Cheap Interface

[fireonthealtar]

Hey guys i've been fighting with which software to go with...I've been using Pro Tools LE but no longer have the mbox so I can't even open the program now. I've been using reaper for a couple of weeks I like it pretty well and I'm wanting to try Cubase.

I'm looking at getting a pretty cheap interface until next year. Looking to spend about $150usd. Looking at PreSonus Audio Box USB or Tascam US 122L or one of the Lexicon boxes in that price range. Also found a couple of firewire deals...M-Audio FireWire Solo and PreSonus Inspire 1394 FireWire on clearance in that price range. Any opinions or sugestions?

 

[Lo-Fi Mike]

Reaper rules

i would like to recomend staying in reaper ($50)

ive used Magix, Vegas, Cubase, Reaper, Pro-Tools LE in that order

out of the all i love reaper, I hated Pro-Tools, I went out and bought the 003Rack. I lost about $400 when i had sell it a few months latter.

if you are going to get a FW interface watch out for Dice2 some systems have trouble with them (you would be taking a chance)

i just bought a motu 8pre with windows xp and reaper with very very little problems (still updating my OS and motu drivers)

i've used an Ardvark Q-10 (out of date)
003 Rack (hated PT)
lexicon Alpha (ok for the time being)
motu 8pre (so far so good)

-mike-

 

[juan162]

I started with the older model Tascam us-122. It worked great, but I do have to say that when I got my Alesis io14, I could hear a marked improvement in sound. I don't know if this is because of better pres, better A/D conversion, or what. It just sounded better. I don't know if the newer version of the tascam is better or not, but I would recommend the clearance items or checking out scratch and dent items at places like musiciansfriend. You might be able to score a nice deal.

Juan

 

[antichef]

I have the Inspire 1394 - decent for what it is, but the pres are noisy, and so I have trouble when I want to record soft sound sources or using less sensitive (i.e. dynamic or ribbon) microphones. Never had to contact their support.

I've got the MOTU Traveler - out of the price range. It's pretty good, but the pres sounded edgy and flaked out some - I got it modded by Black Lion Audio (more $), and now I love it. Earlier, I sent my unit to MOTU for service due to flaky preamps, even though it was out of warranty - they replaced it for some fairly low fee, like $80, and they were great to work with - "A" for service/support. It's the replacement that I sent to BLA.

I just recently got the Echo Audiofire 12 - it doesn't have any preamps, but the line ins are very nice and clean, and the conversion is good. Probably both a little outside the price range, and not practical due to the lack of preamps. Haven't had to contact their support, but as soon as I plugged in my (used) unit, the software updated the firmware on the unit - pretty slick.

That was a lot of help, huh? Based on my experience with the different vendors, I'd take a serious look at the Echo interfaces that do have pres (Audiofire 2? 4?) Not sure how much they cost.

 

[omtayslick]

Based on my experience with the different vendors, I'd take a serious look at the Echo interfaces that do have pres (Audiofire 2? 4?) Not sure how much they cost.

Yes. Echo stuff is very solid, and not too pricey.

 

[redddog]

Another AF 12 user here.

That unit is fantastic. I have had it for almost 2 years without a hiccup. I had a FF800 and swapped it out for the AF12 and it;s been great. Easily as stable as the RME and just as good sounding if not a little better.

Love that box.

 

[Marcadiablo]

If you are looking for cheap, maybe a Line 6 UX2 Toneport will do it for you. I think they work pretty good for the money.

 

[lumstar]

Does anyone know anything about the EMU 1212M? It fits the price range but is a PCI (internal) card. I'm thinking about picking one up and want anyone's opinions. Thanks.

 

[fireonthealtar]

Thanks for all the replies...still undecided tho. I was leaning toward presonus but now I have to look at echo. The biggest problem is there is part of me that wants to go back with pro tools but of course that would require an mbox or finding a deal on a used 002. And, I have thought of M powered pro tools but its not really any cheaper to start software is 249 w/o interface...LE is 299 with mbox mini. Decisions decisions...