Do I need a Mic pre-amp?

[SouthSIDE Glen]

Ok, well I never said I tried the Tascam. I was considering purchasing the unit at one time, but from what I've heard from other musicians, on the net and at music stores was, it is not recommended to buy the unit. I was told it can have delay problems and all kinds of other difficulties (like breaking down a short time after buying it, driver problems, bad pres etc...) and many of the reviews at various sites seem to reflect these opinions other musicians told me about the unit.

What I'd be interested in is how many of these reports you've heard from other musicians are first-hand reports and how many of them are just repeating the same old Internet stories over and over again.

It's just like that myth about USB vs. FW. The way the story as represented is total baloney, it's a myth that's been perpetuating itself for many years now. I know a LOT of salespeople, musicians, technicians and engineers myself. Probably every one of them has heard the same stuff you have. Not a single one of them, however, has had any bad experience with the 122 themselves, or has actually personally known anyone who has experienced any of these horror stories themself. It always seems to be "I heard from a guy I know that read about this other guy" typs of stuff, but nobody actually knows someone who knows what they're doing who has had such complaints first-hand.

I'm not a recording expert, just trying to offer some helpful advice.

And that's fine, I think we're all happy you did. I'm not complaining - nor am I leaving you with any anonomyous rep in return either, son. He should hear all points of view. That's not a bad thing

It just bugs me when Internet myth crosses my path, and I always try to stomp on it. And that representation of USB as being inadequate for two-channel audio is pure myth un-based in any fact whatsoever. And based upon the first person homework that I have done and lived, I have no reason to beleive the us122 stories either.

Adolescent: Whatever you buy, buy it new and under warranty. You'll have at least 90 days to try it out; if it doesn't work good enough for you you can always return it and exchange it for a different make and model. This is true whatever brand you initially decide upon. It's a no-risk situation.

And just about every box comes with software, and they are all good products. While everybody has their own favorite recorder/editor software and their own preferences, none of the ones that come with these boxes are *bad*. The last I checked the Tascam came with CubaseSE as well as Tasscam Gigastudio. Of those two the one you'd be using is CubaseSE, which is more than good enough for what you need.

G.

 

[adolescentsfan]

I think you're selling me on the Tascam, SouthSIDE Glen.

One question that still stands is whether I can plug in headphones and hear the track I'm in the process of recording, and the existing tracks?
If that question is clear.

 

[wolf70]

Well, I have to admit after looking at the newer Tascam us 122l version http://www.tascam.com/Products/US-122l.html it does look better than the previous version - us 122. It now has up to Up to 96kHz/24-bit recording which is an improvement over the old version and still going for the same price. Also upgraded to usb 2.0. Not too shabby.

I'm not really sold on it myself, but for a beginner it doesn't look too bad. Only 2 inputs for recording at a time is a bit of a turn off. I also don't see where it says it comes with any software, but that's not that big of a deal because there are still other recording programs around like Audacity, Kristal and Reaper. I don't think a beginner would really need more than one of these free programs.

Adolescentsfan, you really should be scouring the web for more info about the Tascam and other soundcards if you want to learn. That's called doing your homework. Don't just rely on the opinions you get at this forum. Do a google search for Tascam us 122l for example and see what you can find out about it. Maybe even join other music forums and ask about it there or do searches for the Tascam on those forums etc... Best of luck and happy hunting.

 

[adolescentsfan]

What do you think I'm doing? You think I'm just using this place? No I've been searching Google, MSN, yahoo, every other thing I can. I've read probably 100 reviews for the us122 and since the 122L hasn't been released yet(that means no reviews and very little info chaps) I've been trying to get every bit of information I can. I've also been doing the same for many similiar products, I'm using this site to clear up questions and gain a different perspective. I've been doing my homework, I'm not retarded, just a noob. My previous and(hopefully) final question still stands, answer that and that should finalize my desicion.

 

[travelin travis]

You could probably get along fine with cubase le. Should you decide you want something better, check out Reaper at www.cockos.com. It's free to try and $40 to register should you decide to continue using it. I've been pretty impressed with it in the short amount of time that I've used it. There's a forum over there too, some quick start videos, tutorials, etc. It's definately unlike any other cheap/free recording software and has been developing at a very rapid pace. Reaper was created by the guy that created Winamp.

 

[ridgeback]

One question that still stands is whether I can plug in headphones and hear the track I'm in the process of recording, and the existing tracks?
If that question is clear.

Yes. Also I would suggest to tone down a hair. You get a little jumpy when people here are telling you to do your homework. Apparently you are and that's good. It's just very important that you learn for yourself and make educated decisions especially when buying gear. We've all been down this road before so it's not our first rodeo.
I think a PC interface and software will get you what you want for quite a while. Then, you'll move up. and up and up...
BTW, mic your guitar amp and skip the fakey stuff.

 

[adolescentsfan]

Sorry about getting a little pissed, I hate assumptions though, especially when they are wrong, and I had been researching for the last 4 hours when I read that so......
I was already in a bad mood when I wrote that, a girl I really like wont return my messages because her friend convinced her that I'm the seed of SATAN(it's actually a little funny). That's neither here nor there, and it's no excuse, sorry for biting your head off there Wolf70.

Thanks for answering my questions you guys, and I do need to understand the importance of learning for myself, good point ridgeback. This is my first rodeo so I'm a little nervous, so I figured if I came here I might be able to learn from someone with experience. I figured having the input of 2 or 3 more people would augment my research tremendously.

 

[ridgeback]

We're here to help and learn. At least I am.