Audio interface, mixer or both??

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matt_mjb

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I'm new to home recording and i want to start setting up a (very) small studio in my room. Do i need an audio interface, such as a presonus firebox, as well as a mixing desk or will one or the other be fine by itself. If i need both, how and in which order would i connect the two items.

Would appreciate the help,

thanks,
 
Do you have a relatively modern, decently fast computer? Assuming you do, the interface is likely the way to go, especially if you're just recording yourself.
Do you have a DAW (Digital Audio Workstation - basically the program you record and mix with) in mind?
I'm not sure if the firebox comes with a demo version of some software or other, but Reaper is a great DAW that you can download and try the full version of for free, and which is super cheap to register.
You won't really need a mixer for just recording yourself - everything it could do you can do with an interface and just about any DAW.
 
I have a sony vaio laptop so its relatively modern and im using cubase as my DAW, i think the firebox comes with some sort of version of cubase anyway. I will be recording other people such as pianists, vocals, drums etc. but could i still do that just using the interface.
 
You should determine how you are going to use it. One or two mic's (inputs) and a relatively simple interface will suffice. If you want to record entire bands, drums with several mic's, direct in's etc and the interface begins more elaborate.
 
i probably wouldnt be using more than two mic inputs at a time. Would i not need the mixer to adjust the volumes of other tracks already recorded because i could do that in the DAW's mixer?
 
I'd say you don't need a mixer. As you mentioned, your DAW is your mixer. You just need to get the recording into the DAw which is through the interface.

Now the fun starts. Along with the presonus firebox, there are hundreds of interfaces you could choose from. Start googling and narrowing it down!
 
I bought my first interface a couple months ago and I went with the firebox. only gripe I have is the mic line has to be turned up all the way on the firebox to get a good recording. it doesn't hinder me in any way though so I still really like it. it cones with either cubase 5 le or studio one, which imusing. hmmm let's see what else could I note...can't use protools with it...who cares tho...you can find B stock for very cheap on eBay
 
Thanks a lot to everyone. I'll start looking around for interfaces. The firebox sounds good. =]
 
johnnymegabyte said:
best of both worlds TASCAM M-164UF. Just got one after Xmas & just love it. Paid $525 Canadian
http://www.tascam.com/products/m-164uf;9,9,3744,14.html
there is a 1:13 video explaining the features
Click to expand...

is your laptop setup with vista or win.7..i just ckd the other day for drivers for tascam and believe they are only up to vista with their drivers..i could be wrong..johnnymb what are you running.

btw i use a tascam us1641..but its drivers right now only go as far as vista.

love tascam gear i still own a tascam tsr8 reel to reel!
 
matt_mjb said:
Thanks a lot to everyone. I'll start looking around for interfaces. The firebox sounds good. =]
Click to expand...


Firebox is really good. I have one and have been using now for about 6 months. It gets the job done with no problem. Yeah the pre-amps are a little weak but im cool with that. Great for beginners.
 
bigtee said:
is your laptop setup with vista or win.7..i just ckd the other day for drivers for tascam and believe they are only up to vista with their drivers..i could be wrong..johnnymb what are you running.

btw i use a tascam us1641..but its drivers right now only go as far as vista.

love tascam gear i still own a tascam tsr8 reel to reel!
Click to expand...
Sony Vaio 1.5Ghz dual core & Vista Home Premium 32 SP 2. I removed one of the 512 Ram and replaced with 2G, now is 2.5G RAM
Everything is running good now, unpredictable when only 1G RAM especially when burning DVD projects
I ignored the install CD and DL the latest driver and went with it, no issues
 
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