Looking for advice on a mic pre/interface all-in-one

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Drummerbones

Drummerbones

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In the past I used a Joe Meek 3Q with okay results, going to my Delta 1010LT. I went away from that set up for awhile and started recording directly to a stand-alone multi-track record and dumping the wav files into my PC later. I loved that combination (though I went through a LOT of CD-R's to get the track to my PC) but I've recently gotten heavily into using Addictive Drums and programming my drum parts instead of playing them (quite a change for a semi-pro drummer for the past 10 years!). Anyway, since I'm using midi and programming the drums in my PC I'm tempted once again to record straight to my PC. I've been casually looking around and I'd like to find a solid mic pre that has an interface (USB possibly?) to serve as my all-in-one PC recording solution. The Joe Meek + the Delta was nice, but I'd like to go for the whole package this time if there's a good one out there. Sure, I can look around and read reviews (and have been), but I wonder what you all think from having used such units in the real world.

Thanks,

Bonesy
 
I've been in the recording scene for quite awhile so I know the more you spend on a pre the better. Though I love to spend $1,000+ I'd say my budget is in the $500 range, give or take on what options I have. The most I need, considering I don't have to record multiple drum tracks, would be a 2 channel pre for stereo guitars etc.
 
Drummerbones said:
I've been in the recording scene for quite awhile so I know the more you spend on a pre the better. Though I love to spend $1,000+ I'd say my budget is in the $500 range, give or take on what options I have. The most I need, considering I don't have to record multiple drum tracks, would be a 2 channel pre for stereo guitars etc.
Click to expand...

I'm a big fan of MOTU hardware, particularly the 8Pre. I'm not much a fan of any USB hardware at all....
 
The Mackie Onxy looks interesting. Though not stellar, Mackie makes some decent pres in their mixers. My questions is this: I read the details on the unit and I still don't know if it interfaces with your PC directly, or if I'll have to go with a sound card, ala Delta 1010LT etc.

Your input??
 
Drummerbones said:
The Mackie Onxy looks interesting. Though not stellar, Mackie makes some decent pres in their mixers. My questions is this: I read the details on the unit and I still don't know if it interfaces with your PC directly, or if I'll have to go with a sound card, ala Delta 1010LT etc.

Your input??
Click to expand...
Satellite is fire wire straight into the box... It's a great interface for the money... but only one of my interfaces... use it mostly for monitor routing and for handy remote work
 
The Presonus Firewire stuff (Firestudio, etc.) has very clean preamps. I'm in the middle of a studio build and there will be a Mackie mixer in there too, but I haven't had the chance to AB the Presonus and the Mackie VLZ pre's side by side.
 
Drummerbones said:
In the past I used a Joe Meek 3Q with okay results, going to my Delta 1010LT. I went away from that set up for awhile and started recording directly to a stand-alone multi-track record and dumping the wav files into my PC later. I loved that combination (though I went through a LOT of CD-R's to get the track to my PC) but I've recently gotten heavily into using Addictive Drums and programming my drum parts instead of playing them (quite a change for a semi-pro drummer for the past 10 years!). Anyway, since I'm using midi and programming the drums in my PC I'm tempted once again to record straight to my PC. I've been casually looking around and I'd like to find a solid mic pre that has an interface (USB possibly?) to serve as my all-in-one PC recording solution. The Joe Meek + the Delta was nice, but I'd like to go for the whole package this time if there's a good one out there. Sure, I can look around and read reviews (and have been), but I wonder what you all think from having used such units in the real world.

Thanks,

Bonesy
Click to expand...
I recorded with a Roland VS 200 CD work sataion which I found to be more of a pain in the ass than it was an upgrade



I am using a Peavey PV20 mixing console with a Delta 1010 with Reaper that I like very well. I really don't need anything more than that.
as a matter of fact I have downsized my mixing console from a Soundcraft to the Peavey because the Soundcraft was overkill for home recording purposes.

BTW I have the Roland for sale for a really good price if you are interested.
 
Drummerbones said:
The Mackie Onxy looks interesting. Though not stellar, Mackie makes some decent pres in their mixers. My questions is this: I read the details on the unit and I still don't know if it interfaces with your PC directly, or if I'll have to go with a sound card, ala Delta 1010LT etc.

Your input??
Click to expand...

Yeah both the Mackie interfaces will go straight to your computer via firewire.
It's worth noting that the Onyx Satellite doesn't have midi. This would only be a problem if you wanted to connect a keyboard or drum triggers via midi.
The Mackie 400F does have midi.
 
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