Focusrite Forte

Back when I was looking for a small portable usb interface, the few that I was considering and reading up on were the Focusrite Forte, MOTU Track16, RME Babyface, Echo Audio Echo2, and MOTU Microbook II (maybe some others, I forget). Overall reviews for all of them were favourable, with the Forte perhaps edging out slightly ahead of the others. I was also looking at the MOTU Ultralite but it was bigger than I wanted.

Ultimately, I went with the Echo2 for the following reasons: I found a good deal on ebay, no need for a breakout cable to use my inputs, slimmer profile (no knob), optional external power (the supplied one isn't much better than going off usb however; I only use it if I need phantom power), and I've had good experience with older Echo devices before (good sound, rock solid drivers).

Sorry no actual experience with the Forte, but it would have been next on my list and I generally have good experience with Focusrite products.

 

No problemo.

Here's a nice review of the MOTU Microbook that was swaying me quite a bit as well: http://www.hifizine.com/2013/03/motu-microbook-ii/
That it's cheaper than the other options is a nice bonus too.

 

That looks interesting!

But... software control panel... means its probably a non-starter for Linux

 

Blasphemy, I know, but I am seriously considering backing off from the audiophile DAC market and going back inside the machine with a PCI card. It wouldn't cost a great deal of money to try a Juli@ and they performed very well in the [used-to-be?] Gearslutz loop-back measurements thread.

I was happy for so many years with an internal card, and it was only the DPC-latency plague that sent me external, first with a firewire device (which still sufferred the DPC-L thing).

 

The Juil@ XTe seemed good for the few minutes I tried it...

But USPS dropped it in water, so it died.

Trying to get the claim through now so I can get another.

 

Totally random browsing, but I just noticed Greed has a Forte for sale...
http://www.superbestaudiofriends.or...ilips-x2-sony-dvp-s9000es-cd-player-etc.1042/

I would have been kinda tempted myself, but I haven't bought anything from the US in over a year since the CAD dollar tanked.

 

In my limited experience, I find most of the prosumer 2i2/2i4 boxes in that $200-ish range quite similar. You just trade a few features from box to box.

I'm kinda curious about the the RME Babyface Pro, but you're at nearly four digit pricing for that. I'm quite happy with my Echo Audio Echo2usb so far; compact form factor, no breakout cable needed, can route inputs without computer connection.

 

i use echo 2 as well still. got one near mint over few years ago from a head-fier for 100 bucks. it was only day old. been using it ever since and mine went through hell having scratches and bit banged up and still works perfectly. most use it as a transport nowadays but, slowly been getting back into recording with it. it does the job well and why i never really bothered too much looking for anything else. it doesnt have the weird edginess/digital top end grain that lot of other interfaces i ever used is reason i still continue to use it as well.

i swore though echo is firewire? i know mine is. i didnt know they made usb ones back then. i know echo though no longer makes the 2 and 4 which is a shame...probably stopped cause it probably gave their top end models a run for its money.

 

Oh you must have the Audiofire2. I was talking about the Echo2usb, the only usb interface they ever made and their last product they released before leaving the home market and heading over to AVB stuff. Years ago I had their IndigoDJ which fit into the pcmcia cardslot on my laptop; it was a phenomenal little card.

I too have found their products to be quite smooth sounding.