Audio Interface Advice Required

  • Thread starter Thread starter RnRRecording
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RnRRecording

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Hey everyone,
I posted on this forum a while back thought I'd come back seeing as I'm looking to buy some new gear - am quite a bit more experienced than I was before so hoping to be able to actively participate in the forums soon. Anyway, onto the question.

We've been using a Behringer Xenyx mixer (4 input - 2 mic) hooked up to a Behringer UCA202 2 channel audio interface to record for the past year and it has served us pretty well up to this point (we managed to record a full album with it - only sung and rap vocals were done though - one track at a time - http://eternalmethod.bandcamp.com if you'd like to see).

We're looking to do an equipment upgrade to get better quality sound in out studio. Ideally, I'd like to start recording bands - mic-ing guitar cabs, acoustic, bass, singers etc. - no plans to do drums. Not just that, I play acoustic as well and it would be nice to broaden out our recording possibilities.

I'm posting on here looking for your advice on an Audio Interface. These are the options I've considered so far, your advice is welcome on these and others, our budget is about £150 for the interface, possibly stretching higher if needed, a huge amount of inputs isn't needed as the only decent mic we have at the moment is a Shure SM57 (going to buy a condenser soon).

M-audio Fast Track Pro - http://www.thomann.de/index.html?partner_id=97926&page=gb/maudio_fast_track_pro.htm - £120
Focusrite Saffire 6 USB - http://www.thomann.de/index.html?partner_id=97926&page=gb/focusrite_saffire_6_usb.htm - £135
Emu 0404 USB - http://www.thomann.de/index.html?partner_id=97926&page=gb/emu_0404_usb.htm - £150
Tascam US-1641 - http://www.thomann.de/index.html?partner_id=97926&page=gb/tascam_us1641.htm - £230
Phonic Helix 12 Firewire Mk2 - http://www.dv247.com/mixers/phonic-helix-board-12-firewire-mkii-mixer--33713 - £150

Quality of sound is most essential, especially the preamps and converters. The Phonic Helix board looked the best deal to me - has lots of inputs and is firewire. I'd rather not go as high in the budget as the Tascam. I'd like to start charging for some recording (just some friends of mine) also.

What would you consider to be the best option?

George
 
Last edited:
Your link is wrong for the Focusrite.
Other than that, those are all good choices but you'll do much better with condenser mics.
No way you could find a recording package? mic, interface, headset....?
 
OK fixed the link.
We're looking for an upgrade, but a lot of people tell me that SM57 is fine for rap vocals and the majority of sung vocals etc.

Our upgrade at the moment includes:
Audio Interface
Monitors
Headphone Amp
EZDrummer

Do you think we should buy a condenser microphone (Studio Projects B1, Rode NT1A) instead of one of the options above? We're pretty set on wanting monitors though.
 
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