Firewire Interface purchasing advice

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I'm the father of a 17 year old drummer who would like to start recording himself playing. For Christmas, I bought him an 8 mic kit and now I'm seeking a firewire interface and this is where I'm struggling to determine which one to purchase. At Guitar Center, I was shown the PreSonus FireStudio Project and the M-Audio 2626. The audio guy said he thought the PreSonus unit was the better buy because it came with a full version of software. I've read reviews on both and it sounds like they both have good and bad. The PreSonus apparently doesn't have the the preamp gain range above 50db and I've read of issue with it losing communication with the CPU. I've read that ProTools can be a little overwhelming for a beginner. Sounds like the 2626 is a solid interface though.

We have a PC laptop with firewire but not sure if it has the TI chipset which could lead to issues. I'd like to go ahead and get a Mac but the wife doesn't care for that idea (cost!).

Should I be looking at anything else for a teenager just getting into recording? Does it make any sense to go up in price for better quality, stability, features, etc... if he's just going to be recording himself playing the drums or along to songs? He'd like to do some videos and upload them to youtube as well.

Just a dad trying to buy it right the first time and not have regrets afterward. Thanks in advance for any help you can provide. The little knowledge I personally have is what I've read online the last day or so.
 
Thank you for your reply. I don't mind spending more for quality and a better overall user experience within reason. I'm looking to stay in the $500-$1000 price range and it appears the unit that you suggest is a good low end model. It apparently provides a lot for the pricepoint it is at.

My followup question is, in the price range I'm looking at, what models are deemed the best? Am I on target with the PreSonus FS Project and M-Audio 2626 or should I be considering other models that have better quality and controls?
 
The USB Interfaces are just as good a firewire and you don't have to worry about chipset. Do some research on USB interfaces and then buy one in your budget. Or buy a mixer with USB that feeds multiple signals. I have an Alesis Multimix USB 2.0 and it sends 16 individual tracks to the computer via USB. There are many other USB mixers that do the same.
 
As was alluded to by others, Firewire can sometimes be an "iffy" proposition due to incompatibilites between various computer components. Given that the newer USB units offer performace rivalling Firewire, I would go with USB.

Allow me to throw out another option: Zoom R24 | Sweetwater.com

This unit would allow your son to get started recording without the learning curve associated with computer-based DAW's (digital audio workstations).

This unit can also be used as a USB interface to the computer, with the ability to record 8 simultaneous inputs, and it comes with Cubase LE, which is generally regarded as decent "starter" DAW software.

All DAW software has a learning curve, some steeper than others (and BTW, Pro Tools, while it may be a little more difficult to learn than other software, isn't really that hard to learn for someone who is motivated).

But, for a kid just starting with recording, the immediate thrill of producing a recording, as can be done with the Zoom unit, may well give a kid the impetus to "dive in" to getting deeper into recording, and to learn how to work with a DAW.

But whatever equipment you choose, good luck to you, and I think it's great that you are helping your son with this endeavour, and trying to get him good equipment. The world needs more dads like you...
 
Thanks for the advice and the compliment. I will start to look into the USB interfaces, something I haven't done. I appreciate the recommendations as well.
 
Thanks for the link. I'm curious to see where this all goes with him.
 
You're an awesome dad.

I'm printing this out and sending it to my dad.
 
Zoom R16 might be an option. Stand alone so no driver, computer woes. Not the greatest if you want pro-ish results. But should be mostly functional.

Zoom - R16


If you're worried about compatibility. Check it's support in Linux. If it's good there, you'll have a fallback option.

List of Supported Devices - FreeBoB


I wouldn't worry to much about 50dB for a drummer. I rarely run my preamps that hot, and when I do I'm at a talking voice from 6' or more out, or recording the birds in the yard. As a trombone player, I rarely go beyond 18dB on the gain for in house stuff. Sure, for dynamics and ribbons on other mic types you need that type of gain. But that is something that you could get later in an external preamp if need be.

