Advice please on which interface to buy for (semi-)newbie

  • Thread starter Thread starter rrrick
  • Start date Start date
R

rrrick

New member
Hi all,

Over the years I've been busy on and off with home recording on my notebook. I used an Acer laptop with a direct line-in, an old analog yamaha 4-track device as pre-amp, and for software I had Magix Music Maker 2000 (yes, that's old too). I was able to record up to 16 tracks (guitars, bass, vocals and other).

This worked just fine until a few months ago when the notebook finally had enough and 'died'. So for the last few weeks I've been steadily reading up and deciding what to do next. But the amount of interfaces and software packages available is just way over my head. So maybe you can tell me what to do.

I currently have an HP G62 notebook, which does not have a separate line-in but only a mic-in. It runs Windows 7, and Magix 2000 can't run on this. It has 4GB RAM and a 5600RPM hard disk.

I tried Audacity but quickly found out that the soundcard is not good enough, and also encountered some serious latency problems.

What I want is to basically continue what I did previously. I have no intention/illusion of ever making high quality recordings, I just want to have fun and work quick and easy.

So after doing some research I figured that the Tascam US122 MKii (which includes Cubase 5 LE) would be the best and most cost effective option for me.

However I also noted quite a few reports on this interface having 'noise' issues when running it on Windows 7. These reports are not consistent but they do make me hesitate.

So: considering my situation, would the Tascam or similar interface be the one to go for? Is there anybody out there using this interface in a Windows 7 environment?

What would be a good alternative for this interface? Someone mentioned the M-audio fast track pro, but any recommendations in this price range are welcome.

I'm sure very few people remember the Magix Music Maker 2000, but it enabled me to record up to 16 separate tracks and mix these down to one single file.

While I'm not an expert I am pretty intuitive when it comes to working with software. I assume Cubase LE 5 would be no problem for me. True? How does this compare to Pro Tools SE, or any alternatives?

And finally, for recording vocals what would be the minimum microphone you would suggest. Currently I use a no brand mic, which does the job, but mehhh...

Any help is appreciated :)

(I noticed I'm not allowed to include urls, but I have a channel on Youtube which has a few of my recordings for reference. Anybody interested can do a channel search on 'rickvandijk' and you'll probably find me.)
 
Last edited:
What's your budget?
What's the maximum number of separate channels you want to record at one time?

I'd recommend Reaper for your DAW. It's free to try out and not expensive to register.
 
Appr. US$ 200,- for the interface would be nice. Because I do solo recording I really need only channel at a time, but 2 would be nice.
And I will try Reaper, tnx! But some of these interfaces come with software included, so if either Cubase or Pro Tools or any other is clearly the better one, that could make a difference in my decision.
 
I have heard issues with the US122 having low input gain. If you are interested in the Tascam stuff, I would go with the US200.
 
jimmys69 said:
I have heard issues with the US122 having low input gain. If you are interested in the Tascam stuff, I would go with the US200.
Click to expand...

If you get this, you might want to check out News :: TASCAM's 2011 Holiday Rebate Program | TASCAM
Apparently Tascam is currently offering rebates on some of their products.

Also with Tascam, you can get a brand new US800 for $130 from some sellers on eBay. I don't have one, but I have been strongly considering getting one.
 
Note that many of the interfaces that come with software come with an 'LE' (Limited Edition) - then they suck you into buying the full version with all the features you really need.
 
weird out of everything Ive upgraded my interface hasnt been touch..I have two omni's, a quattro, and a delta card...not that Im saying its the way to go just dont think you have to buy the priciest, just know how many inputs you need and do a bit of research online about how users feel


which I guess youre doing lol


Ill get my coat :)
 
Thanks for the replies, much appreciated! I'm aware that Light editions might be pretty bare bone, but that's ok, as long as I can record multiple channels and mix down. I hardly ever use effects, except for reverb and compression, and I believe the LE's have these on board.

Anyone have any suggestion for a minimum range mic for vocals?
 
Hi Rick,

This may sound heretical, but maybe you don't need an interface box like you are talking about. Have you tried using a USB mic? That would be great for vocals and certain other things that can be miked. It does the digital conversion for you. If that won't work, I can recommend the M-Audio Fast Track Pro (or just the Fast Track if all you need is a single input at a time). Hope that helps!

Ken
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top