iMac and appropriate interface for it?

[Magic97527]

I love my new iMac, but am having trouble finding decent info on which 8ch interface might work best for it. I have Leopard OS 10.5.2, with the Intel 2.4Ghz chip.

Since I'm obviously a bit new at this level of recording, I really want something that will plug & play, but am not necessarily concerned with tons of bells & whistles. Budget is around $400-$500. I'm using Garageband now, but will likely move to Logic Pro when I get the rest of the system figured out (coming from PC, so lots to learn!).

I have been pointed towards these items by local "experts" but want to make as "right" a choice as possible:
* Motu 828 Mk 2 or 3 (Mark 3 a bit out of price range, but if it's the right one, I'll step up)
* Presonus Firepod or FP 10
* Presonus Firestudio
* Edirol FA-101

Can ya help a brotha out?
Thanks for your great forum.

[richiebee]

Originally Posted by Magic97527

I love my new iMac, but am having trouble finding decent info on which 8ch interface might work best for it. I have Leopard OS 10.5.2, with the Intel 2.4Ghz chip.

Since I'm obviously a bit new at this level of recording, I really want something that will plug & play, but am not necessarily concerned with tons of bells & whistles. Budget is around $400-$500. I'm using Garageband now, but will likely move to Logic Pro when I get the rest of the system figured out (coming from PC, so lots to learn!).

I have been pointed towards these items by local "experts" but want to make as "right" a choice as possible:
* Motu 828 Mk 2 or 3 (Mark 3 a bit out of price range, but if it's the right one, I'll step up)
* Presonus Firepod or FP 10
* Presonus Firestudio
* Edirol FA-101

Can ya help a brotha out?
Thanks for your great forum.

MOTU make great products, but my experience has been that as a support company, they suck more than virtually all the competition (perhaps with the exception of Tascam).

Presonus might be considered low end in comparison, but they seem to be pretty informative on their web site, and on top of driver updates. In this price range, its likely that pretty much all products will be of excellent audio quality. I think good support counts for a lot. So, out of those you listed, I personally would try a Presonus product, even though it would probably be considered the lowest of the list in terms of quality.

[Magic97527]

Thanks. Just happened on some Mac forum info on Phonic Helix mixers. Relatively low price for the features they boast. I e-mailed them to see what they say about compatibility. Do you have any experience or knowledge of them? I'll post what I hear back for those who come after with the same quest.

[brandondrury]

Presonus might be considered low end in comparison

I've been very happy with my Presonus Firestudio. I'm sure some accountant-type dude obsessed with specs could find some flaw in the Firestudio, but in the heat of battle, it's came through very well for me. I'm of the opinion that any "lack of quality" issues have quite a bit more to do with marketing bullshit than actual studio use.

[Magic97527]

Bought a MOTU 828 Mk 2, after mucho reading & asking around. The firestudio was hih on the list, but they said support wise MOTU was tops, so that was the kicker. Thanks for your help.
Magic Mike