Looking for suggestions regarding audio interface / soundcard

[jfreeman]

Hi everyone,

I am new here, and excited to learn as much as I can. It looks like I have a long way to go. Nice to meet you all. I realize this topic has probably been covered often, but I can't seem to find solid information. Would anyone have information about the current popular choices for soundcards and external interfaces? I'm going to be building a rack mount PC to use as my DAW, likely running Windows (though I am open to suggestions), and I am trying to decide on an audio interface type. My budget would go as high as $500, which I know it not a lot. I don't need massive multiple input capability, as I'll likely just be recording one or two channels of stereo at most. Originally I was thinking of just a nice soundcard, but some external interfaces seem interesting too. I have a preamp that has balanced XLR outputs, so it would be nice to have XLR in.

Thanks all,

Jim

edit: Does Tascam have a good reputation? The US-1800 is interesting!

 

[PDP]

I would go with a PCI sound card and a nice pre-amp. You'll have lower latency and a bit nicer sounding preamp. If you want to keep it simple I recommend the Steinberg UR22 or the UR44. The preamps and convertors are crystal clear.

 

[mjbphotos]

The Steinberg UR22, if you ar eonly ever going to want 2 simultaneous tracks at once. The Tascam is a good unit with solid construction and more-than-adequate preamps - if you're ever going to need that many channels.
Do you have monitors? Better to put some of your budget into good monitors and acoustically treating your room.

 

[jfreeman]

Hey guys,

Thank you for your comments. Steinberg seems to carry some really interesting looking products. Would you guys know if the UR22 or 44 could be rack-mounted? Mjb to answer your question, I have a pair of Mackie HR624 mk2's for monitors. The room I am using is in progress - just put down some new carpet that should kill some of the echo. Most of the time I won't be recording with a mic - it will either be electric guitar in or electronic drums. I got a good deal on a used Roland TD20 module, however my triggers are not that great, nor my drumming abilities (for now!).

Thanks again all for your help. I appreciate that you would take time to help out a newb such as myself. I'm pretty excited to get rolling on this. This is my hobby, but really it will be my second job. Just one that doesn't pay (or hopefully pays in satisfaction, one day). Thanks again!

Jim

 

[ric3xrt]

edit: Does Tascam have a good reputation? The US-1800 is interesting!

FWIW I like it I've used one a few weeks a go, nice sound.

 

[JimmyS1969]

Hey guys,

Thank you for your comments. Steinberg seems to carry some really interesting looking products. Would you guys know if the UR22 or 44 could be rack-mounted? Mjb to answer your question, I have a pair of Mackie HR624 mk2's for monitors. The room I am using is in progress - just put down some new carpet that should kill some of the echo. Most of the time I won't be recording with a mic - it will either be electric guitar in or electronic drums. I got a good deal on a used Roland TD20 module, however my triggers are not that great, nor my drumming abilities (for now!).

Thanks again all for your help. I appreciate that you would take time to help out a newb such as myself. I'm pretty excited to get rolling on this. This is my hobby, but really it will be my second job. Just one that doesn't pay (or hopefully pays in satisfaction, one day). Thanks again!

Jim

Hello Jim. What a great name!

Any interface could be made rack mounted. It may just involve a bit of DIY skills. I have not heard of a sold item that is made by Steinberg.

As far as the carpet in your room helping with echo, it will to a degree, but there is much more than that that should be addressed. Take a read at the Studio Building & Acoustic Treatment forum here.

Keep in mind that you may want more options in the future. Just because you only need two inputs now, may turn into 6 or 16 or more later. I myself have two Steinberg UR824's. Both rack mount and I have the ability to have 24 track inputs if I find it necessary later. They ran $700 each. One is really only a ADAT slave to the other, but I felt it was in my best interest to keep things with one manufacturer.

Anyway, welcome. This site needs more Jim's.

 

[JimmyS1969]

edit: Does Tascam have a good reputation? The US-1800 is interesting!

FWIW I like it I've used one a few weeks a go, nice sound.

I had quite good results with the Tascam US1800. The preamps are not bad but after upgrading to a more expensive interface, I did notice a difference. For entry level bang for buck-no doubt it would be likely the best option IMO. Most everything on my website was recorded with a Tascam US1800 or it's predecessor, the US1641.