I'd recommend firewire over usb, but only because the bus speed is faster and the power supply is greater for the mics that need 48V, better odds. But USB3 is out, and someday USB3 interfaces will be more common. But many USB devices are still CD quality as basically their max ability. If you want to do some serious editing / effects or just speed up or slow down a track to match that of camcorder, having 24/96 or better abilities is a must IMO.
 
I want the best sound I can get for him for under $1000. I realize some software will have a steeper learning curve but I really want him to immerse himself in this and get away from the Xbox 360!! I don't intend to help much other than guide him in the right direction initially. I may find that I like it as well though and help him more than I say right now but he needs a real hobby and I think with the drums and recording, it should keep him occupied for as much time as he cares to invest.

I started looking at the Steinberg MR816 CSX this evening. It's a bit more than previous models I've researched and I haven't read everything I need to about the unit yet. It looks like it will handle 8 mics, with 2 XLR inputs in the front and 6 in the back if I'm not mistaken. That's the minimum he needs since he has an 8 mic kit, well, he will come Christmas.

I'll need to look into the 24/96 capabilities more. I don't know why that is important because I don't know what that is and why it would be beneficial. I have a Canon Hi-Def camcorder he will be using to video himself while drumming and he'll then want to edit in the song he's playing. I just got a DVD from his favorite drummer on youtube (Cobus Potgieter) and it shows how he does his videos. My son wants to do the same. He's actually quite good. If you want to check him out, he's got numerous videos on youtube, jsust search his first name and they'll pop up for you.

I'm having a computer friend look over my laptop to see if it has the TI chipset and he's going to install a new OS and more memory for me (free!). At least I'll know whether to entertain firewire after this weekend. I would rather not go buy a Mac right now. I'd like to see how this goes for awhile before I make more of an investment. I've always been willing to invest in my son as long as he proves to me it's a worthwhile investment and he will make good use of my money. He's been a great kid and he just brought home straight A's for this semester. I'm proud of him and I hope he enjoys what could become a life long passion.

I appreciate all of the advice so far and keep it coming, please. I'm looking into every suggestion. I know I can go cheaper and easier to learn but I want to make one good solid investment to get him going and let him determine where it goes from there.
 
Dude, you're an awesome dad for doing all of this! I remember recording my first song and telling my dad about it, and he was just like, "Oh cool..." then went back to watching football. :laughings:

Save yourself some cash and go with usb 2.0! It does just as good! I know somebody else recommended the Tascam us-1641, but I'd just like to second that! ;) Amazing interface for the cash right there! I'd like to see your son's youtube vids! what do I have to search for?
 
USB 2.0 has a limited bus speed. That's why you're probably not going to get > 24 bit / 96 kHz / 2 channels on a USB interface. Firewire has more potential for expansion. USB 3.0 too, but so not there yet. In terms of resource availability PCI and PCIe can't really be beat. If a desktop can be used. I tend to avoid desktops, too loud, too hot, and if you don't have a proper desk + chair (pesky over sized bed) a pain to interface with. Plus that power going out and losing all your current work thing. I know UPS and other things, but a laptop takes care of that by default. Just the thought of lugging a UPS, Desktop, 2+ speakers, a display, a power strip, the cables, the...., even with a little red wagon..., and I love my laptop, even though the desktop has > 2x's the computing power.

I use a stand alone device that doesn't need a bus to just work. I tend to avoid a PC at the point of capture all together. There can be unexpected issues at the worst possible moment. Battery life issues while on location and no tethering options. Plus automatic updates and some service pack might break your device drivers. Or you just want your PC doing other things like converting the previous video, while you record some more.

