Computer Audio (Updating my monitoring station)

[BoredSysAdmin]

Forte is cute product, but not without issues. It seems like running full spec - 24/192 it could start to run out of juice according to some review here:
Focusrite Forte | Sweetwater.com

 

[jinjuku]

There were some initial driver issues upon release but I believe it is solid now. The Forte' isn't going to run out of juice, it would be the computer's ability to handle simultaneous 24/192 tracks.

 

[agarwalro]

Isn't the Forte Focusrite just a tarted up external sound card?

Minus the beautiful (I'm in love) metal case, capacitive buttons display and hipster certified level meters, won't something like the Soundblaster X Fi HD ($85 on Amazon) be just as good?

 

[jinjuku]

It could be. Does it natively support ASIO? Does it allow for both balanced and unbalanced connectivity? Does it allow for 4 track output? Two areas that that Forte' may be better is Headphone amp and Mic Pre-amps.

If the Creative product doesn't support ASIO you wouldn't be able to use it with a lot of mastering packages like CuBase and Ableton Live.

 

[agarwalro]

Does it allow for both balanced and unbalanced connectivity? Does it allow for 4 track output? Two areas that that Forte' may be better is Headphone amp and Mic Pre-amps.

The XFi can not do nearly anything like that, it is simple sound card. I should have specified that I meant, the XFi may be enough for Midnight's needs (I assumed he needed "something" to give him LR outs that were better than the PC headphone outs).

If the Creative product doesn't support ASIO you wouldn't be able to use it with a lot of mastering packages like CuBase and Ableton Live.

Makes sense. I did not think of that. And, it does not.

 

[MidnightSensi2]

Forte is cute product, but not without issues. It seems like running full spec - 24/192 it could start to run out of juice according to some review here:
Focusrite Forte | Sweetwater.com

Yeah, I read that and then about the driver updates on a prosound forum which apparently fixed it. That said, there were cheaper places to buy from, but I spend a lot with B&H for work so returns are pretty easy, and it wasn't much more through them. I also called to make sure I had enough time to make sure it was the right choice. I'll let you guys know how it goes! Actually waiting on the new subwoofer, that's 3 weeks out for delivery because they are backed up, so full new setup won't be for a month or so because it's arriving right before I leave for a trip (lol figures).

The XFi can not do nearly anything like that, it is simple sound card. I should have specified that I meant, the XFi may be enough for Midnight's needs (I assumed he needed "something" to give him LR outs that were better than the PC headphone outs).


Makes sense. I did not think of that. And, it does not.

Hey man, appreciate the shot! Always can use an extra 500 bucks

 

[jinjuku]

Yeah, I looked at that as well by using similar pages lol. The Apogee looked cool, but, for me the Forte makes more sense. No breakout cable for the outputs, software looked nicer. That said, I bought from B&H, which, I've always had easy returns with.

So, did you get it? Did you keep it? If so what do you think? Pics? Review?

 

[panteragstk]

So, did you get it? Did you keep it? If so what do you think? Pics? Review?

+1. Would like to see your thoughts. I've been out of that world for a while, but remember Apogee being very good. You do pay for the name though. Presonus has been up and coming for a while now. Their Studio One software has gotten really good reviews.