I think all class compliant interfaces (don’t require driver downloads) work. Scarlett, motu m2, many more there’s some discussion here on it

What's the budget? Apogee makes great (but a little pricey) stuff and their Symphony Desktop interface is fully compatible.

https://apogeedigital.com/home-feature-news/apogee-products-and-macos-big-sur-apple-silicon-compatibility-information

Older apogee interfaces seem to work as well, but the Maestro control software doesn't. They're working on that apparently. I have a Duet that I'm hoping still works because I love the thing. Will find out soon.

I have an RME UCX II connected to my M3 Ultra and it works fine so far. No issues.

Røde AI-1.

You can use macOS’ volume controls!

Did you try the Apple Thunderbolt 2 > 3 Adapter? https://www.apple.com/de-edu/shop/product/MYH93ZM/A/thunderbolt-3-usb%E2%80%91c-auf-thunderbolt-2-adapter

The focusrite recommendations make me want to 🤮. It screams amateur, A/D conversion is terrible, preamp is awful and it’s running on usb connection just awful. Do yourself a huge favor and do your homework and take no one’s recommendations. You know your workflow. Get something that compliments that.

Universal audio

Firstly which audio interface is it? Is it the HLMS-C5? (That’s the first one that appeared in a search). Does it show up as an output in Sound Preferences?

But I heard that Apollo's don't actually have the best quality pre amps. I know the whole "gimmick" of the Apollo interfaces was that they had processors inside of them so you could use their proprietary plugins with little latency.

I think very low latency is how they still manage to market their gear now, even though much cheaper interfaces have a low enough latency for most people. That, and up until they offered the plugin versions, people were used to their ecosystem. Even though there are plenty of alternative plugins.

But their success and widespread use probably had a lot more to do with CPU processing power. There was a real need to offload the effects from the computer. You'd have to have a fairly slow computer by today's standards, where you couldn't bounce all your audio before mixing and your computer wouldn't handle the effects. So that need is gone.

Stick with the Apollo unless you need more IO 😀

The converter cable is negligent to the performance of the interface in my experience.

Also would assume you have already invested in some UA plugins; so may as well keep on getting the use from them.

There are certain situations where the zero latency tracking becomes super handy.

It doesn't matter how powerful your computer is they still can't operate at latency as low as Apollo. The converters are no longer an issue the pre amps are where the money is going....

I know the whole "gimmick" of the Apollo interfaces was that they had processors inside of them so you could use their proprietary plugins with little latency. But now is that even an issue with the new M series Macbooks?

The processors in there mean that the plugins run on the Apollo interface.

It's basically a dedicated computer just for plugins. Just like your own computer, the Apollo's CPU usage can hit 100%.

Anyway, for those plugins your computer only shows the user interface. Your own CPU is spending 0% power when the Apollo is doing the processing.

And now since Universal Audio lets you use their plugins without buying their hardware anymore, it doesn't seem worth to buy.

That's why they've pivoted. It also used to be a sort of copyright protection.

I would rather have an audio interface that is higher quality and sounds better.

UA makes great audio interfaces. You're likely to solve more issues by getting better acoustics in your room or better monitor speakers. At a certain point the interface no longer is the limit.

Anyway, RME is very nice. Very neutral in terms of preamps, however, but the best support in the business, and top notch gear.

https://www.reddit.com/r/AITechReport/comments/1e0y5q0/maudio_mtrack_duo_review/

People are going to answer all types of shit. All you need is the computer, DAW, and some headphones. For headphones just get one pair, I like the ATHs, whichever you can afford. Everything else is just to look fancy until you know what you are doing and become efficient. Budget wise when the time comes AT and M-audio are legit and last years.

Save your money to max out the MacBook (ran/storage) and get whichever daw you want. I was on Logic for years but switched to ableton couple years ago and shit clicked more. Logic has a lot of goodies though, it’s all preference/learning styles.

I use Apple products personally. Went to music school and learned on all Apple products. Logic is pretty easy to learn ib my opinion. I produce everything in Logic, and I mix everything in ProTools. But I will say I learned ProTools in school, and it’s NOT simple to pick up, but it can be done.

