Interfaces

[AphexTwin]

Ok, I'm as new as they come to this...this is my first stab at home recording.

I've got a group (guitars, bass, drums, vocals) and am looking for a recording solution to handle recording ideas during rehearsals that also would allow me to work and develop tracks based on those ideas in the meantime (solo).

An analog 8-track won't cut it because of the nature of the editing and arranging I'd like to do on my own. So it comes down to a standalone DAW or direct to PC workstation. While something like a Korg D1200 would do the trick, I'd feel more comfortable with something PC-based... for me it would be easier to work with tracks in something like Cakewalk or Cubase or Reason rather than the tiny screen of the D1200.

My question is which PC interfaces are people going after? I've come across the M-Audio Omni Studio (mobile USB) and the Tascam US-428 and want to know what other units are out there like these. What's good?

I can get away with 2 simultaneous inputs, although 4 would be better. The features on the OmniStudio would probably do the job, I'm just not sure what other equipment is out there. I don't have a mixer, but do have a few mics. Any advice? Thanks!

 

[Massive Master]

You're going to need either a mixer with direct outs OR stand-alone preamps for each channel you want to record at once. That's the easy part.

On an interface, you're likely going to want to expand to more tracks fast - That being almost a given, here's what I'd suggest...

Get an M-Audio Delta 1010LT. It's 10 in / 10 out with 2 built-in mic preamps to get your feet wet. I don't know if the pre's have phantom power (to use condenser mics, which you will undoubtedly want) built in or not... Easily fixed by even a super-cheap Behringer sandwich-sized mixer.

That and $3.50 will get you a nice cappucino while you're making the connections.

After that, you'll just need some software. Anywhere from free (Kristal Audio Engine) to cheap & cool (N-Track?) to expensive flagship programs (Nuendo, Sequoia, etc.).

Looking forward to hearing some stuff in the MP3 clinic. I really have to hang out in there more often... It's been weeks...

 

[AphexTwin]

Thanks for the advice Massive.

Ok, I've been doing my homework for the last few days and I think I have an idea how to do this. I've been taking a look at 12+ channel mixers and am still browsing sound cards, including the 1010LT.

In terms of a mixer, I've been looking at a Behringer UB1832FX or possibly a Mackie 1402-VLZ. The behringer has some nice extra features, notably the effects processor, but I probably don't need that if I'm going the route of PC recording. I understand that the quality of the Mackie preamps is better - in fact, there seems to be a lot of behringer-bashing going on in these forums... since I don't know mixers very well, maybe you could enlighten me on the quality issue?

Now going into the sound card... I'm understanding that I take the 1/4" direct outs (channel insert?) and put them through a 1/4"-to-RCA converter into the RCA line in jacks?

Thanks!

 

[manning1]

a tip - when used a mackie once i found the direct out from mic pre didnt have enough oomph. if you need added oomph try taking the direct out into a line mixer for added gain. then line mixer to sound card.
yes qtr inch to the mini jack using a convertor as the answer to your question.......
basic studio set up i would go for .....
amd barton system 512 ram plus two drives and all the usual stuff.
delta as mentioned or tracertek.com have a maya 4 in sound card cheap, but too new to find reviews. make sure you ask the seller of your soundcard which amd motherboard is recommended. this is KEY.
mics .....try cad....lots of great reviews or demo a bunch of mics.
monitors - yorkvilles driven by a used home hi fo receiver. i just got one for another friend and it was 20 bucks.
software. i love n tracks, magix music studio,powertracks,traktion etc
but i now mainly use magix plus powertracks (both less than 100 bucks).
the combo of both does anything i wanna do.
i tried an alto mixer recently. you could do worse starting up.
seemed pretty decent to me with a nice sound flavour. all personal preference.
peace