Decent Budget 8xXLR interface

[Vinnydude]

I'm upgrading my recording system at home. I'm currently using an Edirol DA-2496, great piece of kit, but I now need to get something that i can record multiple mics with.

So...

Any advice on how i'd go about getting a decent budget setup to record, for example, a drum kit (5+ mics)

Cheers everyone.

[DrewPeterson7]

On a budget, a Presonus Firepod or (as it's now called) FP10 is a pretty good solution. :yesway:

[Vinnydude]

I like the look of that, and its exactly what i'm looking for.

If anyone has any alternatives please let me know too.

Thanks for the quick response.

[EtherealEntity]

Just backing up PreSonus, they have a few variations on their things but I'm using the Firestudio Project, 8 XLR. It's great. There's several other models with various differences that will do what you want

[vijsolo]

There is a number of them availible

USB 2.0 Ones

Line 6 Toneport UX8 USB 2.0 Computer Recording Interface

Lexicon Ionix U82S USB 2.0 Recording Audio Interface

Tascam US2000 USB 2.0 Audio Interface----- lots of inputs!

M-Audio Fast Track Ultra 8R USB 2.0 Audio Interface ----Good Preamps

Tascam US1641 USB 2.0 Audio/MIDI Interface----good price

Now FireWire

Digidesign Digi 003 Rack+ Music Production System ultimate solution for home studio!

PreSonus FireStudio Project FireWire Interface good preamps

PreSonus FireStudio FireWire Recording Interface

My vote would be for Tascam US2000 or Fast Track.

Cheerz!!!

[ralpheo]

Zoom r16 = $399

[TeyshaBlue]

Originally Posted by ralpheo

Zoom r16 = $399

Just bought one 2 days ago.


8 combo XLR / 1/4" inputs (2 with phantom power) X 8 tracks simutlaneous recording via USB 2.0 (@16/44.1). 8X2 @24/96.

Also has the ability to record to SD cards..so you can record idependent of the DAW when needed and just import the files to your DAW software later.
Onboard effects processors. It can run on AA batteries for remote recordings.

It also functions as a control surface for your DAW software.

I just installed it....and as soon as I worked out the driver kinks, it functioned beautifully as an interface and control surface. This weekend I'll be testing it's recording abilities which seem pretty impressive at first blush.

This thing's a steal @ $399.

[ralpheo]

I read a review of the r16 about 2 weeks ago when someone posted the link here. I love my Korg D888, and the BR864, which I picked up a year ago for $150, but for what my wife and I paid for the Korg and her BR900cd we could have three of the r16's, and be able to do more with them. I basically just use the BR864 for a side chain effects box. The r16 really looks like a sweet piece of equipment for the price, but I've always been a little leary of Zoom's construction. Let us know how it works out for you and how it holds up. Anyway for the price, there is nothing that even compares. Good Luck.

[getuhgrip]

I just happen to know where one of these is for a whopping $100 plus shipping..


http://www.st-audio.de/products/dsp2000.html

[Jim Lad]

Originally Posted by ralpheo
Zoom r16 = $399

I'd have bought a Zoom Stand Alone if they had allowed 24bit recording. Really nice unit and acts as a control surface. Too bad.
Now they come up with the R16. Again a lovely unit. Allows 24 bit recording but uses batteries for stand alone purposes. AAaaaaargh!
You don't suppose these guys will ever get serious and put everything on one board?
Their build quality is excellent, by the way. I wouldn't worry about that.

[TeyshaBlue]

Originally Posted by Jim Lad

I'd have bought a Zoom Stand Alone if they had allowed 24bit recording. Really nice unit and acts as a control surface. Too bad.
Now they come up with the R16. Again a lovely unit. Allows 24 bit recording but uses batteries for stand alone purposes. AAaaaaargh!
You don't suppose these guys will ever get serious and put everything on one board?
Their build quality is excellent, by the way. I wouldn't worry about that.

