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Tuck View Drop Down
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Points: 16 		Direct Link To This Post Topic: Decent recording interfaces?
    Posted: February 23 2012 at 10:29
Hey everyone, I'm looking for a simple, decent recording interface. I don't think I'd need any more than 2 inputs, but I wouldn't mind having more if the price wasn't too steep. I would primarily be recording keyboards, with the possibility of vocal and guitar recording later on.

I'm looking in the price range of $100-200 (new or used). I wouldn't be using ProTools (actually using a program called Reaper) but firewire connectivity would be a plus. I was looking at the Alesis IO models, that seem to be getting generally decent reviews, especially considering the low price.

I've been recording for years off my Audigy 2 sound card using a 1/4 female-1/8 male adapter, but I'm craving a deeper, crisper sound. I don't have a lot of money to invest, and I'm not looking for something real fancy.

Any thoughts? Suggestions? I'm a newbie when it comes to actual recording equipment :)
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Triceratopsoil View Drop Down
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Points: 18016 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: February 23 2012 at 12:25
I'm using a TASCAM US-1641.  It works well for me, but doesn't match what you're looking for :P It's got 14 inputs, which I wanted because I like to record live as a band rather than dub over.  It's also been discontinued, and the replacement is almost double the price when the only difference is eq sliders.

Anyway, Presonus is another decent quality company.  Read lots of reviews online for whatever you want to look at, if there is widespread suggestion that it's not reliable don't buy that one.

If you are only getting a 2-channel interface, your number one priority (besides something consistent and reliable) should be high-quality mic preamps.


Also, don't buy anything Behringer


Edited by Triceratopsoil - February 23 2012 at 12:27
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Points: 5208 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: February 23 2012 at 12:43
I use the Lexicon Omega interface that comes with Cubase LE. This thing will do almost anything you want and allows up to 4 ins.
 
Biggest complaint is that I could never get it to work with any of my Cakewalk software, but it worked with Cubase perfectally straight out of the box.
 
I used the Audigy 2 for a fair time myself. I had a little mixer I used as a pre and then used the RCA in and never had any noise issues with the card.
 
The Cakewalk Guitar Tracks Pro is a great program if your interface works with it. Grrrrr.....
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Points: 18016 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: February 23 2012 at 12:52
^ I dislike Cubase so much that I'm temporarily using Audacity instead LOL
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Points: 28057 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: February 23 2012 at 14:54
Will you be needing MIDI I/O in the same interface? That might affect your decision. Well, a lot of things will.

I think you might seriously consider the Focusrite Saffire Pro 14. http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/SaffirePro14/

This has a lot of bang for your buck in such a small unit. And Focusrite usually has great A/D conversion. Naturally you have more lower price options for USB connectivity, but for firewire, this might be a good choice for you, unless you imagine expanding your studio. The Focusrite Saffire Pro 24 has ADAT in, so if you wanted to add a digital preamp later on, that works for it.

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Points: 5208 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: February 23 2012 at 21:13
Originally posted by Triceratopsoil Triceratopsoil wrote:

^ I dislike Cubase so much that I'm temporarily using Audacity instead LOL
 
 
They really aren't all that different. Each program seems to do one little thing a little better. Cubase running VSTs easily is nice...
 
I wish I could get a program to do everything I want and work in real time. Not happening.
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Points: 18016 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: February 23 2012 at 21:47

I'm going to see if I can pick up a copy of Adobe Audition, used it before and liked it a lot.


Edited by Triceratopsoil - February 23 2012 at 21:47
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Points: 28057 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: February 23 2012 at 21:53
Of what I've used, I love Pro Tools most. Easily the best for audio recording and editing, maybe slightly behind Logic for composing work flow..maybe. And then there's Ableton, which seems like the go to for electronic now. Interestingly Digital Performer just came out for Windows, but I can't be bothered with that now. maybe Nuendo is good for something, not quite sure.

Cubase what, now? Tongue
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Points: 16 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: February 24 2012 at 06:52
Originally posted by stonebeard stonebeard wrote:

Will you be needing MIDI I/O in the same interface? That might affect your decision. Well, a lot of things will.


As of now, I don't need any additional midi I/O... I've always recorded straight from the keyboard (Korg TR, pretty nice sounds) and I don't have any good sample software at this time. Plus I already have a MIDI-to-USB adapter.

