Mandolin Recording: Can't Figure This Out

[mandobajo]

apologies, I meant the best for money, the first version of Apogee Duet you can buy under 200 dollars and sounds better than fe Rme Babyface, Focusrite Forte etc. interfaces that Ive owned too

theres one upcomming option Audient ID14 with great conversion, preamps and ADAT expandable for 299 - that seems no brainer for new interface...

I think we have to be careful with absolute assertions as to "the best".

It is a nice sounding unit, but the overall connectivity (no ADAT, for example) is very limited and the breakout box/cables are a real weak point. Apogee preamps and conversion have always been good, however (I used to run an Ensemble, original firewire version before switching to the Thunderbolt UAD platform). The new Ensemble looks very nice.

Conversion technology has come a very long way in the past few years, and frankly, just about any of the medium-higher end interfaces are going to be so good in that area that it is hair-splitting territory rather that chasms between them.

If you are looking for 2 (mic input) units (for Mac) the Audient ID22 is certainly up there with the UAD Apollo, Apogee, RME and the rest in performance terms. Often gets overlooked, but it is a very nice piece of gear indeed.

[almeriastrings]

theres one upcomming option Audient ID14 with great conversion, preamps and ADAT expandable for 299 - that seems no brainer for new interface...

I agree. That looks superb, especially for a portable rig. Very nice routing, and the current generation of Audient A/D is brilliant. Super preamps, too. Incredibly clean and transparent.