Audio Interface for Recording Drums

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deadandbloated

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Hello.

I want a fairly future-proof audio interface to stand as the centerpiece of my home studio. I've done a lot of research, reading plenty of information about each, trying to make sure I make the right purchase. Just when I think I know what I'm going to decide on, I read something else that pushes doubt into my mind.

I think the basic minimum requirement is that there are enough XLR inputs and preamps for all of the microphones for the drums. (4? 8?). I've looked through numerous lists and found AIs that seem to meet my requirements, but I've yet to ascertain a clear advantage/disadvantage of one over another.

Why would you pick one over another? There are plenty out there, but what would you look for specifically because you are recording drums?

Firestudio? MOTU 896mk3? Mackie Onyx 1620 w/ Firewire? Echo, RME, Apogee...anything...What would you prefer if given the choice (and why)?

Thanks!
 
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I'm amused that not one person in this highly active forum volunteered any information, but I'll go ahead and post information for the next guy wondering the same thing.

It looks like the reason one might go with a Motu over others for drum recording specifically is that Motus have built-in attenuation (pads), which makes it far easier to record at the desired levels on a percussive instrument.

Yes, you can manually create inexpensive pads if you're so inclined, but for the all-in-one, simple solution - the Motu is the simpler option.
 
look at the Profire 2626 too. 8 analog ins with preamps, had ADAT in for 16 more channels, and can be used with Pro Tools, as well as any other software. I got one about 6 months ago and it's been great for me.
 
go with the 8 pre, cheap, has adat, can be used as a preamp and not a firewire device... it only have 2 outs but who cares... i don't need more than a headphone jack.. well two headphone jacks would be nice...
 
How much do you want to spend?

I use Metric Halo 2882 and ULN-2. Both units are great. I record drums with them regularly and they sound fantastic. Very future proof. Very unique company. Built well. great pre amps and A/D conversion. Great support from the company. I've used Dig 001 and M Audio FW410 and the Metric Halos are from a different universe.
 
i went with the firepod..
8 channels in
8 out
plus main out
plus cue out
plus headphone out
firwire and spdif
went to Guitar Center to buy a roland vs/whatever
but the dude steered me to the firepod since i had the computer

never looked back

i didn't do any comparison but i am very very happy with the firepod
now i have two.
 
Second the 8Pre recommendation. One nice thing about them is that they support both MOTU-style and S/MUX 88.2/96 kHz at eight channels (with two optical cables).

FIREPOD is decent if it works. Several folks have experienced the red light of doom, though, i.e. a FireWire port failure. I also managed to kill the S/PDIF in mine by doing a firmware update. So there are a few negatives there of the "when it works" variety.

Also, the 8Pre has the advantage that it has individually switchable pads and 48V phantom power on a per-channel basis, so you can use arbitrary mixes of condenser mics, ribbon mics, etc. without worrying about torching a ribbon with phantom power. Most other interfaces have a phantom power switch that either applies to all channels at once or applies to groups of 4 channels. Either way, it is nice to have the fine-grained control that the MOTU gear provides.
 
dgatwood said:
Second the 8Pre recommendation. One nice thing about them is that they support both MOTU-style and S/MUX 88.2/96 kHz at eight channels (with two optical cables).

FIREPOD is decent if it works. Several folks have experienced the red light of doom, though, i.e. a FireWire port failure. I also managed to kill the S/PDIF in mine by doing a firmware update. So there are a few negatives there of the "when it works" variety.

Also, the 8Pre has the advantage that it has individually switchable pads and 48V phantom power on a per-channel basis, so you can use arbitrary mixes of condenser mics, ribbon mics, etc. without worrying about torching a ribbon with phantom power. Most other interfaces have a phantom power switch that either applies to all channels at once or applies to groups of 4 channels. Either way, it is nice to have the fine-grained control that the MOTU gear provides.
Click to expand...

That's why I'm going with an 8pre or 896mk3. I may get the 8pre and then get a RME Fireface 800 or 828mk3 next year and use the 8pre as a preamp expansion. The attenuators really make the sale for me...
 
yeah, I was impressed to, and I actually got to hear different interfaces first hand. The a/b comparison was right on! The RME has a defined sound to it that I personally like.
 
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