Thanks for all the suggestions, guys! I'll look into all of these. I might even look into some of these different programs too.
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Points: 39 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: February 25 2012 at 06:22

If you're on a budget and want something sturdy, usable and cheap...I can recommend the Alesis 'MultiMix' series.

I have the 12in Firewire desk and has never given me any problems since I bought it a few years back.
I basically had to bodge a connecition to my laptop (buying a PC Express Card with 2 1394i ports on it to help) as my laptop wasn't exactly made of music making, till I modded it accordingly.

But either way, great piece of hardware and perfect for location recording and home demos.
I've got it working with Cubase, LogiC and Reaper...as well as Ableton.
I mostly use Cubase personally, as I'm a whizz around that.... Embarrassed
 
I've demoed the last 2 Enochian Theory records using this set-up and I'm loath to get rid of it because it works!
Smile
It's been great for tracking live practices, as well as recording full drum.bass/guitars/string set-ups for pre-productions (using other bits of fandangled gadgetry), live performances and more.
I've recorded jazz ensembles at venues, acoustic duos in pubs/bars, full on 7 piece metal nonsense in dirty venues, etc...
Never an issue.
 
 
Think that's the link to the official site: 
 
They do a USB verison, as well as smaller/bigger desk according budget and need.

Considering the next equivalent by Roland or Korg (whatever) is some £300-£400 more, I have to say I love my little Alesis...almost as much as I love their drum machines!)
 
As for the keyboard thing, I use VST plugin's.
 
Pianoteq is cheap and cheerful, but the lovely 'Alicia's Keys' from Native Instruments is top drawer.
Synthology Ivory is another good tool.
Really depends on how much details you want to go with and work with.


Edited by Ben Enochian - February 25 2012 at 06:39
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Points: 4119 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: February 26 2012 at 21:48
M Audio are simple reliable and they work Thumbs Up
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Points: 12 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: April 18 2012 at 16:53
I have a M Audio Firewire Solo and it's a very good audio interface. I record guitar and vocals without problem.

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Points: 124 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: April 26 2012 at 10:09
Any Focusrite product , they have  newer models with USB as well. the preamps are great better than any cheaper brands out here, their customer service is stellar, and the units are compatible with many DAW softwares.
I use the Pro 40 which is more than your needs but quite a great unit !
Originally posted by Triceratopsoil Triceratopsoil wrote:

^ I dislike Cubase so much that I'm temporarily using Audacity instead LOL


And Audacity is better than Cubase ????
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Points: 5208 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: April 26 2012 at 10:37
He's being a smartarse.
 
Audacity is great for a free program. I've used it for a few applications. But it's not a full service interface even compared to the various LE versions of the main programs.
 
What software comes with the Focusrite? And have you used it with other software?
You are quite a fine person, and I am very fond of you. But you are only quite a little fellow, in a wide world, after all.
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Triceratopsoil View Drop Down
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Points: 18016 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: April 26 2012 at 12:46
Originally posted by Negoba Negoba wrote:

He's being a smartarse.
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Points: 124 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: May 05 2012 at 23:48
Originally posted by Negoba Negoba wrote:

He's being a smartarse.
 
Audacity is great for a free program. I've used it for a few applications. But it's not a full service interface even compared to the various LE versions of the main programs.
 
What software comes with the Focusrite? And have you used it with other software?


Sorry for the delay in replying I don't ck in here as much as I should

Since I just install and put the discs away , If I recall correctly :
a version of Cubase LE, Ableton, Focusrite's Cuemix for monitoring , Steinberg HALion One.
I run Cubase 5 so the only ones above i use are Cuemix and HALion one on occasion.

Audacity is good not great, there are lot of simple features missing which would make work flow better.
As for the Pro 40, a stellar piece of gear for its price. The preamps alone are worth it !
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Points: 7 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: May 12 2012 at 04:50
I use the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 and it's pretty good. For it's price, it's a win.
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Points: 19 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: May 16 2012 at 21:57
I've been using the Yamaha Audiogram 3 for a few years now and it has proven to be quite the value.  It was a little over a hundred dollars.  Using that in combination with the Cubase 5 software, I recorded an entire album for my senior project, and I'm still recording with it.
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