It comes with an AC power cord so you're not tied to batteries.
So far Im very impressed with it.

[Jim Lad]

It comes with an AC power cord so you're not tied to batteries.
So far I'm very impressed with it.

Well that changes everything.
I hate wall warts but in this case I'll let it go.
So the Zoom R16 is an eight XLR audio interface which also serves as a control surface and stand alone recorder. Comes with the Cubase 4 LE Frisbee and sells for $399 US.
I'd be all over it if I didn't have the Korg D3200. http://pro-audio.musiciansfriend.com...ELAID=26020147
Thanks, TeyshaBlue.

[TeyshaBlue]

Originally Posted by Jim Lad

Well that changes everything.
I hate wall warts but in this case I'll let it go.
So the Zoom R16 is an eight XLR audio interface which also serves as a control surface and stand alone recorder. Comes with the Cubase 4 LE Frisbee and sells for $399 US.
I'd be all over it if I didn't have the Korg D3200. http://pro-audio.musiciansfriend.com...ELAID=26020147
Thanks, TeyshaBlue.

That Korg's a nice unit! If I wasn't so firmly in DAW-land, that would be a great choice! That thing's like my old Ghost combined with a sweet DAW. Pretty cheap at $1300 to boot.

[Jim Lad]

It's probably the first thing I've ever got that didn't leave me feeling like I got second best.
However, back on topic.
I said the other day that if I was back in that market, I wouldn't even consider an Audio Interface that didn't serve as a control surface.
This Zoom R16 looks to be the one.

[Vinnydude]

Is there one kind of in the middle?

I've had a look at quite a few USB mixers, but its only the Zoom that seems to be able to control software.

Are there any other mixers usb/firewire, that I can use as a control surface?

[kgirl72]

I own the Presonus Firestudio Project and the Echo Fireface 8, I think it's called. I almost always use the Echo but I like them both very much. I'm kind of partial to Echo products. I had an Echo Layla 24/96, but alas, after around 10 years, it died and I could not get a replacement for it as it was discontinued, however, I've got all my stuff insured, so the replacement only cost me $100. I highly recommend people get their stuff insured, btw, it's cheap and definitely comes in handy. I've had to use it twice now, and I am so happy to have it, in order to spend $100 rather than the $500 these things normally go for, (maybe higher, I don't remember) But if those are within your budget, and I don't know what your budget is these are both very good soundcards. I don't use the preamps though, I just use my RNP for vocals only. I only need one mic, and I plug my keyboard straight in, and use the volume slider on IT to get the gain I need.

Anyway, sorry for the long post, hope that helps.]
Kirstin

[kgirl72]

Originally Posted by ralpheo

I read a review of the r16 about 2 weeks ago when someone posted the link here. I love my Korg D888, and the BR864, which I picked up a year ago for $150, but for what my wife and I paid for the Korg and her BR900cd we could have three of the r16's, and be able to do more with them. I basically just use the BR864 for a side chain effects box. The r16 really looks like a sweet piece of equipment for the price, but I've always been a little leary of Zoom's construction. Let us know how it works out for you and how it holds up. Anyway for the price, there is nothing that even compares. Good Luck.

I hated my Zoom MRS 8, but I love my Zoom Handy 4. It sounds great, with quality stereo mics, picks up guitar VERY well. Acoustic that is. I also, in a need of immediate attention, I had to buy a Zoom small PA system, it worked okay, but I'll never use it again. I have mixed feelings about Zoom, but I wouldn't give up my Handy 4 ever, there are so many uses for a handheld stereo mic setup...I know that's not what you need, but that's my take on Zoom.

[theEND]

I read this thread and for a budget Id say the R16 is the way to go. Thanks to this thread I am considering getting an R16 myself. This thread in gearslutz is a real eyeopener [ http://www.gearslutz.com/board/low-e...-opinions.html ] Its worth the read.