Laptop recording mk.100

  • Thread starter Thread starter AdamThomas
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AdamThomas

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Hi everyone. I'm sure this gets asked, a lot, but I have a couple fairly specific questions:

I am embarassingly bad with technical stuff, i.e. how to record on my computer.


What should I get to record on a 2ghz PC with USB? I have recording software, I just need the stuff...


I currently have a mic and a Mackie VLZ pro mixer (1402 - phantom power) with decent pre's.


What do I need beside that? A USB recording interface? Do they make USB2? An Art pre?


Also, I'd like to do this for under $400 - well under 400 if possible. I just need something really simple that gives me a clean signal.
 
You would need a recording interface. There are several USB options, but I personally would go with Firewire. You will have to buy a firewire PCMCIA card (will be another $30-$50) but Firewire is alot more stable than USB. You can easily get under the $400 with everything. I would personally suggest a Presonus Firebox ($299). With the $50 or so dollar card you would still be under your budget and have 4 ins, because the Firebox has 2 pres and also 2 line ins you could use your mackie with. Hope that helps.
 
is that setup really worth $200 more than just getting a M-Audio Pre box for 150?
 
Personally, I've never used a USB audio interface before, so I can't really make comments on that. I think with the Mobile Pre (which is what I think you are referring to) I believe that it is limited to 16 bit. Most people will agree that though they don't necessarilly record at 96Khz, I'm sure almost everyone records at 24 bit. Plus, I've heard some stories about issues with M-Audio's drivers, and problems when track counts in projects start getting higher and USB interfaces.
 
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