Looking for a decent guitar interface with pre-amp

  • Thread starter Thread starter Nekrosis
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Nekrosis

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I'm looking for a decent external sound card/interface for USB or firewire, to record some guitars and maybe a little bit with mics (SM57).

I'm using mainly modeling software for the moment (don't need to go crazy for pre-prod stuff) such as Amplitube. Preamp would be nice, and I'd really like to have the ability to connect monitors directly into it...basically to eliminate the need for a mixer.

My current setup is a crappy DI-100 by Behringer into a Noise Suppressor (NS-2) right into the analog inputs in my Audiophile 24/96 card. It does the job but lately the card has been crapping out on me, so I'd like to go for an external alternative for tracking.

My budget is around $300, maybe a bit more if I'm blown away.

Any recommendations?
 
I had the 2496 and upgraded to a Firewire Focusrite saffire 14 $250.00 I thinks its great. The circuitry is crystal clear, the convertors sound great, drivers and mixer software are great.
 
Hmm took a quick look at it, actually it looks just like what I'd been looking for.
How do the "Hi-Z" inputs stack up? It'd be really awesome to not have to go through a DI anymore...
 
Also, I looked at the pics of the back, and I was wondering if I would be able to plug my monitors directly in with a 1/4' ? I don't see L or R on any of the outputs..
 
The Focusrite Saffire line is really a great collection of products. I just bought a Saffire 6 a couple weeks ago and I think you'll be happy with any product you buy from Focusrite.

You'll be able to plug your monitors into the "Line Outputs" on the back of the device. There are four line outs (two stereo sets) so you can plug in multiple sets of monitors. The odd numbered outputs are L and the even numbered outputs are R.

Hi-Z: As stated above, I have the Saffire 6 and not the 14, but the inputs are probably pretty similar. The Hi-Z's are pretty great -- they are a little bit flat, but that can easily be fixed with some basic EQ. If anything, learning how to EQ some flat audio will train your ear and get you experienced with the different settings and frequency adjustments of your EQ plugins. You'll also really be able to shape your sound your way rather than it being uncontrollably colored the second it passes through the pre-amps.
 
Nekrosis said:
I'm looking for a decent external sound card/interface for USB or firewire, to record some guitars and maybe a little bit with mics (SM57).

I'm using mainly modeling software for the moment (don't need to go crazy for pre-prod stuff) such as Amplitube. Preamp would be nice, and I'd really like to have the ability to connect monitors directly into it...basically to eliminate the need for a mixer.

My current setup is a crappy DI-100 by Behringer into a Noise Suppressor (NS-2) right into the analog inputs in my Audiophile 24/96 card. It does the job but lately the card has been crapping out on me, so I'd like to go for an external alternative for tracking.

My budget is around $300, maybe a bit more if I'm blown away.

Any recommendations?
Click to expand...


Even though firewire is being superseded with USB3... you may want to check out this unit

http://www.tcelectronic.com/desktopkonnekt6.asp

Going for $200 plus postage on eBay.
 
BTW, Nekrosis, how many XLR inputs and 1/4 inputs do you need? That'll help us narrow down your choices.
 
I'm only currently using 1 input. Like I said, guitar > DI > Noise suppressor > sound card.

With balanced inputs I think I could do without the DI, maybe even the noise suppressor, so it would be guitar > interface if possible...

Short answer: Only 1 input needed, but 2 would be nice to have if I decide to use mics at some point
 
Nekrosis said:
I'm only currently using 1 input. Like I said, guitar > DI > Noise suppressor > sound card.

With balanced inputs I think I could do without the DI, maybe even the noise suppressor, so it would be guitar > interface if possible...

Short answer: Only 1 input needed, but 2 would be nice to have if I decide to use mics at some point
Click to expand...

I was recently shopping for 2 channel USB interfaces and my top two winners were the Saffire 6 and the Emu 0404 USB. Neither of them are FireWire, but those are IMO the two best affordable 2 channel USB interfaces.
 
Yeah I'm considering the Saffire 6...is the only difference between the Saffire 6 and Saffire 14 the firewire connection? If so, I'm gonna go for the 6, as it's quite a bit cheaper...
 
You will S#it on you'r pants with the quality of the "Focusrite Saffire PRO 24".
Goes for 300.

-----

The MBOX 2 is going very cheap now that the MBOX 3 is out.

I've seen the MBOX 2 Pro running for 250$ on ebay.

Here's an MBOX 2 USB going for $225 USD.
http://cgi.ebay.com/Digidesign-Mbox...972?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item1e5f647514

Plus, you'll get some neat plugins you can use to play your guitar live with protools in
case you want to have PT as an extra option. it never hurts to have this DAW.

I'm a big fan of amp emulations, and i've found the Digi line to be wonderful for live
recording with amp simulators.

My brother has an Omega(USB) with cubase, and let me tell you. USB is a PITA
for this type of recordings. If you want to go USB, go with an MBOX.



Cheers.
 
So far the Saffire 14 and 24 really have my attention. I'm probably gonna go for the 14, but it's almost impossible to find in canada! Argh...
 
Ebay is your friend bro.

There's a bunch of sellers who ships to canada.
Don't be afraid, you can save some bucks on ebay.
 
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