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Which audio interfaces work with M1 Macs? Rode, Focusrite?

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Fomalhaut

macrumors 68020
Original poster
Oct 6, 2020
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I've just realized that being able to connect my studio mic via an audio interface is a key requirement for using a new M1 Mac for work (because of remote working).

Is anyone using either a Rode AI-1 or Focusrite Scarlett audio interface with an M1 Mac?

Are there any known issues with these (or other) audio interfaces, that use either USB2-Type B or USB-C connectors?

Considering these interfaces don't require driver installation on a Mac (they use CoreAudio), is there a high likelihood of it "just working"?

Thanks!
 
UA added Big Sur support today. M1 not yet. Soon. I have a VRS8 on my 7,1. Want a small mobile. Was thinking of getting a UA in her face for the first time, so I can use their plug-ins as well.
 
Fomalhaut said:
I've just realized that being able to connect my studio mic via an audio interface is a key requirement for using a new M1 Mac for work (because of remote working).

Is anyone using either a Rode AI-1 or Focusrite Scarlett audio interface with an M1 Mac?

Are there any known issues with these (or other) audio interfaces, that use either USB2-Type B or USB-C connectors?

Considering these interfaces don't require driver installation on a Mac (they use CoreAudio), is there a high likelihood of it "just working"?

Thanks!
Click to expand...
Focusrite - https://support.focusrite.com/hc/en...cOS-11-Big-Sur-on-Apple-Silicon-based-systems
 
My Alesis MultiMix 4 USB FX is working fine with my M1 Mac. The system recognizes it as a "USB Audio Codec", so I just select that as my input source for audio.
 
Focusrite 2i2 here into a MBA M1 and works fine with Rode mic and my guitar etc.
 
My dad has a Mid 2010 Mac mini that I'm trying to get him off of. He uses the Steinberg UR22. They're pretty good about updating for the new OSes, but with Big Sur being late this year, they don't yet have a driver that's compatible with Big Sur or Apple Silicon. They seem to indicate Apple Silicon support is coming, but that getting x86 Big Sur to work is their first priority. I'm biding my time until I can convince him to upgrade from his Mid 2010 mini to the M1 mini as that will be a sizable upgrade that I hopefully don't have to force him off of for the next 8 years.
 
Steinberg UR22 mkII audio is working well. I have not tried the MIDI functionalities, but it's a class compliant device so should be fine.
 
CSBBody said:
Focusrite 2i2 here into a MBA M1 and works fine with Rode mic and my guitar etc.
Click to expand...
Would you mind sharing how you did that? What cable/dongle/adapter do you use? Mine 2i2 1st gen is not recognized, tried several adapters already...
 
Focusrite 6i6 1st gen working with class compliant driver (USB-A & wall wart power). Cant run Scarlett Mix Control though to change routing or switch between inst & pad modes on inputs one and two.....not that I was expecting it would, just means I don't need to replace it as soon as I thought. Since I only track guitar and on occasion a dynamic mic, it works fine and aren't missing being able to change settings I rarely use via software.
 
Ningj said:
Focusrite 6i6 1st gen working with class compliant driver (USB-A & wall wart power). Cant run Scarlett Mix Control though to change routing or switch between inst & pad modes on inputs one and two.....not that I was expecting it would, just means I don't need to replace it as soon as I thought. Since I only track guitar and on occasion a dynamic mic, it works fine and aren't missing being able to change settings I rarely use via software.
Click to expand...
Focusrite released a beta version of Focusrite Control a few days ago that is compatible with M1 macs, which should solve your issue. I have a Clarett 2Pre USB and had the same issue as you until installing the beta. FWIW, they still don't have a compatible driver ready for the Thunderbolt-enabled Claretts, with no timeline available per their support team.
 
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I'm currently waiting on support for the TB Claretts (4Pre here). I remember being a bit gutted back when the USB 3 Claretts came out. It's a great interface but I remember thinking at the time it would have been nicer to have the USB version simply for compatibility reasons (for example with my Windows box, not that I'm ever likely to use that for production).

At the moment I'm using an M-Audio 2x2 USB MIDI interface which is probably fine for the medium term as I can live without multi-channel audio in. Really looking forward to support for the Thunderbolt Claretts all the same.
 
I've got an older Edirol FA-101 connected thru an Apple Firewire to TB Adapter and then also with an Apple TB2 to TB3 Adapter. Surprisingly working quite well.​
 
stongethomas said:
I got my Zoom Livetrak L-20 working with a new MacBook Air M1 Big Sur in class compliant mode without any issues.
Click to expand...
Hey there! I have been trying for a week to get my Roland L-8 to show up in my Big Sur system preferences. Roland told me that it works in class-compliant mode, but I am having no luck getting it recognized. Any other tips for me to explore?
 
Unfortunately Focusrite control only works with Gen2 and later devices so are stuck with Mix Control. It appears to run on M1 with Big Sur, just can't find the auto interface. Ive had it for just over 7 years so aren't too cut up if it needs to be replaced...lower latency, noise floor, etc. I will however be looking for an interface with a few more manual controls on the front panel.
 
I have a Livetrak L-8 and my M1 MacBook is not recognizing it as an audio device (but will recognize it in SD reader mode).

I see some people talking about class compliant mode, but can't figure out how to set that.

Any help on that or other ideas?

Thanks!
 
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