Thunderbolt Interface

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RobC Joined: Oct 11, 2010 Posts: 152 Bainbridge Island, Washington	Posted on Apr 18 2013 03:30 PM Anybody have a recommendation on a good Digital recording interface? I am looking at 8 channels but need to know a bit more about Thunderbolt. Is it truly the wave of the future- and are the digital interface manufacturers all coming with Thunderbolt ports? Probably going to stick with Mac hardware although I will be keeping on eye on their stock price.... Under $500 would be great but under $1000 is doable. Rob Last edited: Apr 18, 2013 15:31:32 Top
JakeDobner Joined: Feb 26, 2006 Posts: 12159 Seattle	Posted on Apr 18 2013 04:22 PM Thunderbolt is a Mac connector, of course it isn't the wave of the future for digital recording. If you plan on staying with Mac, might as well get one with it. But considering that it has been out for well over a year and not many companies make a interface with it... might want to go with Firewire or USB. Do you want 8 inputs on the actual device, or 8 inputs using a mixer? Top
RobC Joined: Oct 11, 2010 Posts: 152 Bainbridge Island, Washington	Posted on Apr 18 2013 06:02 PM I got the impression it was faster that both USB and Firewire but I admit sometimes I believe the marketing sh*t that is shoved down my throat. Looking for a 8 channel inputs to the computer for tracking the whole crew at the same time, Drums (kick snare, toms, overhead), bass guitar, two guitars, keys. (my haunting accordion solo can get overdubbed later). I have a Mackie CFX 12 mixer I use for live performance and grabbing a signal from the effects "insert" on each channel on the board into the interface works really well (first click only) then I can input into the computer as individual tracks for editing, post processing, etc. I looked into a new mixer with analog to digital conversion but the ones in my price range only do 2 channels. 8 actual OUTS you are talking the big bucks ($2500) Big bucks for me anyway. Top
JakeDobner Joined: Feb 26, 2006 Posts: 12159 Seattle	Posted on Apr 19 2013 02:36 AM It is faster, much faster. Faster than USB 3.0, I believe. The only interfaces I could find had digital inputs/outs via mixer. I mainly looked at the Focusrite stuff as they are a company I am considering for my next audio interface. No problems with my shitty old M-Audio Mobile Pre for going two mics into Logic Pro. I've never done the 'virtual' inputs thing before. We use to run a couple mixers into a 2-track record to record the band, back in the day. Top
SlacktoneDave Joined: Jul 01, 2006 Posts: 657	Posted on Apr 19 2013 07:41 AM http://www.uaudio.com/apollo http://audiogeekzine.com/2012/10/review-apple-thunderbolt-to-firewire-adapter/ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thunderbolt_(interface) Apple developed Firewire, and is used on more than just Apple products: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Firewire Top
RobC Joined: Oct 11, 2010 Posts: 152 Bainbridge Island, Washington	Posted on Apr 19 2013 05:06 PM Thanks Boys. I will let you know what shakes out. Been sniffin around the Mackie Blackbird interface. looks like the ticket and in my price range. Top

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