Help for a Newbie re audio input device?

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rpg51

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I am just beginning. I am shopping for a USB 2 audio input device for my windows xt pro computer. I want to do the best I can on a fairly low budget, ($250 max but prefer less-$150 sounds good to me). I want to record my electric and acoustic guitar playing and maybe some singing. Main purpose is to improve my practice sessions. I want to use my computer. I will need phantom power to drive my mic. I want to be able to plug in my elec. and also record my acoustic via mic. I will use software to lay down tracks and mix.

I already own some equipment - guitars, Line 6 POD XT, Rode 1A mic, good laptop computer, (but no firewire port), crappy voice.

Anyone have experience to report with these:

M-audio MobilePre?
Alesis IO|2 ?
Edirol UA25?

Others?
 
Just an Idea

While this is not exactly what you described, I know the MR-8 (Fostex) has a USB interface. It will do what you are asking and then some. I have seen them for about 250$ brand new and can be bought cheaper used on Ebay. There are a few advantages to this device and one drawback:
First, its a stand alone 8-Track and a great one at that.
Second, It can run off batteries so you can take it anywhere.
Third, you can mix down right on the machine then transfer over all your audio files to your computer as .wav to play with as you see fit.
However, it does not offer phantom power. But..it does have a small mic on it that does 'okay'.
In my opinion, the biggest selling point for this peice is that you will not out grow it any time real soon. So you will not be searchign for a multi-track system 1-2 years from now.
So my advice, buy this or some other type of multi-track w/ a USB interface. It may be a little mroe than you need now, but you will not have to buy a separate piece down the line. I have thrown away tons of money buying EXACTLY what I needed and not thinking ahead.
 
The MR-8 looks like a nice unit. Good reviews. $300 street price. I would have to find a way to power my mic. I'm not sure I understand why this is better than a USB audio input device that uses the power of my computer to power my mics and to store and mix the tracks and that costs between $150 and $235 depending on the model???? Understand, I am a complete newbie. But doesn't it make sense to use the power of my computer and some decent software for these tasks - in the long run? Both the MR-8 and the typical USB input device are limited to some degree because you can only input two or maybe three sound sources at the same time, right? Just thinking out loud here - any input is really greatly appreciated! :confused:
 
Your right, the MR-8 can only do 2 sources at once. Its all about prefrence. I have always tried to stay away from using my computer as my primary recording device. However, I do know several people who do so. Most of them use a small 4 channel mixer (one guy uses a 16 channel mixer) that provides phantom power. Then take the mixdown of that and send it into the 'Line In' on their computer. Those can usually be bought for about 100% - 150$. The only problem I have seen is that if/when the computer decides to crash...there goes the entire studio. Again, it's about prefrence. Both myself and my buddy of 10 years started our studios at the same time (about four years ago). I built around an MR-8 (now I use a Korg D-16) and he built around his computer. His computer contracted some virus and he's up a creek. I have a full rack and an MR-8 standing by ready to take the load if neccicary. I hope this helps you to some degree.
 
I understand completely. I struggle with computers all the time. But, I have gradually landed on a collection of virus protection programs and improved my operating system and my computer power to the point where I have very few problems now. I don't see myself doing anything other than recording for my own personal use so I think I lean toward a usb audio input device. Plus, combined with my computer, it will satisfy my future recording needs as well.

But, does anyone out there have any experience with the M-Audio Mobilepre v. the Edirol UA25????? Is the Edirol worth the extra money given the rather modest use I plan?
 
Hey, I don't know about the edirol, but I have an M-Audio Mobile Pre. The preamps are quiet, have a good sound, and I have produced some great results with it. If you want to hear I can email or post a file or something. I got it for 127 i think from www.fullcompass.com (cheaper than mfriend). Also, I think there's a Tascam alot like it that is around 200 that is supposed to be good. OH also, the mobile pre has phantom power, didn't realize it when I bought it, but I use this all the time for different types of condensers. A definite plus......hope that helps!
 
Thanks for the help. Picked up a MobilePre on ebay for $90. We'll see if it works out. I'm optomistic.
 
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