MICROkorg - Best Interface to connect to a MacBook?

[dukesup1978]

I am looking to hookup my MICROkorg to my mac in order to record in Logic Studio 8. Any recommendations of a good interface to purchase?

[tpantano]

I am looking to hookup my MICROkorg to my mac in order to record in Logic Studio 8. Any recommendations of a good interface to purchase?

Since it's both a Mac and a laptop, there's no way to use anything internal lol. So external options are best.

If you don't mind carrying around two pieces of hardware (your macbook and the card) the Fast Track Pro from M-audio is great. It works pretty much plug and play with macs, it's got two inputs (you NEED two inputs, no exceptions, to get a decent sound from your MK) and some other features. I highly recommend it, or if you can afford it, the Fast track Ultra. Just don't get the regular fast track (1 input for instruments).
http://www.m-audio.com/products/en_us/FastTrackPro.html

On the other hand, if you are willing to sacrifice features to be as minimalistic as possible (only having to carry around one thing, your laptop) there is the Transit. It plugs right into your laptop's USB and offers a single stereo input, and a single stereo out. I haven't used it personally, but it seems fine albeit lacking in knobs for mixing. If you do get it, remember, you'll need to find a two mono 1/4 input to 1 stereo 1/8 output converter (may require two cables, two 1/4 to 1 1/4 stereo, and then 1/4 stereo to 1/8 stereo).
http://www.m-audio.com/products/en_us/Transit.html

the Fast Track Pro is probably a better choice IMHO, but if you want to keep mobility, the transit would be better.

[dukesup1978]

Are there any other options? They seem to have some poor reviews.


http://www.amazon.com/M-Audio-Track-Mob ... addOneStar

http://www.amazon.com/M-Audio-Fast-Trac ... 514&sr=1-1


Is there anyway to purchase an interface under $100? those are a little out of my budget. want to start recording some music with my MK!

thanks for the help!!

[tpantano]

They work terrible with windows, hence the poor reviews.

I can assure you my fast track pro is working perfect. (imac g5). PCs, I've found, only work good with PCI cards for sound. But macs work amazing with USB interfaces. Trust me, the Fast Track Pro is great for macs, it even works plug and play.

Also, on the links u linked, there were more positive reviews than negative.

Finally, look into the Transit; you can't mix as well on the interface, but there's always Logic for that. and its $95.

Used stuff is usually fine as well.

Whatever you end up doing, make SURE it's stereo. Stereo changes EVERYTHING.

[X-Trade]

If you go to any music retailer website you can usually select a category like USB or Firewire PC audio interfaces, and you can order it by price.

for example:
http://www.dv247.com/search/2970/0/Prod ... nding/-/1/
http://www.dv247.com/search/2974/0/Prod ... nding/-/1/
(in the UK I know but a good example of the kind of search to do)

http://www.sweetwater.com/c695--USB_Aud ... s/low2high
http://pro-audio.musiciansfriend.com/na ... 7c0&rpp=20

I used to have a Behringer UCA-202, which is alright for PC recording but with a mac you'll probably get better results with the built in line-in connection!

[dukesup1978]

awesome, thank you very much for the help!

[dukesup1978]

In that case I'm going for the Fast Track Pro. Does it come with the chords I need or buy those separate?

[X-Trade]

In that case I'm going for the Fast Track Pro. Does it come with the chords I need or buy those separate?

I don't quite see why an audio interface would need chords, since you play those on a keyboard.



If you mean the cables. Then most equipment that connects by USB or Firewire and is useless otherwise, usually comes with the appropriate cable for computer connection, but getting the jack leads to connect it to any audio equipment is up to you.

[tpantano]

In that case I'm going for the Fast Track Pro. Does it come with the chords I need or buy those separate?

Did you already buy it?

Because mine is starting to have random droputs, wtf... googling it shows that this happens for everyone. :-/

[dukesup1978]

In that case I'm going for the Fast Track Pro. Does it come with the chords I need or buy those separate?

Did you already buy it?

Because mine is starting to have random droputs, wtf... googling it shows that this happens for everyone. :-/

Sorry about that, thanks, I did mean CABLES! so it comes with all I should need in order to hook up to my mac?

I have not purchased the Fast Track Pro quite yet, but I'm thinking that that one makes the most sense for me to purchase. Can you please elaborate on "random dropouts?"

Thank you!

[tpantano]

Randomly, the fast track pro won't play any sound. At all. Once it happens once, even if I reset it (off/on) it will happen again roughly a minute later. Only a complete computer restart seems to fix it.

Also, it seems to be a fairly common issue, not just a problem with my FTP:
http://forums.m-audio.com/showthread.ph ... -H-W-issue

[dukesup1978]

I actually don't understand the answer above regarding cables. Do I need to purchase cables in order to hook up the microKORG to the FTP? or will the FTP come with the necessary cables?

[X-Trade]

Typically, if something can't do its job without connecting to the computer then it'll come with the cables for connecting to the computer (For example here in the UK, they've stopped giving us free USB cables with printers that have card readers or other ways to scan and print! and then generally places that do sell printers charge £15 for the cable!)

So the FTP should come with a USB cable. However it will probably not come with any audio cables for connecting your microKorg. Again, manufacturers tend not to try to assume what you're going to be plugging into something that can have such a wide range of uses.

[tpantano]

I actually don't understand the answer above regarding cables. Do I need to purchase cables in order to hook up the microKORG to the FTP? or will the FTP come with the necessary cables?

in simple terms
the FTP has cables that connect to the computer

the only cables you'll need are 1/4' (guitar) cables to connect to the MK, 2 of them.

Don't get the FTP though. It's useless junk. look elsewhere

[steelyphil]

The Cakewalk UA-1G serves me well. I record one track at a time into Logic X 9 with no noticeable lag, even when I'm sequencing from Logic. I got mine for 100 dollars, and it hasn't failed me yet.