Help beat a dead horse.......interface recommendations, $500-$700 range

[g4string]

Searching the archives yields a ton of info regarding interface choices. Although it seems in most posts, people want to spend $200 and less. NTM, tech changes constantly and new(ER) models are being introduced all the time. So hear goes, grab your favorite club and help me beat this deceased equine.

Looking for;
2 inputs
Superior quality
$500-$700 range
Desktop friendly (ie, no 19" rack-mount versions)
Apple/Mac friendly
Simple to operate

Bonus;
Bundled free recording software would be nice....even if lite versions.

 

[uhdinator]

Duet

 

[Dave W]

Yup, Apogee Duet for what you want.

 

[silky smoove]

Which Mac OS? Lots of reports of the Duet and Duet2 not playing nicely with the latest OS.

The same form factor from another manufacturer would be the RME Babyface.

 

[g4string]

Which Mac OS? Lots of reports of the Duet and Duet2 not playing nicely with the latest OS.

The same form factor from another manufacturer would be the RME Babyface.

90% certain I have OSX 10.7 (Lion). Newest version is 10.9.

 

[hazmatt]

if you have no qualms about dropping $700, you may want to consider the RME babyface at $750

 

[INTP]

Focusrite Forte gets good marks for quality. No personal experience, unfortunately.

 

[g4string]

Local guy has a duet II for $500. prob fonna go that route.

 

[invalidprotocol]

Seems like a lot to spend on a dual interface, particularly if you're only going to use lite software versions.

Presonus makes pretty nice stuff. I'm pleased with my 22VSL. Seems to be of good quality and is trouble free in MacOS 10.8, at least so far for me.

 

[rocksmoot]

I use a MOTU 8pre with good results. It's more than you say you need with 8 inputs but is was well within the price range you're talking about.

 

[g4string]

Up date, I bought an Apogee Duet (version prior to Duet II.... 2 versions prior to Duet IOS). I paid $300 on eBay. 24/96 will be plenty good for my bass tracks. Plus, my comp is a 2008 model MB Pro. Only upgrade is a bigger HD and more ram. I think the older apogee will play nicer with my older MB Pro. Plus, some guys prefer the Duet over the Duet II for sound. Reports of the Duet sounding smoother and less harsh over the Duet II

 

[THRAK2]

The Duet sounds great but I can't stand the Maestro software. I switched to the RME Babyface and like it a lot.

 

[g4string]

The Duet sounds great but I can't stand the Maestro software. I switched to the RME Babyface and like it a lot.

The baby was my #1 choice towards the end of my research. It boiled down economics. $800 -vs- $300. Either one will get me from point A to B, both will sound quality doing so. Just matter of accepting the one you choose for being what it is and what it's not.