deciding on an audio interface and software

[Yankee_Racers]

After my 9 year old desktop computer died I bought a new laptop. Its one of the new HP Pavilions with the Core 2 Duo, 2 gig of ram, etc. I guess its pretty good but if its not please don't burst my bubble.

I had been recording on a 4 track cassette recorder, but the unit is having some serious issues.

What I want is a audio interface I can hook up to my laptop via usb or firewire (mini-firewire). I want a very simple setup that would consist of this audio interface, my laptop, recording software, and guitar. I also need to be able to hook my guitar up direct.

I am looking to spend 300 to 700 for the audio interface.

 

[cusebassman]

I think then that the general concensus would be the PreSonus Firepod:

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/prod...-FireWire-Interface-with-Cubase-LE?sku=184131

Gets very good press around here, and has all you could really ever need for yourself or a small combo. The main features are good pre's, 8 channels - and channels 1 & 2 accept instrument-level input, so you can DI your guitar, etc., and still have 6 channels free for mics, etc.

As for a mini firewire plug, I don't know much about the various firewire hookups, but I'm assuming yu can get something that will go from the standard firewire output on the Firepod to your hookup. If not, I would spend the 20-30 bucks and buy a PCI card for your desktop and install it.

Search around for "interface", title-only, and you will get more indepth info on these sorts of gadgets as well.

 

[battleminnow]

I use a mackie onyx interface, but if I had to do it over again, I think I might look towards the MOTU 8pre. Decent preamps, good converters and good i/o options for the future.

How many inputs would you need at the same time?

Pete

 

[Yankee_Racers]

Pretty much I just need 1 input at a time, but since I plan on spending at least 300, I might as well get a few more. I want it to sound good, but honestly I am not obsessed with the sound quality, and I doubt I could tell a difference between most of the interfaces I have looked at. Unless they really are that different. I think I'll go with the firepod though, it has what I need and it has a better price point than the others. I am willing to spend a good bit, but i guess if I don't need to then I lucked out. Thanks for the help.

 

[andyhix]

Firepod is quite good. you'll be happy. I'm not sure about the mini FW, though. It might work fine with the right cable. I recently read somewhere here that the only diff between the mini and std. FW jacks is the std one can supply power to whatever device they are hooked to. [someone please correct me if I'm wrong] The Firepod has it's own power supply, so you may be OK - probably want to check the manual closely online or call tech support before you purchase.

If not, though, a Firewire PCMCIA card could be had for next to nothing.

 

[battleminnow]

Another option would be the Mackie Onyx Sattelite (not trying to push Mackie here, just a good price) for $200. It has only 2 channels, but the Mackie preamps do indeed sound better to me than the Firepod preamps. Plus, half the price, but you do lose the extra inputs.


Pete

 

[knightfly]

Andy's right on the firewire - 4-pin plugs and 6-pin plugs have 4 of the same signals on them, the two extra pins are for power and sometimes aren't used at all. If you wanna interface a 4-pin to a 6-pin, you just need to have a separate way of powering the device (like a wall wart, or...)

Other than that, just plug in the cable (usually after installing driver software) and the 'puter will find it. Easy as fallin' off a log.

I've been using an Echo Audiofire 8 - like the sound, but hate the cheesy headphone volume control, it's noisy as hell. Prob'ly shoulda bought the Firepod... Steve

 

[Nick98338]

The Firepod is a good unit, but it is relatively large, and heavy. Of course, that is because it has a lot of ins/outs. If you need a bit more portability, you may want to look at the Presonus Firebox. Still has decent preamps. Has fewer ins/outs, but then it is smaller and lighter.

 

[Yankee_Racers]

Thanks a lot guys you have been really helpful. I have decided not to be too hasty with my purchase but I want to order something this week because I'd like to get started. Being that I have the money, I think I will get the best interface I can. I don't really want to have to worry about upgrading for awhile and want to have something I can grow into, where the sound quality of the interface will not be the weakest link for quite awhile.

Right now I am looking at the Mackie 400f, MOTU 8 pre, and Focusrite Saffire Pro - leaning towards the MOTU but I need to read up more.

Something I was wondering about, does the software that comes with these interfaces have things like reverb and other effects you can use while mixing?