need a reccomendation for audio interface

[ellie]

hi everyone! looking for an audio interface that will allow me to
-record into my computer
-have 2XLR inputs preferably because i like to mic up my amps
-does not cost more than $700...


some reading up and searches around soft.com forums and other forums have given me some slight information. im currently looking at the Mbox2 minisystem (SGD544), the Mbox2 (SGD824) and the NI Audio Kontrol I (or something like that). but all of them are either a little over my budget or dont have 2XLR inputs.


do you guys/ladies have any other reccomendations? im willing to take suggestions even if it's not within my criteria.

thanks!

 

[SmFizz]

what are u wanting to record?

 

[ellie]

what are u wanting to record?

i predict that i would be micing my guitar amp most of the time.

 

[SmFizz]

if your recording guitar why dont you get an interface like the toneport ux2

 

[ellie]

if your recording guitar why dont you get an interface like the toneport ux2

no offense to line6 lovers, but it's because i don't want to sound like shit. ive been using a UX1 for 2 years.

 

[soft]

ive been using a UX1 for 2 years.

Do you have any recordings you did with the UX1 that we can listen to?

 

[hardpan]

You could check out the Presonus Firebox.

 

[ellie]

Do you have any recordings you did with the UX1 that we can listen to?

i'll pm you the URL.

 

[Jerseystar]

As far as I can, I will always record a mic'd up guitar amplifier than go DI in the studio so yeah the Line6 stuff don't quite cut it unless you go through a proper audio interface.

But then again, to get really good sounds you gotta have a good amplifier to begin with, and a good preamp. As for mics, a Shure SM57 is a studio workhorse mic for guitar amps in anycase.

As to your question forget the MBox mini but the generic MBox is fine. In GENERAL, the higher the dynamic range of the (converters of the) audio interface, the better the fidelity. Although not always the case as you get to around 120dB point but generally in the sub 108dB range this is pretty much reliable way of telling. Other 104 - 108dB range of audio interfaces you might want to consider are the MOTU 828mkII/III, the Ultralite, M-Audio Firewire410, -Firewire 1816, EMU1616M(I love this one) and the 1212M.
For a couple of extra hundred bux, consider the M-Audio Profire 2626 cause that has good dynamic range and you get 8 channels.

 

[Newbie]

M-Audio USB Fast Track? Or, Fast Track Pro.

 

[jerankong]

UX1 or UX2 is superb man... how could you say its like shit?

have you try it before? why do you say its like shit?

 

[alshit]

go for the firebox, its the deal.

 

[dric]

Focusrite Saffire! I'm selling mine away

If you're on a tight budget, then just go for the Presonus Firebox.

But seriously, if you really want to sound great, be prepared to spend.

I highly recommend the M-Audio Profire 2626 or the MOTU 828mkIII too, and also the Echo Audiofire series

 

[teleholic]

hi ellie pm sent..

 

[ellie]

thank you for your suggestions everyone! after speaking a bit with admin, and doing some serious consideration, i might not get a new interface so soon after all.

i'm convinced that the UX1 will do fine for now as far as micing goes.

jerankong, the reason why i dread the guitar patches on gearbox/podfarm is that they mostly sound horribly digital. i must admit, when i first bought it 2 years ago it sounded godly to me. but my ears started to mature and i realised some of the higher gain "amps" like the modelled JCM800, Plexi Jump Lead, "line 6 insane", "chemical x" do not offer very realistic modelling at all. in fact, they sound extremely muddy on the low ends and the "stompboxes" fare worse.

most of the effects sound ok to a certain extent. and the cleaner modelled amps do not sound that digital. i admit it's still a very simple device to set up, use and record. those are the only redeeming factors.

it's great for people who are entirely new to the concept of recording music, but certainly inadequate as one decides to venture further and deeper, beyond the thin surface.

 

[jerankong]

yo ellie,


hey if you want a sample of my UX1 try out, we can chat... i can give you tips on recordings too...



Cheers ellie!

 

[logicdroid]

If you're on a mac, save a bit more and get Apogee Duet. You won't regret it.

 

[clicker]

Sometime ago I collected some info of some desktop recorder with at least 2 mic inputs. Maybe usefull for you. Finally I bought Focusrite Saffire LE for my home editing. I choose Saffire LE for the number of input, reasonable price (bought from sweetwater, US), and convenience, being able to be powered from the firewire port without power adapter. I would say Saffire LE mic pres sounds pretty good for the price.

I also use some other equipments, like Lexicon Omega, Focusrite Saffire Pro 10 i/o, PreSonus Firestudio, and Yamaha n12 in my church.

A few desktop recorder for comparison:

Yamaha GO46
http://www.yamahasynth.com/products/go46/index.html
http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/GO46/
USD 200.-
24 bit / 192 kHz
2x Mic with 50 dB gain
Stereo SPDIF IN

Focusrite Saffire LE
http://www.focusrite.com/products/saffire/saffire_le/
http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/SaffireLE/
USD 250.-
24 bit / 96 kHz
2x Mic with 60 dB gain
2x Line In
Stereo SPDIF IN

Edirol FA-66
http://www.roland.com/products/en/fa-66/index.html
http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/FA66
USD 280.-
24 bit / 192 kHz
2x Mic with 40 dB gain
2x Line In
Stereo SPDIF IN

TASCAM US-122L
http://www.tascam.com/products/us-122l.html
http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/US122L/reviews/#anchor
http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/US122LTNT/
USD 130.-
24 bit / 96 kHz
2x Mic with 44 dB gain
USB 2.0 interface

E-MU's 0404 USB 2.0 (new batch has white colour)
http://www.emu.com/products/product.asp?product=15185
http://www.amazon.com/E-MU-0404-Audio-MIDI-Interface/dp/B000IXNE3E
USD 185.-
24 bit / 192 kHz
2x Mic (shared connector with Line Ins) with 60 dB gain
SPDIF In and Out
USB 2.0 interface

You may consider the software compatibility and software bundle that come with the equipment.

 

[ellie]

hi!

thanks for the extra info! im going to save the text for my own reference in the future.

and i'll probably be quoting whatever you said often too! if you don't mind, of course.