A
aembler
New member
Alrighty,
So I believe I'm going to take the plunge (back) into the world of computer recording. Was very interested in it around 2000 (with my PowerMac G4) but never really took the plunge into buying an audio interface, etc... That is about to change.
At this point, it's just me and my wife recording into this thing - probably not more than 2 microphone inputs at once, and perhaps a couple other inputs that don't need to be mic'd (vocals + guitar, vocals by itself, perhaps a keyboard as well.) However - and here's the kicker - I'd like to be able to grow sensibly, as I anticipate moving into a space fairly soon where I can setup my drums (again), and start recording drums, simultaneously with other tracks (hopefully.)
So that's basically my question: what Firewire audio interface could/should I purchase today, where the inputs aren't really a problem, but which can still be useful when I need to mic more things? I believe I have it down to two:
PreSonus Firepod/FPWhatever
MOTU Ultralite
I had been lusting after a Firepod forever, but I stumbled upon the Ultralite just the other day and have heard really good things about it. The computers I'll be using for this are
2.0 Ghz iMac Core Duo
1.8 Ghz Core Duo MacBook Pro
The iMac is definitely the main machine for this, but I do have access to a laptop and it's proven helpful. The main advantages I can see to each, as I've read about them are:
Firepod:
Advantage: already has 8 mic pre's, seemingly of decent quality (I don't anticipate needing more than that, at least not for a long time)
Disadvantage: Rack unit by default (I don't have a rack, nor do I really want one for awhile) meaning less portable
Disadvantage: Pres aren't as good as the Ultralites? Is this true? I've read this although I imagine I won't be able to tell the difference with the mics I'm using
Ultralite:
Advantage: Light but supposedly good construction
Advantage: Portable
Advantage: Better pres (?) (see above)
Advantage: Nothing but good things to say about interaction with OS X
Disadvantage: Only 2 mic pres - have to use external mixer when I want to start recording drums?
Disadvantage: No ADAT (so if I have to use an external audio interface, I have to use 1/4" cables to go into the ultralite? Is this true?)
Anything else I've missed ? MIDI is not absolutely necessary but would be nice to have (it would allow me to ditch my ancient 2channel MIDI breakout box.)
Sorry for the detailed yet semi-clueless question. Any other thoughts people have about this problem? Any audio interfaces you might have me look at instead? I'd rather not get any more expensive than around $550.
So I believe I'm going to take the plunge (back) into the world of computer recording. Was very interested in it around 2000 (with my PowerMac G4) but never really took the plunge into buying an audio interface, etc... That is about to change.
At this point, it's just me and my wife recording into this thing - probably not more than 2 microphone inputs at once, and perhaps a couple other inputs that don't need to be mic'd (vocals + guitar, vocals by itself, perhaps a keyboard as well.) However - and here's the kicker - I'd like to be able to grow sensibly, as I anticipate moving into a space fairly soon where I can setup my drums (again), and start recording drums, simultaneously with other tracks (hopefully.)
So that's basically my question: what Firewire audio interface could/should I purchase today, where the inputs aren't really a problem, but which can still be useful when I need to mic more things? I believe I have it down to two:
PreSonus Firepod/FPWhatever
MOTU Ultralite
I had been lusting after a Firepod forever, but I stumbled upon the Ultralite just the other day and have heard really good things about it. The computers I'll be using for this are
2.0 Ghz iMac Core Duo
1.8 Ghz Core Duo MacBook Pro
The iMac is definitely the main machine for this, but I do have access to a laptop and it's proven helpful. The main advantages I can see to each, as I've read about them are:
Firepod:
Advantage: already has 8 mic pre's, seemingly of decent quality (I don't anticipate needing more than that, at least not for a long time)
Disadvantage: Rack unit by default (I don't have a rack, nor do I really want one for awhile) meaning less portable
Disadvantage: Pres aren't as good as the Ultralites? Is this true? I've read this although I imagine I won't be able to tell the difference with the mics I'm using
Ultralite:
Advantage: Light but supposedly good construction
Advantage: Portable
Advantage: Better pres (?) (see above)
Advantage: Nothing but good things to say about interaction with OS X
Disadvantage: Only 2 mic pres - have to use external mixer when I want to start recording drums?
Disadvantage: No ADAT (so if I have to use an external audio interface, I have to use 1/4" cables to go into the ultralite? Is this true?)
Anything else I've missed ? MIDI is not absolutely necessary but would be nice to have (it would allow me to ditch my ancient 2channel MIDI breakout box.)
Sorry for the detailed yet semi-clueless question. Any other thoughts people have about this problem? Any audio interfaces you might have me look at instead? I'd rather not get any more expensive than around $550.
