First Audio Interface (2 inputs)

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Philippus

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Hi.

My home studio is starting to grow and I'm taking on some projects for other people. Untill now, I've been using a simple Sound Blaster PCI card and even at times...*Onboard Sound of the motherboard*. Now I want to get my first proper Audio Interface.
I've been looking at the Cakewalk / Edirol UA-4FX. This falls within my budget, with one exception: I want to record from 2 inputs at the same time and record them onto seperate tracks. E.g. I will accompany a vocalist on the keyboard and mix the tracks seperately after recording. The UA 4fx only seems to record 'one stereo pair' at a time. I need to record from XLR and line in at the same time.
The Cakewalk UA-101, for instance, has this feature I want, but is completely overkill (I don't need 10 ins / outs. 2 will do fine.) Can you recommend something in about the price range of the UA-4fx (+- $200) but with the ability to record 2 inputs onto 2 seperate tracks?

Also, I'm thinking to get the Rode NT2A as my first condenser mic (interface needs preamp with phantom power) and the Yamaha HS50 monitors as studio monitors. Untill now I've been using cheap Shure PG-58 and domestic Hi-Fi speakers, so I guess it could only be an improvement? What do you think?

Thanks
 
For $200 you can pick up the M-Audio Fast Track Pro (make sure it says "Pro")
 
Look at the specs, D Rock.
No inserts, no midi.
It's about half of the Fast Track Pro (which I have owned) for the same price.
Gets great reviews though, as do most of the audio interfaces in that price range.
 
Philippus said:
Hi.

My home studio is starting to grow and I'm taking on some projects for other people. Untill now, I've been using a simple Sound Blaster PCI card and even at times...*Onboard Sound of the motherboard*. Now I want to get my first proper Audio Interface.
I've been looking at the Cakewalk / Edirol UA-4FX. This falls within my budget, with one exception: I want to record from 2 inputs at the same time and record them onto seperate tracks. E.g. I will accompany a vocalist on the keyboard and mix the tracks seperately after recording. The UA 4fx only seems to record 'one stereo pair' at a time. I need to record from XLR and line in at the same time.
The Cakewalk UA-101, for instance, has this feature I want, but is completely overkill (I don't need 10 ins / outs. 2 will do fine.) Can you recommend something in about the price range of the UA-4fx (+- $200) but with the ability to record 2 inputs onto 2 seperate tracks?

<<snipped>>

Thanks
Click to expand...

Phil,

You might take a look at the Alesis iO|2 Express

I picked one up used and am reasonably satisfied with it.

Upside:
MIDI, SPDIF, XLR's, 1/4 TRS, Phantom Power, headset monitor mono / stereo, monitor mix; USB Powered
Downside:
USB connectivity (mine is USB 1.oh so painful; I don't know the express spec; you seem to have to have to ferret that little tidbit out.)
Knobs are a bit awkward once the board is loaded with jacks/cords.

Others worth consideration:

PreSonus AudioBox USB Recording Interface (as above only Neutrix XLR's)
TC Electronics Impact Twin
Konnekt 6

I found a ZZounds search (or any other resource with filters) helpful.

The method to my madness is to outfit a dirt cheap studio to get to know the gear then replace it ALL once I understand the players.

I won't touch the mic issue...

HTH - td

P.S. I'd rethink the hifi speakers; get some decent monitors :drunk:
 
Jim Lad said:
Look at the specs, D Rock.
No inserts, no midi.
It's about half of the Fast Track Pro (which I have owned) for the same price.
Gets great reviews though, as do most of the audio interfaces in that price range.
Click to expand...

my mistake :spank:

the only midi I run is through an Axiom 25, which is runs and is powered via usb, kinda overlooked that one
 
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