Focusrite Saffire Pro VS Mackie Onyx 400f

[abraxas]

I'm in the process of choosing a firewire interface for my home/project studio.

I mainly need to record audio (guitars, basses, some acoustic instruments and the occasional vocals). Multiple in/outputs is a must, as are good preamps and AD/DA converters for audio. Compact size and portability is also a requirement.

Both of these interfaces are from respectable companies, have very high specs and are about the same price (in Europe).

What do you think? Anybody used any of those?

Links to the company sites:

http://www.focusrite.com/product/saffire_pro_26_i_o

http://www.mackie.com/products/400F/index.html

[Tim Armstrong]

How many imputs do you need, and what's your budget?

Cheers, Tim

[abraxas]

Originally Posted by Tim Armstrong

How many imputs do you need, and what's your budget?

Cheers, Tim

Hello Tim,

On occasion I'll need 3 or 4 simultaneous inputs. My budget for the interface is 800-900 euros tops.

Both of those retail for 700 Euros in European online stores.

[Johnny Glow]

Scan the user forums at mackie.com before buying the mackie. There are a bunch of really frustrated 400f users. Seems Mackie has been slow in getting out drivers that work.

Maybe it's fixed by now. But definately find out before laying down the cash.

[abraxas]

Originally Posted by Johnny Glow

Scan the user forums at mackie.com before buying the mackie. There are a bunch of really frustrated 400f users. Seems Mackie has been slow in getting out drivers that work.

Maybe it's fixed by now. But definately find out before laying down the cash.

Thanks for the suggestion Johnny!

In their defence, teething problems are common with most manufacturers.

Anyone having used the Saffire?

Another option would be to bite the bullet and fork out another 500 euros for the RME Fireface 800; certainly an "industry standard" in the firewire interface
market. OTOH, I've read reports of both Focusrite's and Mackie's preamps being somewhat "better" (whatever that means) and I'd prefer spending the extra cash on other needed studio equipment.