Recommend a synth/audio interface please!!

[ianmgull]

Hello all,

I'm putting together a new rig for my live band. At the heart of it will be a new Macbook pro running ableton. I plan on running an APC40 to control ableton.

I want a synth/audio interface under $800; I know of a couple that exist but I want to make sure I know of what's out there.

-I know the Noviation Xio is an option but I've heard mixed reviews about its build quality. Also the fact that the usb port is only USB 1.1 worries me.

-Speaking of Novation the Ultranova looks unbelievably cool. The ONLY thing that I'm not into is the fact that it's monotimbral. Not a deal breaker; just unfortunate.


So... Can you guys recommend anything else? I'm not completely opposed to a midi keyboard/audio interface. I just prefer the idea of using ableton to trigger loops while playing an actual hard synth.

Thanks!!!

[Ashe37]

In that price range, you're best off getting an audio interface and a synth... not trying to get both.

[Stab Frenzy]

For playing live shows you want your laptop mix and your synth to be going to separate channels, so it's easier with a separate interface and synth. Also monotimbrality is fine for live shows.

[ianmgull]

The Ultranova has four outs. Isn't it possible to send the synth to 1 & 2 while sending the laptop to 3 & 4??

[Ashe37]

The Ultranova has four outs. Isn't it possible to send the synth to 1 & 2 while sending the laptop to 3 & 4??

Yes, which is an improvement over things like the X-station. However, your inputs will always be routed to out 1 &2 along with the synth.

[ianmgull]

I see what you mean. For my purposes I don't see myself using the synth inputs very much in a live situation. Maybe I'll toy with the vocoder at times but not an issue. The only concern I have is that it is NOT a USB midi interface. Meaning it can't send MIDI from the laptop.

The monotimbrality isn't so much of a problem for me anyway as most of my stuff is sample/loop based. Unless anyone has any other suggestions/warnings I'm probably going to pull the trigger on this soon.

[Ashe37]

I see what you mean. For my purposes I don't see myself using the synth inputs very much in a live situation. Maybe I'll toy with the vocoder at times but not an issue. The only concern I have is that it is NOT a USB midi interface. Meaning it can't send MIDI from the laptop.

The monotimbrality isn't so much of a problem for me anyway as most of my stuff is sample/loop based. Unless anyone has any other suggestions/warnings I'm probably going to pull the trigger on this soon.

Yeah, looks like it can only send MIDI from the keyboard itself. Of course, good usb midi interfaces are like $30 these days

[TheKeytarist]

Hello all,
-I know the Noviation Xio is an option but I've heard mixed reviews about its build quality. Also the fact that the usb port is only USB 1.1 worries me.

My Xio Still Functions great after more than a year of normal use. I have only two gripes about it: 1: The lcd is starting to go bad, 2: the end cap on the Pitch/ModWheel keeps falling off, and 3: the filter is a little steppy at high resonance. Other than that, it's a pretty decent synth. But For $2-300, you really can't complain.

[gtivr6fan]

+1 x-station.

[TheKeytarist]

The x-station can actualy process audio, which is somthi g that the xio can't do. So I agree with gtivr6fan, +1 x-station

[silikon]

It would be wise to have a separate synth and sound card.

These days you should be able to find something like an MS2000, novation KS4, or even a mopho keyboard, plus a reasonable audio card that would serve your needs for the ballpark you're looking in, money wise. The nice thing about having separate hardware is, if your computer has a fatal accident on the way or at the gig, you're not completely screwed (assuming you don't have gobs of money to have spares of everything).

If you lurk in gearslutz, here and perhaps eBay, you're bound to be able to keep within your budget and still get both taken care of.

[ianmgull]

Thanks for the suggestions all.

The main reason I wanted a synth/interface combo is because I'm limited on USB ports. I have three available.

1. APC40
2. Synth/Card
3. DMXIS

External Harddrive on firewire800 port.

I thought about a USB hub but I'm terrified of bottlenecking issues.

[Ashe37]

Thanks for the suggestions all.

The main reason I wanted a synth/interface combo is because I'm limited on USB ports. I have three available.

1. APC40
2. Synth/Card
3. DMXIS

External Harddrive on firewire800 port.

I thought about a USB hub but I'm terrified of bottlenecking issues.

the APC 40 doesn't generate enough data to worry about bottlenecking, and the DMXIS is honestly like a big row of MIIDI ports... those two on a hub would likely not bottleneck. so you have firewire 800 but not 400?

[ianmgull]

Right. The new Macbook pro models phased out FW400 in favor of THUNDERBOLT!!!!!!!!!!!. When they start making periperhals for it I'll care.

I figured I could hub those two. It's just that my setup is getting more and more complex and that freaks me out.

[Stab Frenzy]

Actually mbps havent had fw400 for a few years, thunderbolt has nothing to do with it. You can daisychain 400 and 800 devices with no problem, the only practical difference is the shape of the plug.

If you're really worried about things being too complicated then maybe electronic music isn't for you.