New blog post:
“Help! What’s the best interface for Logic Pro or Garageband? Thanks!”

Hey!
Here are a few interfaces that I’ve used and/or am confident work very well with Logic. You really have two categories of interface. Do you want something that just does input and output, or do you want an interface that also gives you control over Logic (faders, pan, transport functions, etc). I’ve listed a few of both. Another key concern for you is the number of preamps on the devices. Many advertise that they have “10 input channels” for instance. Well, 2 of those channels may be mic/instrument inputs (with mic preamps) and the other 8 may be line inputs, which are useless to you unless you have external mic preamps or an external mixer.

You’d mentioned whether you need an external mixer or not. That really depends on the interface you buy and the number of mic inputs you need. Again, if you are just recording yourself, two should be fine. If you need to add a third (or more), you could buy a few inexpensive external mic preamps to feed into the line inputs of your audio interface, or by a mixer and utilize the preamps on that.

I’m not trying to be confusing, by the way. I also don’t know how familiar you are with mic, line, and instrument levels, so forgive me if some of this is unclear. Let me know and I’ll break it down for you.

The Alesis MasterControl–this unit has 2 mic pre/instrument inputs and 6 line inputs, connects via firewire, and is also a control surface for Logic. I’ve included a link to the unit on Zzounds, as well as a video showing how the MasterControl works (in Cubase, but Logic will be the same). About $900.
Master Control video

The Apogee Duet–two channels (total) of I/O. Two mic preamps/instrument inputs. Very simple design, made by a company known for good sound quality. About $500.

Focusrite Saffire Pro–8 preamps (unlike the two previous interfaces, which have 2). Two headphone outputs, in case you are recording with, or engineering for,  another musician. This company is known for good mic preamps. This also comes with some plugins. However, Logic most likely has all the plugins you’ll ever need. When you hear Logic’s  convolution reverb Space Designer on your nylon string, you may very well cry. Again, about $500

MBox 2 Pro This is a Digidesign/Pro Tools interface. So why am I including it? Well, you get Pro Tools when you buy it. Depending on who you’re working with, you may find that you need to be able to open Pro Tools sessions, as Pro Tools is kind of a standard for many people. That doesn’t mean it’s better! Buying this interface would kill two birds with one stone–you’d get  2 mic pre/instrument inputs and 2 line inputs (for more preamps, if you need them), firewire connectivity, and 2 headphone jacks. You could run Logic with it, and you’d get a copy of Pro Tools (which you could learn later). I actually own one of these and use it with Pro Tools and Logic everyday. If you don’t foresee yourself needing to work with people running Pro Tools (other musicians/engineers), then this probably isn’t the best option, though it is a quality interface.  Price is $600.

We didn’t talk about your budget, so I’ve kept things reasonable. You could find a few cheaper interfaces, and a number of more expensive ones. The links I’ve included will take you to Zzounds, who I’ve been buying my gear from since I was 16. They’re a good company, they’re prices are as low as anyones, and they have a very good return policy, which is important with this sort of thing. In the interest of full disclosure, if you buy gear from them, I get a few percentage points from the sale. Keep in mind that has nothing to do with the interfaces I chose for you. If that were the case, I would have found some really expensive stuff! Regardless of where you buy your gear and Logic, feel free to keep in contact with me if you need help. I also do “one-time” classes, where I help people setup their new gear and get it working properly with their computer, if you end up needing that.

Regardless, it was good to meet you.

Daniel Rowland
lessons@theonlineaudioschool.com