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Uplift

macrumors 6502
Original poster
Feb 1, 2011
465
187
UK
I am looking to buy an audio interface but would like some [better-than-my-own-knowledge] advice before I do so.

Do I need something like the Apogee Duet if i'm not going to be doing any recording? I hear the Apogee One is very similar if not the same in sound quality when used as a headphone pre-amp.

In the past, whenever I have been producing music, I would use my mixer's audio interface (Denon DN-X1600) so that I could use my monitor speakers... However, due to a change in circumstances i'm going to be on the move a lot and dragging a full sized mixer around with me isn't an option.

I won't be recording anything, I do all producing in Logic Pro X, and now that i'm on the move it will be through my Sennheiser HD25-C II headphones... is the built in Macbook Pro sound card good enough for my usage? I take it the One is an audio interface, bypassing the macs internal sound card and therefore providing sound quality improvements?

I came across the Focusrite Forte, which looks amazing, is cheaper (than the Duet), similar sound quality to the Duet (apparently) and has some cool features for controlling the DAW. I was disappointed to find it discontinued and not very many about, i'm watching some on eBay.

Can anyone offer advice based on my needs... producing in Logic, no recording, mixing in headphones...

One, Duet, Forte, anything else?

Thanks in advance :)
 

xb2003

macrumors 6502
Jan 18, 2016
386
180
MO
Is there anything you need the interface to do besides act as a DAC for your headphones? I have a Focusrite 18i20 and a presonus 22VSL. Obviously the 22vSL won't do nearly as much, but I use the thing all the time for MIDI stuff and performing live on Guitar, Bass, or drums. With that said, If I'm making something on the go I usually just use logic with the built in sound in my MacBook Pro and my Shures.

I make some stuff for my church and do stuff for my own usage and I don't ever feel the need to hook up an interface, despite usually having one with me.
 

Uplift

macrumors 6502
Original poster
Feb 1, 2011
465
187
UK
Is there anything you need the interface to do besides act as a DAC for your headphones? I have a Focusrite 18i20 and a presonus 22VSL. Obviously the 22vSL won't do nearly as much, but I use the thing all the time for MIDI stuff and performing live on Guitar, Bass, or drums. With that said, If I'm making something on the go I usually just use logic with the built in sound in my MacBook Pro and my Shures.

I make some stuff for my church and do stuff for my own usage and I don't ever feel the need to hook up an interface, despite usually having one with me.

Nope, nothing...I really just want to make sure I have the best possible quality... if the on board sound card is doing a good job then thats fine, no interface needed. I would assume the on board sound card is pretty basic and produces a noisy/muddy output but obviously factors other variables (headphone quality, etc..)

I do really like the idea of the built in microphone (on the One) but it's not something I would use often enough to let it influence my purchase.

I pretty much work exclusively in the Logic Pro... all audio samples are WAV and instrument tracks are Audio Units (Native Instruments, etc...)
 
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