I am in the market for a new audio interface and I have been looking at some of the usual suspects including the Apollo Twin Duo. My set up is very minimal just the monomachine. I have not experimented with processing the mono that much in Ableton with plugins or other effects. Basically I am looking for a simple, efficient, minimalistic, portable, great sounding interface to compliment my setup. So I guess have two questions:
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Anyone use the apollo twin duo with the monomachine? Would the UAD plugins really add that much to the sound? (understanding that if you are putting crap into the DAW UAD plugins will not magically make it sound better) I guess I’m wondering if its worth it to buy the apollo twin if you do not make use of the plugins that much.
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What other interfaces do you guys use with the monomachine that work well?
Ideally I would just like the two inputs to start with possibility to expand these down the road should I add more gear. Thanks guys this forum has been a great resource I’m so glad it exists. I have had the monomachine for under a year and have probably only realized about 20% of its potential but feel I learn something new every day.
Yeah I was actually looking at the clarett 2 pre but you make a good point with the 4 pre recording all 6 outputs. I guess then you could then process each track individually in ableton but would probably lose the stereo effects like panning?
A question about thunderbolt and latency overall. The advantage of thunderbolt is just low latency right? Since the monomachine has an internal sequencer and I will most likely not be “playing it live” like bangin out pads on an mpc for example, is very low latency really necessary? Are there any other benefits to near 0 latency that I am not considering?
Also I assume any preamps within an interface would not matter to me. Preamps are only needed for mics and guitars right? I feel like the most important thing for me right now are the converters to get the best sound possible. Thanks for the help.
The MM can be setup to send out 3 stereo pairs, if you’d like to retain pan automation and stereo delay/chorus/flange FX.
From Page 89 of the Monomachine manual v 1.32
Yes, Thunderbolt gives lots of bandwidth which allows for low latencies. Low latencies means you’ll be able to use/hear some of Live’s internal FX in addition to the Monomachine in realtime. You’ll be able to make live parameter tweaks on the MM, through Live’s FX instantly, without much noticeable delay/latency.
True, you won’t need preamps. Sadly, most audio interfaces these days include preamps to make them more broadly marketable. Fortunately, with the 4Pre, the 4 preamp channels can be switched for line inputs. I don’t think you will be disappointed with the 4Pre’s conversion quality.
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Preamps are not that bad, you never know when you want to use a DI for a particular synth. Especially with the Apollo (and unison plugins).
UAD plugins are nice, but native plugins offer comparable quality these days. I do like DSP though, it never gives you cracks and pops, it either runs or doesn’t, unlike software plugins which have no problem running your session down in a stuttery mess…
But if 2ins is all you really need, I’d recommend an Audient iD14. Cheap but good, ADAT expandable.
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So amazon is selling a new clarett 8 pre right now for $659! Thats a steal right? I don’t need the extra inputs at the moment but in a few years I probably will. I’m also looking at the new apogee element 46 interface. Downside is no midi inputs and more expensive at $895. Also it does not appear to come with any plugins. Do you think its worth an extra 240 for the apogee? Any input would be appreciated.
Thanks for the heads up. Just bought it!
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