Best interface sub-$500?

[nsilva]

Hey guys, I need some help choosing an interface to buy for recording a band.

Right now I'm using a Mackie CFX12 Live mixer (which comes with preamps) to record, but I plan to use the mixer for a drum mic kit soon and I want to buy a good size audio interface to house the mixers output, at least 2 guitars, 1 bass, and if I did that with an 8 input interface I would obviously have 4 left for vocals or anything else. I was wondering if anyone could suggest me Interfaces sub $500 or around that price that would be able to fulfill what I am looking for.

I so far have been looking at the M-Audio Fast Track 8r and Delta 1010 since they are both supported by Protools.

 

[Muffin]

I'm a fan of presonus products. I've had both the firepod and firestudio project(have currently). The project is by far my favorite with phantom power and led input levels.
http://cgi.ebay.com/B-Stock-PRESONU...emQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item5639fb855c

Or the firepod
http://cgi.ebay.com/Presonus-Firepo...emQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item2a04f9ab8f

 

[nsilva]

By the way I should mention by 2 guitars and 1 bass they will be miked through an amp, not directly plugged in to the interface. I refuse to record digital guitar sounds. It's horrible. I buy guitar amps for a reason

 

[Richard King]

I'm contemplating selling one of my Presonus Firestudio 26x26's. You can see them here: http://www.pbase.com/rking401/image/121488502. I have had problems daisychaining them and so bought a Digimax FS which syncs out of the box. I'm looking for $400 shipped and paypal'd from 32963. There are several different Firestudio models out there, so compare them all before deciding to go with one of them. PM me if you are interested in one of my Firestudios. Here's a song that I recorded live in a local club using one of the Firestudios and the ART preamp. The ART ran out to the Firestudio by SPDIF and then out to my computer by firewire. This was recorded about 4 weeks ago or so. http://www.soundclick.com/bands/page_songInfo.cfm?bandID=818206&songID=8712324

 

[squibble94]

I haven't used it, but I heard the Tascam US series is great

 

[nsilva]

Presonus

Disregard this post, meant to send a PM.

 

[Rokket]

It sounds like you have all the bases covered as far as the setup. I take it you are going to be recording a live set, not doing a studio session?

Firewire interfaces still outshine the usb counterparts. I'd check into that.

Presonus Firestudio at Musician's Friend

 

[nsilva]

I take it you are going to be recording a live set, not doing a studio session?

Actually I am planning to do studio sessions for the time being. I use a live mixer just because I had bought it a few years ago and don't really feel the need (or have the extra money to spend) on a different one. It also seems like the perfect application for a drum kit.

 

[machinetodd]

Presonus Firestudio, $399....nuff said

 

[slimmpickens]

M-Audio can get the B@#ack

If I might make a recommendation: I've some experience with the M-Audio equipment. I do use a pair of M Audio monitoring speakers but all my Delta series gear is collecting a lot of dust. I found the sound quality to range from mildly to extremely crappy, and the lack of preamps meant I had a signal chain a mile long. Now I don't have a lot of technical knowledge about recording but it seems to me the longer the chain the more degradation of the signal strength and quality.
I didn't like the software mixer provided with the Delta either.
That said, my M-audio gear is old and its entirely possible they've fixed some or all of these problems. Also, I don't use expensive mics (mainly due to not owning any) so there's nothing to say it wasn't the microphone or the preamp.
I was using a cheap Behringer mixer (cringe) for pre's and a set of Apex condenser mics. So there are a lot of things that could have affected it.
However the reports I'm getting from other musicians and my local retailers agree that M-Audio gear is not the way to go. I'm pretty sure you could do better for your price range.
best of luck!

 

[martinofmtl]

When it comes to a ProTools compatible 8 in PC console, I'd tend to agree with some of the other posters who have pointed you toward Presonus' Firestudio or firepod unit.

If you're willing to pay a couple hundie more than I'd look on at a Tascam FW-1884 (around $800 on eBay). This offers 8 XLR 1/4 inputs with inserts and a full tactile console. You also are free from latency worries since all audio runs through the Tascam unit.

 

[brother rat]

If I might make a recommendation: I've some experience with the M-Audio equipment. I do use a pair of M Audio monitoring speakers but all my Delta series gear is collecting a lot of dust. I found the sound quality to range from mildly to extremely crappy, and the lack of preamps meant I had a signal chain a mile long. Now I don't have a lot of technical knowledge about recording but it seems to me the longer the chain the more degradation of the signal strength and quality.
I didn't like the software mixer provided with the Delta either.
That said, my M-audio gear is old and its entirely possible they've fixed some or all of these problems. Also, I don't use expensive mics (mainly due to not owning any) so there's nothing to say it wasn't the microphone or the preamp.
I was using a cheap Behringer mixer (cringe) for pre's and a set of Apex condenser mics. So there are a lot of things that could have affected it.
However the reports I'm getting from other musicians and my local retailers agree that M-Audio gear is not the way to go. I'm pretty sure you could do better for your price range.
best of luck!

Since you hate your M-Audio gear so much and it's just collecting dust anyway, if you have a Deta 44 card and breakout box lying around you can give it to me for free. I will pay the shipping from Canaduh.

 

[aaronmcoleman]

Along with the other usual suspects in the sub $500 category I'd recommend focustite saffire line.

Honestly they are all very similar just look for the features you want.