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Bus-powered audio interface for new MacBook Pro?

B

bb123456

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Apr 21, 2014
7
0
Dear all,

I just bought a brand new MacBookPro and I was really disappointed to notice that the Firewire to Thunderbolt converter can deliver only 7W of power, which is simply not enough to power any audio card.

I'm desperately trying to find an audio card with at least 4 analog inputs (better if with preamps) to be used outdoor, so it has to be completely bus-powered, either via USB or Thunderbolt.

Please, do you have any suggestion?

Many thanks in advance for your help!
Bruno
 
Focusrite Scarlett 2i4.

Gorgeous preamps (same as the high-end interfaces our studio has), good bundled mix plug-ins and totally bus-powered.

The YouTube reviews speak for themselves. I have the 2i2 and am looking at the models with more inputs for 'proper' drum tracking (that isn't the Glynn Johns/Recorderman technique I currently use).
 
Many thanks for your answer.
Unfortunately the Focusrite Scarlett 2i4 has only 2 inputs and I need 4.
b
 
bb123456 said:
Many thanks for your answer.
Unfortunately the Focusrite Scarlett 2i4 has only 2 inputs and I need 4.
b
Click to expand...

My mistake, it has 4 outputs. Others in that same range have many more inputs, the 4i4 or 4i6 I think? Have a look, it's all there on their website. They're exceptionally good quality for the money.
 
Are the 4i4 or 4i6 bus-powered?
That would be amazing but it doesn't look like they are from the website.
b
 
Bus-powered audio interface for new MacBookPro?

I assumed they were, but I just checked and they're not - apologies.

After some searching, an interface that matches your requirements is going to be rare. Your best bet may be an M-Box. I saw a post in a similar thread that said one had 4 inputs and was USB-powered.

Is it vital that it cannot be mains-powered? You'll have a lot more choice if not.
 
Bus-powered audio interface for new MacBook Pro?

Deceitful Roland!

I think you're going to struggle, and you really won't be able to be picky. Try and search Avid's website for that M-Box, or failing that look at Native Instruments' offerings.

There's clearly quite a gap in the market for these kinds of interfaces! Unfortunately, I think the viability of said market is inhibited by the amount of current USB can provide.

----------

Ah OK. Try NI's website?

Like I said, you may have to compromise. You're limited by USB's technical specs.
 
Last edited:
The Focusrite has only 2 inputs, whereas the NI has 2 + 2
(2 preamps + 2 line-in).
b
 
You seem to have two choices:
1. Get a "smaller" interface with just two inputs,
or
2. Get an interface with the number of inputs you need, that uses an external power block, and use it that way.

Ok.... time to choose...
 
bb123456 said:
PreSonus Mobile is firewire, and therefore can't be bus-powered using a Firewire to Thurderbolt converter.

Literally the only option I found is the NI Audio 6:
http://www.native-instruments.com/en/products/komplete/audio-interfaces/
2 preamps and 2 line-in.

I was hoping to get 4 preamps, as I could do if I still had my old MacBookPro. But apparently with these new laptops this is the only option.
Click to expand...

But that's exactly how i use it on my rmbp. Only 2 preamps though, but there are 6 line level inputs on the back and S/PDIF.

No lightpipe though :(
 
Last edited:
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