Audio Interface Recommendation for Home Studio

[mactreouser]

Hi,

I'm actually using a Presonus Firepod in a studio...love it. But recently wish to setup a home-studio in my small bed room...Yes, what you paid is what you got! But ,i'm sure there is something affortable audio interface and producing good sound for a home studio use...might need your recommendation.

~ Using for Instrument and Vocal Recording
~ 2-4 input
~ Firewire (c'ld get another piece in the future for link-up to add on the input channel)
~ Budget-Open for the one fit the needs
~ Logic on Mac

Thanks for helps...

 

[soft]

I would suggest that you get the Firepod or their newer model since you are in this industry. The 8 inputs is really useful when you are tracking bands.

The other school would be to get a ProTools system since you are IN the industry. Ha..haa.. even a MBox would be good to familarlise yourself with working the interface. http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/MBox2Mini/

 

[mactreouser]

Hey bro. thanks for reply!!!

Firepod might a bit high of price for me now. Any other option? or... what do you think if this http://www.mackie.com/products/onyxiseries/ ... seems it c'ld be an interface, DI, Monitoring Controller and so on...Firewire so... but not really know the price yet... any idea bout this?

 

[kongwee]

I think Mackie is higher in price.

 

[mactreouser]

Yup, i've check out online ,it's about USD800 . Jia Lat...

what do you guys think bout Behringer? http://www.behringer.com/EN/Products/X1222USB.aspx
But, this is USB, isn't Firewire...
Behringer product...do you think OK in this line?

Another gear from Zoom... http://www.samsontech.com/products/productpage.cfm?prodID=2009&brandID=4
How's your comment to this babe?

 

[mactreouser]

Hi,

USB Mixer for example--http://www.behringer.com/EN/Products/X1204USB.aspx & http://www.samsontech.com/products/productpage.cfm?prodID=2009&brandID=4 or http://www.alesis.com/multimix8usb20
Will the above USB Mixer recording in Multitrack? What i informed is USB will only possible to recorded in a Stereo Track?!
So, at last, i found this online which is highly recommended from users and forumers... http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/sep07/articles/phonichelixboardmkII.htm
Still struggling with the Multitrack issue on USB and the latency issue while monitoring.
Need your helps, friend! Thanks with appreciate!

 

[soft]

mactreouser, what is your budget?

 

[mactreouser]

The budget is somewhere around the Phonic Helix, Behringer Xeynyx, Multimix, Zoom R16... What i'm concern is the Driver, Multitrack at once (appear and edit individual strip for all in stead only stereo tracks shown there at last).

BTW, i'm a Mac and Logic user.

 

[blueprintstudios]

http://tinyurl.com/diyrecording

your purpose : you want stable asio drivers, 8 input > multitrack recording, budget cheaper than firepod , you're using a mac, you seem to be ok with firewire or usb.you're on a mac.

Phonic Helix firewire was something cedric (inversion studios / softie : unsane) often recommended, I believe he used it quite stable for long time period without problem.so it'll be a safe bet.

I personally would stay away now anything Alesis or Behringer unless I was 17 years old again (I'm 26+) and super noob/broke. but they really do achieve the purpose for low cost.

Zoom R16 is something I've been using since I got it in december 09, i'm using PC windowsXPSP3.I have no issues with it at all except for using it as a controller, it hangs, but I'm faster with keyboard and mouse and i'm not sure if the new drivers has fixed it. as for drivers stability, i don't know bout mac pls use http://www.google.com/search?q=mac+drivers+zoom+r16

if you're going for quality and stability, the other one would be Echo AudioFire8 but I think it would be fierce on your budget. and with 8 inputs, if you need more later you can buy adat (budget : Behringer ADA8000 / good : Mackie Onyx 800f)

lastly if it's all too hassle , you might as well buy your own firepod/studio onwards like you used at the studio you're working at.it would be cheaper than audiofire8 I believe. I used to have a firepod before the R16, I sold it off for it.

hope this helps.

 

[mactreouser]

Hey Blueprintstudio,

Wow...i've never ever saw a reply like you, answered the question completely!!! haaaa... awesome bro!!

1) Do you mean Phonic Helix Firewire doing well and recommended? After searching around i'm still loving this Helix for what i wish to have for the Home Studio! Just wanna got a confirmation from you again!

2) Why do you Sold out the Firepod?

3) Do Zoom R16 record in Multitrack? or just stereo though multiple input?

Thanks!!!

 

[blueprintstudios]

thanks, sorry i couldn't reply earlier cos i'm in perth now on hijacked wifi hahah. but all questions usually I base on the DIY recording FAQ as a "formula" and "clear picture" answer.

1) I'm not sure , as you can see, we all have different types of recommendations on what works for us. there is no "best". unsane would suggest phonic helix, I would suggest firepod (earlier) but now R16. cheez usually would suggest echo audio which I would agree cos I once used an echo audio layla24 loved it. you would need to ask around who's using what, and who's setup is the most similar to what you would want to avoid playing guinea pig to random suggestions and recommendations.
http://soft.com.sg/forum/gear-sound/25554-what-equipment-do-i-need.html
http://soft.com.sg/forum/gear-sound/40026-recomendations-usb2-firewire-mixer-recording.html
http://soft.com.sg/forum/gear-sound/25554-what-equipment-do-i-need-2.html#post354293

2) cos I do location recording , every kg counts (i'm not 18 anymore , got out of shape lol) , r16 is light weight , cost effective and so far hasn't disappointed despite my abuse. and if I actually had to compare the preamps on firepod vs r16 , I'm actually cool with r16's .. yea yea yea I see ppl start going "nonsense presonus preamps are way better" bla bla bla. whatever works for your mix. and because it functions both as an audio interface + standalone recorder, I'd like to have "insurance" if my laptop blows up right on the location before/during recording, I can just unplug my laptop, plug up the r16 and sd card and start recording without fail. (It's terribly freaky experience I once had with my 4 yr old layla24 cos the location power source tripped or somethin hahah)

3) yes r16 records in multitrack 8 channels. just as much as presonus firepod , helixphonix , Line6 UX8 etc.

 

[mactreouser]

Blueprintstudio:

Like you bro. Well say!! haaa...
You make me change my mind for R16...haaa...
I'll go through the links you gave me bro!
Thanks so much...really love your replies and useful comments...

 

[blueprintstudios]

do share with us your setup eventually or post your recordings for us to check out or take photo of your studio to post in the "show us your home studio" thread. gd luck!