M-audio 1814 vs M-audio 1010

[nddhc]

Ive searched google and also posts on this board, although ive found things simliar to what i want i havent found any posts directly relating to this

First of all - I need an interface to get clean, clear, (hopefully) noise free recordings on my computer. Im looking to spend under $500-600

A week ago I would have told you I would have gotten the Delta 1010LT. After doing some research on that, 3 days ago I would have told you I would have gotten the 1010. Today i have no clue what I want..

I believe I have narrowed it down to the M audio 1814 and M audio 1010. Although something like the presonus firepod has features i really like (8 mic preamps?!?!) the ability to use M-powered protools with the maudio stuff has just set them at the top of my list. i think its a blessing protools is offering this, but i truely hate them for doing it at the same time.

BACK TO MY INITIAL QUESTIONS
Which will give me better quality?

-Delta 1010 with a DMP3 preamp

or..

-M audio 1814 without an external preamp


the Delta 1010 *looks* sturdier than the 1814. and the Delta 1010 has 10 outputs (though i might not use them now, i know ill find a use for them later on) i also like the fact that it doesnt come with a million bells and whistles like everyone tries to be doing now

the 1814s extra cost wouldnt allow me to buy the DMP3, however perhaps in the future I could afford a REALLY NICE preamp. however, at the same time id rather keep it simple because you can only make a bedroom recording sound "so good". i also REALLY dont like the fact that it only has (i believe) 4 outputs?.. but at the same time i like the fact that it has 2 built in headphone amps..

HOWEVER! the 1814 is firewire and i really like the idea of being able to connect it to someone elses computer or a possible laptop if i ever get one. at the same time, i dont have a firewire card so id have to spend the extra $$ to get one (though not much)

BUT AGAIN, BACK TO MY FIRST QUESTION
1. Which one will give me better quality? (1010 w/ DMP3, or 1814 plain)
2. Which one will give me better latency (if any improvement at all?)
3. Which one is more likely to allow my setup to expand when the funds allow?


Let me know what you think
thanks!

 

[Bulls Hit]

Well I traded my delta44 for a firepod. It's a step up for sure. Plus I was able to sell the mixer as I didn't need the preamps any more.
With the 1814 you're paying for 8 adat channels that you don't need and won't use. For what you get for $600 the firepod is hard to pass up

 

[nddhc]

the firepod sounds awesome but being able to use protools LE with the m audio stuff kinda blew away the option of getting a firepod for me

 

[stalemayte]

The A/D convertors are a lot better in the m-audio 1010 than in the firepod, IMHO.

( I have done projects with both )

 

[nddhc]

will there be a difference in quality w/ the 1010 and the 1814?

or any difference in the quality of the preamps in the 1814 vs the DMP3?

 

[amra]

Keep in mind, the 1010LT really has 8 analog inputs - plus SPDIF digital and MIDI. I am not sure about the 1814.

How many preamps does the 1814 have? because the 1010LT has 2 'preamps' (XLR balanced ins), and the DMP3 will give you 2 more. You will still need four more before you can use all 8 inputs.