Best Audio Interface Under $400?

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TommyEmmanuel

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A few days ago, I posted a thread similar to this one. Since then, I've done some research, and have a better idea of what I'm after.

I'm trying to find the best audio interface under $400. My main concern is that I want the best sounding pre-amps I can get for that price. I only need an interface with two microphone inputs/pre-amps, as I only need to record vocals (and acoustic guitar from time-to-time).

I'm also willing to buy used, so if there's an interface out there that usually sells new for above my price range, but can be bought for under $400 used, please let me know!

As far as new, these are the ones I am considering:

Focusrite Saffire Pro 24
Presonus FireStudio Mobile
M-Audio Profire 610
Mackie Onyx 820i (used)

I've heard good reviews about all four of those, but if you guys have other ideas as to what I should get, I'm all ears! At the same time, if you think one of those four is the ticket and can recommend it to me, that would be awesome!

I don't know if my set-up matters at all, but just in case, I will be running an Audio Technica 4047 microphone through the interface into an HP desktop computer running Windows Vista.

Thanks in advance for all your help, everyone! I really appreciate it!
 
Hi there,

I think

M-Audio ProFire 610 Firewire Audio Interface

Is an optimum solution for your application. Preamps are very good. I don't think there are better preamps that can be found on audio interfaces.

It costs 400$ on ZZound.com

Just make sure you have normal firewire port on you computer, not the 4 pin one.

Cheerz!!!
 
Thanks!

Anyone else have any experience with the aformentioned interfaces? I'm looking to make a purchase within the next 48 hours, so any advice would be greatly appreciated. :)
 
I for one would not go for M Audios Fast Track USB, its so incompatible.
 
I for one would not go for M Audios Fast Track USB, its so incompatible.
Click to expand...
Don't think anyone mentioned that one but "No" you're right. The Fast Track USB is not a good choice.
Other M Audio USB devices are excellent though.
 
Chammy said:
I for one would not go for M Audios Fast Track USB, its so incompatible.
Click to expand...
Yeah, I was just reading that. I think I'm going to go with the Focusrite Saffire Pro 24, which leads me to a whole different question! Haha.

They have the normal version and they also make a DSP version. As far as I can tell, the only difference is that the DSP version has two headphone outputs instead of one. I also think it has built in compression, EQ and reverb, and also boasts "latency free" dynamics. If I have no real need for the extra headphone output, is it really worth spending the extra $100 to get the DSP version? And are there any other differences between the two that I'm missing?

Thanks again!
 
whats wrong with the echo gia - its under 4 and has stable drivers?
 
I had been searching recently for a similar interface. For vocals/acoustic mainly.

The one that kept on getting recommended all over the place forums/articles was the M-Audio ProFire 610. Supposed to be very very good. Great Preamps & compatible with pro tools if you ever wanted to use that also.

Also not mentioned is the Emu 0404 USB 2.0, look around and you'll see thats loved everywhere to.

So i think ill choose between those two personally. Havent heard much about the Focusrite Saffire Pro 24, will have to look into it.
Gearslutz.com is a useful site, you'll find a lot of opinions there on the different interfaces you search for.
 
I have a Lexicon I-Onix u22 and am very pleased with the sound. It uses dbx preamps that are operated at AC voltage, rather than DC, and are supposedly more stable because of it. I don't know all the science behind that claim, but my ears like the converters just fine. I'm in the market for something else because I need more inputs, but I'll probably keep this for critical vocal/acoustic applications.
 
I use the presonus firebox and it's been rock solid and the 6 outputs comes in handy esp. for live application for drum triggers and and EZdrummer which gives me 6 separate channels to mix the software drum module for the drum triggers I use for live playing via midi and firewire.
 
M-Audio 1010LT. Not terribly attractive but fast (sits on the PCI buss), lots of I/O, and two extremely decent preamps. They'll drive a Shure SM7B and that's saying something.
 
Just been on the M-audio site, turns out quite a few ppl are having issues with the profire 610. Apparently doesnt make sample accurate recordings, issues with latency or whatever. They said it probably needed a new driver, 10 months on theyve not released one & are no longer replying or keeping anyone in the thread updated atall.

Might be worth avoiding that one afterall.
 
If it were me I'd go with a PCI card like the EMU1212M or the M-Audio Delta 44.

Then I'd buy a separate preamp like the M-Audio DMP3.

I would not buy any of those all-in-one boxes.
 
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