Will You recommend the Phonic Helix Firewire?

[mactreouser]

Hi,

http://www.phonic.com/en/helix-board-18-firewire-mkii.html
will you recommend the above Phonic Helix for Home Studio use as Multitrack Audio Interface Device for Vocal and Instrument recording?

 

[blueprintstudios]

i will recommend the zoom r16 if you're going USB.

 

[kongwee]

There is no indication of balanced I/O, so treat it no. If really cheap then good lor.

 

[widdly]

Huh? There are 8 XLR mic connectors and 2 XLR main outs so obviously it has balanced I/O.

 

[kongwee]

For me, seeing XLR connector do not mean balanced unless indicated.

 

[mactreouser]

Thanks to all friends!!!
So, Phonic Helix isn't a good choice?
What's on your mind & recommendation?

 

[kongwee]

For me, I used to have old Alesis Mulitmix USB 8.
Ditch it cos I want to have balanced output for my monitor.
Generally, the quality is about the same with my current M-Audio Firesolo.

 

[mactreouser]

Thanks KongWee...
So, what's your recommendation?

 

[kongwee]

If dunno wanna burn too much then Alesis multimix USB 2.0. Berhinger also can but warranty sucks.

 

[mactreouser]

Hi KongWee,

I did consider Multimix USB. What i saw on some reviews and comments from users, their DRIVER always problem, sometimes c'ld not detected and sometimes only available in STEREO. Do you have this issue before?

2ndly, do Multimix USB possible to record in Multitrack? That means, All-Tracks-At-Once and might able to see and edit every single individual track on Software? I'm afraid that it'll only c'ld able to record all tracks in Stereo mode, so, will only see the 2 tracks in Software finally!! Need your ensurement

3rdly, really no idea about Phonic Helix?

Thanks and appreciate!!

 

[blueprintstudios]

mactreo : i'm a little confused you have 2 threads. i'll reply in the other.

 

[widdly]

For me, seeing XLR connector do not mean balanced unless indicated.

How are you going to put 48v phantom on an unbalanced xlr?

Anyway the manual says they are balanced.

 

[ankursamtaney]

So, Phonic Helix isn't a good choice?
What's on your mind & recommendation?

Nothing against the Helix; as a matter of fact, I've never even seen it for real.. just on websites.
But a personal suggestion -- it's a practical way out, which according to me, does the job better than many other options that home recording enthusiasts go for. I'd say go for something like a Presonous FireStudio or an M-Audio 2626 or something. Those give you enough tracks to mic even a drum kit, and flexibility to add more inputs via ADAT. And the bottom line being, that you don't "need" a mixer for home recording. It's always (well, almost always!) best to record dry, and use plug ins for FX, EQ, etc. because all of those are edit-able and undo-able AFTER recording, while any adjustments on the mixer while going in to your comp, can't be undone.

Good luck!

 

[kongwee]

How are you going to put 48v phantom on an unbalanced xlr?

Anyway the manual says they are balanced.

It can be done, my old Alesis Multirack 8 USB is and my current M-audio Firesolo is other one.

 

[widdly]

It can be done, my old Alesis Multirack 8 USB is and my current M-audio Firesolo is other one.

Dude, both those have have balanced inputs. Read your m-audio manual, page 3. You can't supply phantom power from an unbalanced socket.

 

[kongwee]

Ok. You win. To be exact, I am looking whether there is instrumental differential amplifier input. Can only judge by the 1/4" connection whether they are balance in that connection. Of cos, there is a simple test to it. Just insert an balance and unbalance line in the XLR balance connector and listen to 3db - 6db drop in volume. Some manual will "highlight" this too. If the volume is the same, there is just a microphone input. Also "balance" is often misuse word, but "instrumental differential" is not.