good interface for laptop, firewire, usb2.0?

  • Thread starter Thread starter jcnoernberg
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jcnoernberg

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Hey can anyone recommend a decent interface for a laptop? I've been using the motu 828 and it's been nothing but problems. I'd like to upgrade. I have firewire and usb2.0 capabilities. I'd really like 8 simult. track recording too...
 
j-

I'm curious as to what problems you have had with your 828. It is the first or second version? And what software are you using?

i'm just curious because I have used them alot in the past couple of years. I used version one a mac with Digital performer, and MKII I use with Sonar3 producer (mostly) on a PC Laptop.

That echo stuff is not up to par with current firewire tools out there. I know lots of pros using firewire now, and zero using echo products. Thats people I know personally, not listed somewhere...dont really care about that.

Thanks,
H2H
 
Hard2Hear said:
j-


That echo stuff is not up to par with current firewire tools out there. I know lots of pros using firewire now, and zero using echo products. Thats people I know personally, not listed somewhere...dont really care about that.

Thanks,
H2H


WTF?

So something is better because people you know use it?

Give me a break.
 
Christiaan,
If you don't mind me asking, what's that setup going to set you back? I'm looking for something like that also. Can you chain mutiple Multifaces together or would you use a second Cardbus card? I didn't see anything about where you can chain them, but I might have missed it.
 
The Multiface + cardbus interface can be had new for 850-900 euros. I assume US prices will be roughly in the same range.

You can't link them together like firewire where you can daisy chain interfaces. Using a second multiface simultaneously would require an additional cardbus card I suppose. Multiple interfaces do work great together side-by-side. RME is famous for that.
 
I would also like to know what issues you have with the MOTU, as I have an 828mkII that work flawlessly. I couldn't be happier with it. I suppose given the numerous different PC configurations, one may find that the MOTU isn't at fault at all. YMMV

-Edited to add .... MOTU's can be picky on the FireWire chipset used... Texas Instruments based are the best IMHO
 
re:motu

I am also having problems with my motu 828 soundcard. I don't know. Here are my problems.
1. When I plug the headphones into the headphone jack, I can only monitor input 1 and 2. 3-8 will record but I cannot monitor them while recording them. I can hear them during playback though. I don't understand what CueMix Plus is with regards to the Motu. The manual really doesn't tell you. Is it a program or is it built into the soundcard. If so, do I have a faulty soundcard.

2. When I try and record anything (guitar, bass, or a vocal) I hear this aweful ear piercing feedback. I've tried this in cakewalk homestudio 2002 and n-track (I downloaded the trial).

I'm almost ready to give up and go back to a hard disk. I bought this unit based on a recommendation from a friend. I am very frustrated to say the least.
 
many options

I have just started in with the layla 24/96. no problems so far.
The RME is the supposed to be rock-solid, but twice as much as I got my Echo unit for. Metric Halo, until recently only for macs, but their latest offering is supposed to support windows. It has been "the" mac interface for years and they have a good reputation.
 
mhetheridge,
Did you read my post in the n-Track thread you started?
Can you give a detailed description of your PC setup and also your method of recording. (signal chain) what all is plugged where?
Have you used the CueMix Console? If so, are you seeing levels show up on the meters? Have you adjusted the input faders in the CueMix console?
There are quite a few variables that need to be taken into account when setting up your DAW. One could go on for days trying to speculate as to what types of problems you are having let alone come up with a cure. Granted, it may be possible you have a defective unit. The MOTU is a powerful piece of equipment and until you have a complete understanding of it and it's features along with the accompanying software (CueMix and FW console) I would be hard pressed to claim fault on the unit.

-Ken

-Edited to add this link .....
http://img32.photobucket.com/albums/v95/crankz1/CueMix.jpg

This is CueMix ... this is where you set your monitoring levels
 
Last edited:
mhetheridge said:
2. When I try and record anything (guitar, bass, or a vocal) I hear this aweful ear piercing feedback. I've tried this in cakewalk homestudio 2002 and n-track (I downloaded the trial).

Upgrade to HS2004 so you can use ASIO drivers instead.
 
brzilian said:
WTF?

So something is better because people you know use it?

Give me a break.


And what do YOU do for a living? Hmmm... The people I know are producing records for national distribution and popular radio airplay. You may be into a music sub-culture that hates popular music, but that doesn't negate the fact that the people making money off of billboard hits know whatg they're doing.

Thanks for reminding me why I shy away from HOMErecording,
H2H
 
Not steppin on any toes here, but this is a place to share knowledge,tips, tricks and seek advice from others. It boggles my mind as to why people take freedom of speech to the extent of bashing others opinions, specially when all they may be trying to do is offer help.

Just my two bits. YMMV

If Bashing you must do .... Bash away! It only reflects your own character.

-Ken
 
Hard2Hear said:
And what do YOU do for a living? Hmmm... The people I know are producing records for national distribution and popular radio airplay. You may be into a music sub-culture that hates popular music, but that doesn't negate the fact that the people making money off of billboard hits know whatg they're doing.

Thanks for reminding me why I shy away from HOMErecording,
H2H

Wow...

Actually, I use common sense and weigh price against performace. Nothing more. :rolleyes:

Time to lay off the coffee.
 
One could say that you have been shut up by H2H. I would. But then, you dont care about other peoples opinion. fine.
 
guhlenn said:
One could say that you have been shut up by H2H. I would. But then, you dont care about other peoples opinion. fine.

And what exactly is the point of your post a week later when you just admitted in another thread you're a rookie with cheap equipment? Doesn't sound like you have much insight on the subject anyways.

Like crankz1 said, this is a public forum and everyone can give their own opinion.

Saying a MOTU is better than a Layla because big name producers use it is like saying you can be just as good as Michael Jordan playing basketball by buying and wearing his shoes. Puh-lease...
 
i think that comparing Sound of soundcards or any other music Equipment is like comparing how stoned you get from two joints...

you can get Black widows and just the simple self-grow shit,

some claim the Black widow just makes you incredibly stoned,
but i had some kick ass expieriences with self-grown stuff too !!

its all so personal,
in the beginning i loved reading specs.....but now it doesn't mean much anyomre ....
now i talk to as many people i know....i wanna hear PERSONAL opinions, and no stories about "i know this one dude who used it...and..."

and after i talkted with a shedload of people i try to buy the equipment second hand, or i go find a music store...
but we don't have many decent music stores in this country....
at least not close to my home....


and you guys know what ?
I LOVE MY SOUNDBLASTER EXTIGY

hahahahah

ony for the use of fucking soundfonts.....


see...there's always something that makes you like a soundcard...or hate it ..
i love my DMAN 2044 for the quality...i HATE it for the easynesss of use...(its a hard motherfucker to get to work in my pc! )

my conclusion ?
listen to the pro's that have been using that specific piece of equipment for YEARS.......and after that...go listen for your self....
but don't go stupid, don't just buy whatever you see
 
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