So you wanna upgrade your needle/stylus for a Mac/interface. Lucky for you, Muddy Waters invented electricity.
There are several basic types of guitar-specific audio interfaces. Some have amp and stomp box modeling built in, some have no modeling and just get the signal where it needs to be, and some are all-purpose audio interfaces with instrument inputs.
If you're a true guitar junkie, you probably already have one or more of each. If you're researching a first purchase, there might seem like a million choices. The good news is, it's pretty hard to go wrong with any of them.
Here's our list of personally tested guitar interfaces for Logic Pro.
With amp modeling
These choices are higher end. The Eleven Rack and Line 6 Pod even come with Mic inputs. All 3 offer amazing tone and versatility.
Without amp modeling
Apogee has been an excellent Apple partner and it's difficult to go wrong with any of their products. They Jam has the added benefit of interfacing with iOS devices.
Any Audio Interface
These high-end audio interfaces aren't just for guitar but they all include instrument inputs.
If you've got a favorite, let us know about it in the comments below.
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I’m using MOTU828x. Would you have specific tricks on it?
Nothing specific on the 828. It’s a fine audio interface. I’ve owned several but switched to the Universal Audio Apollo.
I’ve been using an Apogee Duet for six years now, it’s great. I’m considering upgrading to an Apogee Quartet some time this year.
I have a Quartet and love it. It’s a great partner to my iPad.
I’m new to recording and am looking to get my first audio interface. I’ve spent the good part of the day (and night) searching for a decently priced interface that will work on Mac OSX Mavericks.
I swear, I’ve researched over a dozen of these things and they all seem to have major problems with Mavericks. Every single one. The Apogees mentioned in this article are no exception. Forum threads pages long, with dozens of upset customers waiting in the dark while they wait for a response from either Apple and/or the manufacturers of the interfaces.
Can anyone please recommend a low cost interface that does work with Mavericks on a Mac? Under $200 would be great. I don’t need any modeling or fancy features…just something to plug a mic and guitar into my computer. Thanks a bunch.
Hi Derek. I’m using several Apogee interfaces with Mavericks and haven’t had a problem. I have a Jam, One, and Quartet and they all work fine. In fact, I’ve had no audio problems with Mavericks at all. Have you thought about calling someone at Sweetwater to help you choose an audio interface?
I highly recommend talking to someone and staying away from forums when making buying decisions.
Hey Graham…thanks for the reply. That’s good to hear you’r not having issues. No I haven’t thought to call Sweetwater, as I’m not sure what they could say that they haven’t already said to the folks in the forums who were having issues.
As for staying away from forums, I’m not sure what you mean. I find it a good way to avoid buying items that have issues. I find manufacturers usually tout the benefits of their products, and not so much the problems they may be encountering.
I’m not saying these are poor products..they appear to be great products, but for whatever reason are not working well with Mavericks. Actually the problem mostly seems to be with users who have Apple’s fusion drive + are using Mavericks.
When hundreds of folks in forums are all having the same issue with a product, I listen. When it’s just a couple of idiots not taking the time to update their drivers or something, then I completely agree with you on taking it with a grain of salt.
For example, this particular thread (https://discussions.apple.com/thread/5484036?tstart=0) caught my attention, as there are 50 pages of user issues with audio interfaces not working properly with OSX Mavericks. Again, most of the issues appear to be associated with Apple’s Fusion Drives, so the problem apparently doesn’t effect non fusion drive computers for the most part.
Another example of the manufacturer not being able to address this problem with it’s customers: https://www.facebook.com/focusritehelp/posts/586737814694700. As you can see, there still doesn’t appear to be a resolution and no clear solution from the company who have apparently left their customers in the dark.
And here is an example of the Apogee issue with the Duet 1 and Mavericks. Nearly a year and folks still having issues. The Apogee website claims there is no issues with Mavericks, but it appears folks in the forum there have tried just about everything (based on Apogee recommendations) and still haven’t been able to fix the problem.
So, those are just a couple of examples of why I’m so confused on what product to purchase. I’ve been dealing with a lot of Mavericks issues so far, so I know they exist with certain software and hardware…I would just like to avoid the same with whatever audio interface I choose. It does seem most newer product versions are working best…it’s the items from a couple/few years back that are being ignored mostly.
Graham, does your mac have a fusion drive or no? Have you tried a Duet 1 with Mavericks? I’m noticing a lot of these on sale on Craigslist…I’m wondering if the reason is folks are having Mavericks issues or maybe they’re just wanting to upgrade. Anyway…sorry for the lengthy reply. I just wanted to let you know where I was coming from.
Happy to help, Derek. Since you’re buying your first audio interface, I highly recommend calling someone at Sweetwater. The reason I don’t recommend forums for buying gear is because they confuse people, especially new users. The fastest and easiest way to get the answers you need is to call a place like Sweetwater and ask. I buy LOTS of gear and have been buying gear all my life so I know this from experience. Plus, I’m always counseling friends and clients about what to buy and I always give them the same advice when I see them spending too much time researching and not getting closer to making a decision (researching what to buy takes time and your time is valuable!).
I don’t have a fusion drive. My business partner has one and he has all the Apogee and UAD stuff and it all works on Mavericks. Our trainers all have Mavericks and lots of different devices, including Focusrite, and they’ve reported no problems. Remember that it’s mostly the people who are having problems that post on forums so the data is skewed because it’s a very small minority that are having issues.
If you buy from a place like Sweetwater, you’ll get great service and a return policy that’s extremely fair and in your favor. One phone call and a conversation can save you hours of research time and you’ll get served by somebody who wants to keep you happy. I know I’ve mentioned Sweetwater several times because I shop with them almost exclusively now. Their customer support is fantastic and they’ll replace anything that is defective and help you fix any problem you might have.
Good luck, Derek. Make a phone call and save yourself hours of searching online. The faster you make a decision, the sooner you’ll be making music! 🙂
Good point Graham. It is tiring. I’ll follow your advice. Thanks for your time 🙂
Sweetwater Has ALWAYS Done what they Say They Do! Long time customer. Its True!
I have à Focusrite Saffire Pro 40 and Mavericks and everything workshop perfect. Except my M-Audio Projectmix witch Inuse als a controler doesn’t work any longe rond Mavericks and that’s à pitty.
Marc
I just got a tascam US-16×08 and I love it!!
I am a newbie as well, and just purchased my iMac with Logic Pro X. I have previously purchased both a MOTU Ultralite mk3 and an Avid Eleven Rack. What are your thoughts on which is better suited? Looking to record just me and my friends – classic/80s rock mostly, with some acoustic stuff on m own. I have plenty of good guitar amps I intend to use, as well as a living drummer (although i am going to dabble with the drummer programs as well. Shhhhhh…) . By the way, I am loving the course – have the book and feel like I’m in college again learning things I will actually USE in the real world. My wife is even on board even though I just spent too much on a computer.