Just an Interface

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HRmusic90

HRmusic90

21st Century Digital Boy
Hello, I definitely liked the two stickies I read "Mixers and Home Recording" and "Introduction to Multitrack Computer Interface Recording. I decided from them that I'm better off with an interface seeing as I typically record one track at a time.
The thing is, it seems like all of the interfaces I come across have preamps built into them. Of course I have no problem with that, but I like my preamp and don't want to put money towards another one. I would like a device that just does a good job of converting to digital (either Firewire or USB, I don't care). But the cheapest one I could find was still pretty pricey:

Echo Audiofire 12

That, and 12 inputs is overkill for me. But it does look like a really nice unit.
I also like the looks of the:

PreSonus FireStudio Mobile

because I could use the rear line-ins for mono or stereo.
TIA for any advice.
 
HRmusic90 said:
Hello, I definitely liked the two stickies I read "Mixers and Home Recording" and "Introduction to Multitrack Computer Interface Recording. I decided from them that I'm better off with an interface seeing as I typically record one track at a time.
The thing is, it seems like all of the interfaces I come across have preamps built into them. Of course I have no problem with that, but I like my preamp and don't want to put money towards another one. I would like a device that just does a good job of converting to digital (either Firewire or USB, I don't care). But the cheapest one I could find was still pretty pricey:

Echo Audiofire 12

That, and 12 inputs is overkill for me. But it does look like a really nice unit.
I also like the looks of the:

PreSonus FireStudio Mobile

because I could use the rear line-ins for mono or stereo.
TIA for any advice.
Click to expand...

This is such a common request that you would have thought some enterprising AI maker would have made a unit to suit but none have AFAIK.

There is an ESI box that is just line in/out but I doubt the converters are quite in the Presonus class. The, without a speccheck I can't be sure but I doubt the input sensitivities are of "pro" levels? Such a box should surely be balanced and +4dBu/-10dBV capable, doesn't cost a lot to do.

Another alternative is an AI with inserts but these are rare as RHS these days and even then only on the first two inputs and they won't be balanced!

Last thought: A 4 input AI with 2 balanced line ins. Good one is the Focusrite 8i6. Better IMHO is the NI KA6.

Dave.
 
I was initially going to suggest the firestudio mobile (2 mic pres and 6 direct line ins) or the echo range.

You said you like your preamp, singular, so I guess you're looking for a small unit.
Have you seen the smaller echo audiofire 2?

Just be careful of the limited extra functions on echo units. There's no master vol control or anything like that.

I can recommend the presonus. It's rock solid and very portable.
 
If you have the option, I am using an M-Audio 192, it has no preamps. PCI based, I've had no issues with it, but only two channel input. Run everything through a Mackie.

Since I am still learning, I'm not that picky with most areas as there are so many other pieces I need to improve before I get to that level.
 
mjbphotos said:
The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 has line-switchable inputs.

What preamp do you currently have that you are happy with?
Click to expand...

I had assumed that the OP wanted an interface with dedicated line inputs? The 2i2 line jacks are, I am pretty sure just padded down inputs to the mic amps. The instrument input is certainly so (+ a high Z buffer) and has come in for a lot of stick for poor overload capacity (F'rite are aware apparently and a fix is imminent) .

Since we are as yet in the dark as far as the OPs' pre amp is concerned I can only speculate but I would think he would want balanced inputs and pro line levels?

Dave.
 
The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 has line-switchable inputs.

What preamp do you currently have that you are happy with?
Click to expand...

Thanks for the responses. I have a Warm Audio TB12, which I was just barely able to afford :p (which is why I don't want to focus on the preamp aspect).
I was looking at the 2i2 as well. It does look nice!
If you have the option, I am using an M-Audio 192, it has no preamps. PCI based, I've had no issues with it, but only two channel input. Run everything through a Mackie.

Since I am still learning, I'm not that picky with most areas as there are so many other pieces I need to improve before I get to that level.
Click to expand...

