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Consumer-Grade Audio Input Options for the Mac?

Posted by Cliff on from the what-sound-does-an-apple-make-when-it-hits-the-ground dept.

hypnos asks: "With the recent release of the Creative Labs Extigy, I'm wondering if there are any remotely similar options for Mac users. What I really want is a way to get several audio inputs, a mic pre-amp, and MIDI-IN all in one box, and attached to some protocol (USB, FireWire) that'll let me use it on my desktop or my laptop. Does anyone know of such a device? And barring that, are there sub-$500 PCI-type options that will allow the same things (without the notebook portability, obviously)?"

3 of 16 comments (clear)

  1. More... by chrismear · · Score: 3, Informative

    Also, a quick Google search brought this up: The Tascam US-428 has 4 channels of audio plus MIDI, and has actual sliders and transport controls that can control your recording software. And this online store has a whole page of USB audio interfaces.

  2. Tascam US428? by mopp · · Score: 2, Informative

    Have you considered the Tascam US428? It performs as a bright-blue hardware interface to your sound software (a stripped down version of Cubase is included, although you may be unimpressed with the 'Mac version coming soon!' bit).

    It's got a USB interface, MIDI I/O, 4 inputs, 2 outputs, and may meet many of your needs...

    I'm trying to locate one in Sydney at the moment (with limited success), so I cannot give a review of its capabilities, but if it lives up to the product blurb, it could be nice! (any tips from fellow Australians?)

  3. iAudio iInput by nadie · · Score: 2, Informative
    On the most basic level, there is the iMic

    A bit (lot?) more capable is a couple of USB Digital Audio Processor's from Onkyo, a MSE-U33HB and a SE-U55

    I don't have any direct experience with these, but a quick Google search should turn up several reviews.