MOTU MIDI / Audio Interfaces

[z.peletz]

I'm looking to pick up some interfaces for Audio, MIDI, and Timecode. Has anybody been using the MOTU Micro Express or Micro Lite for MIDI? Or perhaps the Audio Express or 4Pre for general audio, headphone monitoring, etc? In terms of rack mounting and ruggedness I'm leaning towards them over the M-Audio gear.

[Mr_P]

For SMPTE input - just use the 3.5mm jack on the Mac - it works fine.
I also use a PC Bal Box (Interspace Industries) to isolate the signal - or any other similar DI box.

For Audio Output - use 3.5mm for analogue.
Or use the digital optical output and a digital to Balanced Audio box - (Behringer SRC2496 Ultramatch Pro) - also isolated by optical connection.

MIDI - hundreds of boxes out there.
M-Audio and MOTO seem to work fine... lots of other too.

S

[Spam Butterfly]

I would concur with Simon on this - the Interspace Industries PC Balancing Box can be used 'in reverse' as it is a passive DI box, so getting balanced LTC into Catalyst with one of these just needs a gender changer.
http://interspaceind.com/component/virtuemart/?page=shop.product_details&flypage=vmj_ritz.tpl&product_id=32&category_id=20


Also you can use these with analog output. Some sound people have a problem with 3.5mm jacks, however, and would rather use something more 'grown up' like a USB or Firewire interface - although I personally don't see the difference between using a 3.5mm jack and a USB or Firewire plug. The USB/ Firewire Interfaces do give you the option of getting audio in separately from your LTC, should you want to, and multichannel audio out.

The choice of audio interfaces you can use is vast.
I have recently used:
MOTU Ultra-Lites
http://www.motu.com/products/motuaudio/ultralite-mk3
But have lots of experience with
Edirol FA101
http://www.roland.com/products/en/FA-101/
The Motus are nice because they are easy to rack mount.

You will need TRS Jack to to 3 Pin XLR M for audio out for many USB/Firewire boxes.

I have also used these:
http://www.arx.com.au/International/audibox_usb_io.htm

Very good and very quiet (i.e. no noise) - I did a couple of 3 or 4 minute VERY loud battle sequence in Earls Court with these chappies. An excellent product.

Best wishes,

Hugh

[z.peletz]

Thanks guys. I've finally sorted out what I'm going to be getting and am building the rack this week.