Real dumb question!

[little Buddha]

I have an imac, Logic Pro 8 and an Akai MPK49 49 Key Controller Keyboard ..
I am told that I will need a Midi Interface down the road.
Why?
What is the advantage of adding a Interface like apogee ensemble than not doing so?
Thanks...
Little Buddha

[ecc83]

The Akai already IS a MIDI interface AFAICS!

Do you mean an AUDIO Interface? This will enable you to get live sound from mics or other devices into your computer.

I know nothing of iMacs but if it has a Firewire port that would be the best route in in this instance, the Akai is already using some of the usb resource.

The Apogee is very fine equipment but I do not feel you need to spend that much at the moment. Look at FW interfaces by M-Audio, Tascam, Emu and many others.
Dave.

[little Buddha]

Thanks Dave,

I think I am talking about and Audio interface.
I am just trying to understand if I need such an interface?
I am just going to use the sounds in Logic plus a few soft synths here and there and then somewhere down the line I will want to record a voice.
So since I will not be recording any guitars or the like live, I wonder if I will need an Interface.
As if I understand correctly, I will be able to mix and burn my music using Logic, so I want to know if using and Audio Interface will enhance my music any more than what I have?
Thanks!
Jack

[ecc83]

From what I can glean from Google the imac has very limited audio capabilty. A mic input (good to phone a friend and that's all!) and a headphone output.

If you want to get audio in any form into and out of the imac to any reasonable level of quality and ease of operation you do need an interface.

FW AI's start at the $200 mark for one mic/line +line input ( M-A firewire solo $240ish). Personally I would not entertain any system that gave me less than two mic inputs. You COULD try a usb device, I have and can vouch for the M-A Fast track pro but I am using mine on a pc laptop.

Whatever you decide get a written returns/refund agreement, not everything works with everything!

Dave.

[little Buddha]

Dave,
Thanks for your time, now I am starting to see the light.!
This looks like a nice Audio Interface with room to grow, what do you think,?

M Audio Fast Track Ultra 8R USB Audio Interface
http://www.americanmusical.com/Item--i-MII-FTULTRA8R-LIST
Thanks
Jack

[ecc83]

Wow!

That's quite a leap cash wise!

Now I really don't subscibribe to those that denigerate usb AI's but in the case of a mac I think it really makes sense to stay with firewire, even if you have to come down on input count (FW kit tends to be dearer feature4feature).

I have no reservations at all about the MA unit, like one meself, but imac/fw is reckoned to be the best marrige. The M-A FW 1814 is about the same outlay as the usb 8R at $600, fewer mic ins but very expandable and with FW you can daisy chain another (usually 2) units and expand later.

Dave.

[little Buddha]

Dave,
Now I know this one is very expensive but I wonder if it is worth saving for..?
RME Fireface 800 Firewire Audio Interface
http://www.zzounds.com/item--RMEFIREFACE.
This looks nice as well,
UltraLite mk3 Firewire Audio Interface
Though I think this one is the real deal..
Digidesign Mbox 2 Pro FireWire Audio/MIDI Interface
Jack

[ecc83]

I could be wrong but AFAIK the imac does not support FW800 speeds therefore fabulous tho' it is the RME will be of little benefit to you.

If you have the space and that sort of wedge I would personally give the Yamaha n12 fw mixer a very serious consideration. The version of Cubase it is bundled with should also keep you rocking for a long time before you need to upgrade!

Dave.

[abdecken5]

the only dumb question is the one you are afraid to ask.

+1 for the RME Fireface 800 Firewire Audio Interface, worth every penny

[little Buddha]

I agree that the Yamaha n12 is worth giving serious consideration!!
What are your thought on Digidesign 003 Rack FireWire Audio Interface?
Jack