Have you talked with the kid about this? Or is it all a surprise. You might get away with just a zoom H4n to supplement the camcorder. Depending on what / how / how much he gets into the recording thing. I started with just audio expecting to get into composing or laying down harmonies with my monolithic trombone. Sort of a way to justify / encourage spending more time on practicing / playing. But I've ultimately settled on the complete A/V recording / editing route of OTHERS work. Just a slightly different version of a video game I suppose. But I'm an old fogey, and was never really pretty enough to make it per say. Which didn't matter much in the 80s, but in the 00s, you can't be a super star and not at least have to option to have equal success in modeling or something. Basically one route lead to another. Old guy with the equivalent of a soccer mom on steroids field rig here. Even if I waste it on stupid youtube vids.

YouTube - SGU Cancelled
 
My son doesn't have any youtube videos...yet. That's primarily what this is all about. He wants to do this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ZCHMewvc70 I would think once he gets the hang of this, he'll want to record some jam sessions, etc.. when a guitar player stops by or there has been talk of a band.

We'll use my laptop if the chipset is OK and we can add memory to it. The son doesn't know anything about this yet. He'll get the mic kit tomorrow as we'll be on the road for Christmas eve and Christmas. I'll have to share the news that we don't have an audio interface yet and that will be next to get. I have a bad habit of purchasing higher end stuff, mostly because I don't like to upgrade so I'm pretty sure a $300 or less unit will not satisfy my desire for my son to have better equipment. I know buying a less expensive unit would probably be the way to go and maybe easier for him to learn on and I appreciate the suggestions on the Zoom and Tascam units.

I'm a bit disappointed that the M-Audio 2626 doesn't come with software. That is probably the unit I'm leaning toward right now unless further research on the Steinberg changes my mind. Anyone have some experience or working knowledge with that product?
 
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Drums are a bit tougher since you want more than one or two mics on the kit. No way to get off cheap per say. 8 channels is the basic setup, he'll probably use six of them. And that's not including mics and cables. Which is the main reason for recommending lower end, but still good stuff. 8x mics, even at $50 each, $400. 8x cables at $25 each (cheap ones), another $200. Plus an R16, $400. So low end all around and you're looking at $1,000 already. Without the mic stands and boom arms and stuff (8x * $50 ($20 stand + $30 boom) = $400).

You can always upgrade later. Yeah, it's still buy cheap, buy twice. But if he's going to wreck it learning or lose it all in the parking lot of a pub (or church) at a gig.
 
The only thing lower-end about the 1641 is the price. But if you'd enjoy the feeling of parting with an extra $200 or so, by all means... :D Cables and stands can add up in price a lot faster than you think!
 
KCPYRO said:
I'm a bit disappointed that the M-Audio 2626 doesn't come with software. That is probably the unit I'm leaning toward right now unless further research on the Steinberg changes my mind. Anyone have some experience or working knowledge with that product?
Click to expand...

I haven't used that particular unit, but I've been using two MAudio 1010lt cards together for the past several years. NEVER a glitch or issue with them. If you need software, pick up Reaper REAPER | Audio Production Without Limits Its only $40 and lots of people prefer it over ProTools, Cubase, etc...

I know lots of people like stand alone units here, but I'll be one to say I think using a computer with an actual screen is way easier to use than a stand alone recorder. Reaper is about as newb-friendly as it gets IMO.

Pretty cool what you're doin. I have a 5 year old son and 2 year old daughter. We have music instruments all over the house and my band practices at our house twice a week. I hope they pick it too...
 
Thanks for the additional replies. I already have the 8 mic kit that has the cables and stands, so that's already been purchased. The AI is next. Based on some of the recommendations here, I think I'm going to give the Tascam US 1641 a chance. Since this model is discontinued yet still available, is there any reason to go for it's replacement, the US-2000? Looks like B&H has a great shipped price on the 1641 and for $20 more, you can get a 3 year warranty on it.

OK, if I get the AI, is there a need (and I mean NEED) for any other gear?

Also, can someone explain what the importance of phantom power for condenser mics is? The 2000 has it where the 1641 does not. Thanks.
 
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