That looks just about perfect. Unfortunately, my motherboard only has one PCI slot and it's being taken up by my video capture card. I really with they had a PCI-e version!

I'm glad to hear that the PreSonus can be vouched for!
 
"Unfortunately, my motherboard only has one PCI slot and it's being taken up by my video capture card. I really with they had a PCI-e version!" SOOOOOORE POINT! I think M-Audio lost the plot big time by not doing PCIe versions.
The AP192 is a very high quality card. Personally I would frisbee the capture card and buy a 192 and a Dazzle!

Dave.
 
The AP192 is a very high quality card. Personally I would frisbee the capture card and buy a 192 and a Dazzle!
Click to expand...

Good point!
 
HRmusic90 said:
Hello, I definitely liked the two stickies I read "Mixers and Home Recording" and "Introduction to Multitrack Computer Interface Recording. I decided from them that I'm better off with an interface seeing as I typically record one track at a time.
The thing is, it seems like all of the interfaces I come across have preamps built into them. Of course I have no problem with that, but I like my preamp and don't want to put money towards another one. I would like a device that just does a good job of converting to digital (either Firewire or USB, I don't care).
Click to expand...

Here is my take on why this isn't being built by manufacturers:

Most people who have any idea what a great preamp is, already has invested money in there interface. To produce something like a two input 'line level' interface would likely be a failure as far as sales goes. I would personally love to see it, but in the end it is not a marketable venture. 'Hey-buy this low cost interface/converter that has no possibility of working well unless you spend 20 times the cost of it for a good preamp'.

The point is that to get the quality of an interface that has great AD conversion that a worthy preamp will get advantage of, is not really something that a large group of users would buy. If you have the need for say 8 channels of line inputs for use with high end preamps, then spending a bit of money on a good interface would not likely be an issue.
 
HRmusic90 said:
Good point!
Click to expand...

I was looking for one some months ago (too poor now!) but could find nothing in UK. A computer shop in the town had one but wanted over £200 for it and for 2 inputs I thought that a lot. Tempted though!

One downside might be Win 8 and the next OS'ess down the pike? If you are contemplating a 192 it might be as well to get an assurance from M-Audio that Win8 drivers at least are available?

Dave.
 
Sorry Jim,
WTGR, I disagree. The reason AI mfctrs don't make what we need is because many of them are run by non-musical beancounters that wouldn't know what an XLR is if you shoved it.......!

How often do we see a company here, helping, explaining, asking? Almost never. Now I can understand them staying away from some of the dire forums I have seen but HR is VERY well behaved and moderated (apart from a certain guitarist!) . SoS forum is a model of genteel debate but almost never do companies climb out of their ivory towers and come and talk to the plebs!

The idea that you have to spend $2000 to get clean, low noise amplification of a microphone signal has I think been firmly laid to rest. (Of course,IF you want "attitude" iron or Neve, you has to pay!).

There must be millions of solo, duo and larger groups of players of all genres that either own a small PA rig or have access to the line outs of a site jobby. Such artists just need a decent set of converters tied to some balanced line inputs and some gain trim pots/switches. NE5532s are REALLY cheap!

The limiting factor for bus powered USB interfaces is power (USB 3 holds promise here but does not seem to be happening any time soon!). Two good preamps with phantom power, two lines, S/PDIF and MIDI +h/p out seems to be the limit (and indeed folks have had power issues with the NI KA6, for the similarly connected 8i6 F'rite don't even try, you have to have a rat). So, get rid of pres and spook juice and you could probably have at least 6 line ins bus powered, maybe 8. Useful or what? A PAN pot FCS!

Then, those same AI makers could produce a range of very decent preamps? I suggest they are made in 2channel "blocks" and powered from a 12volt rat. The pres could have twin power sockets and be daisy chained to build up as many channels as one wanted?

But, they are lazy Bs and just keep revamping the same old ***t year on year.

Dave.
 
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