Equipment choice help needed.

[Spicy McHaggis]

Greetings everyone.

I've got a decision to make, and I need some assistance as I am new to this whole recording thing.

A little background first.

24" iMac
2.16GHz Intel Core 2 Duo
3GB RAM, 232GB hd, 500GB external hd
Alesis M1 320 monitors
GarageBand and Reaper are the programs I intend on using. I'll see which one I like better as time goes on.

I play bass guitar (Ibanez SR300) and have a Line 6 75W amp. I am purchasing the Alesis DM5 Pro Drum Kit in the next week as well.

EDIT: I also have a Casio keyboard that runs through USB.

My question(s) is this. I have done some research and the below products are what I know a little bit about. I would like your input into which one would be best for my basic home studio.

Keep in mind these prices are what I pay here in Alaska. The local shop has the best prices, even though mail order has lower prices, after you add in 40-50 bucks for shipping (yes, even for a small box...) the local price is equal to or sometimes less than mail order. Not to mention I support my local shop.

In no particular order:
1 - Line 6 POD Studio UX1 - $209
2 - Line 6 POD Studio UX2 - $229
3 - Alesis MultiMix 8 USB 2.0 - $329
4 - Alesis MultiMix 8 FireWire - $329
5 - PreSonus Inspire 1394 FireWire - $229

I am leaning towards the firewire ones, simply because every freaking USB port on my iMac is already taken up by at least 2 other USB cables.

Will all of the above accomplish the same thing, just with different features?

For someone wanting to NOT go pro, but just want to record music and have some fun, which one would be best?

Thanks for reading and for your help!
Andy

 

[KineticSound]

Andy,
Welcome to the forums. Glad to have you on board.

I am leaning towards the firewire ones, simply because every freaking USB port on my iMac is already taken up by at least 2 other USB cables.

FW also tends to perform better. Good choice.

Will all of the above accomplish the same thing, just with different features?

Yes. It really comes down to what features/connectivity you need or want, and what sounds best on the signals you're feeding it. You might really like the way the Line 6 boxes sound on your bass vs. you might like the PreSonus better if you're mic'ing the bass cab or singing. Everyone here has their fav's - there are as many different opinions on what interface is best as their are users.

 

[Spicy McHaggis]

Andy,
Welcome to the forums. Glad to have you on board.

FW also tends to perform better. Good choice.



Yes. It really comes down to what features/connectivity you need or want, and what sounds best on the signals you're feeding it. You might really like the way the Line 6 boxes sound on your bass vs. you might like the PreSonus better if you're mic'ing the bass cab or singing. Everyone here has their fav's - there are as many different opinions on what interface is best as their are users.

David, thanks for the welcome. I'm very excited about being here and the prospects of what lie before me!

Thanks for the info about everything. I'm definitely going with a firewire setup - just too much crap already taken up with my USB stuff.

Andy