Everything else in your list is cool. I wouldn’t buy any expensive mic unless you know what you’re doing. Look at SweetWater if you want to explore.

I also produce and mix in the DT 770s, and they are pretty fucking stellar in my opinion. Feel great on the ear!

Have been using Apogee Duet’s for over a decade now. Not crazy expensive, sound amazing, easy to use, last forever.

I had the Scarlett solo and upgraded it to the Clarett 8pre. It sounds beautiful. That air button is no joke.

It works with the M1 Chip, you just need to go through a process in boot or whatever the fuck it’s called to permit outside developers crap.

UAD has a specific page to show install. If you allow access before you reboot at one point then you have to wipe your computer and reinstall your OS. It’s a pain in the ass but it’s worth it. Luna works on M1 too just run it in Rosetta... like everything else on it rn lol.

Also, I have an apollo x, but i’ve never tried any other UAD device so i can’t tell you how they comparatively sound. I love the dynamic range, clarity, and sound of my X tho! Love using the SSL channel strip!

I have an SSL 2+ and i love it. Amazing when you’re using it on a relatively dark mic and you use the 4K button. Amazing SSL sound that you never have to dial in. Sounds sort of like your sounds are slipping and sliding over one another. Absolutely would purchase again.

Friend had a scarlett focusrite solo and it was okay. But you’re much better off taking the investment at that point and getting a clarett because the mother fucking air button on that shit sounds gorgeous. tried the clarett at a studio. however tf it’s spelled.

Apollo’s are amazing though because you can always use the unision plugins to achieve a variety of those preamp sounds anyways! But the Apollo’s take more experience to dial in effectively and get EXACTLY the sound you’re going for.

The question I would ask would be, what are you using the preamp to do? if it’s one or two vocal layers and not a lot then maybe consider something that’ll be harmonically rich and bold. if it’s 12 layers a verse then probably find something much more subtle and clear!

Research the Sibilance sounds on all of your interfaces because it contributes to the sound of everything a TON!

i love SSL. 100% SSL for days on my vocals. Drums API since I’m hip hop. Neve when blending too rock and indie alt. SSL whenever i just want clean, clear, punchy, dynamic goodness.

I would 100% recommend getting a UAD if you can, wait till there’s a ton of plugins bundled with it.

if you want something cheaper i would take my SSL2+ again and again. You can record one channel left and one channel right for true stereo imaging. You can do some crazy things with that when micing instruments!

If you use UAD plug ins

Only go Apollo if your in the UAD eco system.

There are other options with better converters and ore amps

I'd second the love for the SSL 2+, it was less expensive than an Apollo and sounds great, also did not need any setup or anything whatsoever on my new M1 Mac mini. Just Plug and Play. Apollo's are generally well loved, though, if you don't mind the price.

I have a Scarlett 18i20 (8 XLR inputs) that I've been really happy with. I think Presonus and some other brands make similar units at similar prices.

I use a Behringer UMC1820 and I couldn’t recommend it enough.

A Behringer XR18 is much better value for money than an interface. It is an interface but it’s also a mixer meaning you can make better headphone or in ear mixes with EQ, compression and gate on every channel. Not to mention it’s got way more inputs than other devices that are purely interfaces so if you ever wanted to record with a band or run in ears for your band or even use it for FOH, you’ve got all your bases covered.

find a used 18i20. I went with the 1st gen i found on a steal. Don’t be tricked into buying new, and you definitely dont need the lastest gen. Theres some good deals out there.

I have a Tascam 16x08 interface that works great for me. Clean pre amps, all the inputs I need, and works well with my mac. I also like having all of the XLR inputs in the front

But what’s the difference if it does run through Rosetta or not? Are you experiencing any issues with it? I didn’t notice even one with my Apollo.

Of course I understand financial thing cos as you said, uad plugins aren’t cheap, that’s a good point to get cheaper interface and plugins from whatever company you like.

Any interface will work with m1, no matter if software will run through Rosetta or not. Sooner or later every company will release software updates anyway.

If you looking for something on uad level then I would say RME or Antelope.