unstable that will have me messing with drivers all day and night. Also, I could just get like an x8 Apollo or something, but the point of this thread is, what if I didn't. Anyway, go. Lemme hear some ideas.
May it's a language barrier but if the apollo works it's in my book by no means a bad interface
With the modern AD DA the differences are minor, if you can hear a big thing it's to 100% big bucks too. And yes you could list 20 more brands.... all good.
I heard the SPL converters not bad too....
We are drowning in choices....
Have a good one....
|
|
|
|
Post by nick8801 on Dec 14, 2020 6:13:46 GMT -6
Reading through the Apollo off for repair thread got me thinking.... If I was to leave the Apollo behind, what would I get? Here are some thoughts I had. I'm hoping some of you could chime in with yours as well. 1. I don't need 16 channels anymore. I've moved away from mixing with outboard, and I don't track full bands. So I'm looking at 8 channel units. 2. I would still pick up a quad satellite so I could use the plugins. 3. On the cheap end, I could pick up a Motu 828es. I would probably come out on top here, but I wonder if I would be sacrificing any audio quality. I have a friend who uses Motu exclusively, and he seems to make good recordings. Motu is also due for an upgrade on some of their units, so it's possible a new one may come out in a year or two. 4. Apogee Symphony. I've always dug the Symphony sound, but the fan makes me nervous. I'm in a small one room project studio that's very quiet. I've heard mixed experiences with the fan, and I don't think I'm willing to take the chance with that kind of money. 5. Lynx Aurora n. I'm also really into the Lynx sound...or lack thereof. I'd really love something super clean like that, as I have a great preamp and mic selection. I would need a monitor controller since there is no option for that on the Aurora, but I was looking at something cheap like the Heritage Baby Ram, so no real big deal there. Kind of leaning this way at the moment. An 8 channel USB unit wouldn't kill my bank account, and if I ever went back to a bigger space, I can expand the unit easily to accommodate. 6. PrismSound Titan. Sweetwater just started carrying these. They are definitely a sexy all purpose interface. Also has 4 preamps so I could ditch a few in the studio and consolidate even more. This would also give me more money to invest in the interface. Seriously considering this one as well. 7. Not really interested in any older used interfaces, so I'm keeping it to new stuff on the market. I'm open to other suggestions as well. Sound quality is paramount as well is functionality. I don't want something unstable that will have me messing with drivers all day and night. Also, I could just get like an x8 Apollo or something, but the point of this thread is, what if I didn't. Anyway, go. Lemme hear some ideas.
May it's a language barrier but if the apollo works it's in my book by no means a bad interface
With the modern AD DA the differences are minor, if you can hear a big thing it's to 100% big bucks too. And yes you could list 20 more brands.... all good.
I heard the SPL converters not bad too....
We are drowning in choices....
Have a good one....
Not saying it’s bad at all! I’ve done some great recording with that interface. Just hypothetically looking at other options to see where it leads! |
|
