M-Audio Pre USB Interface...

[uhhuhhim]

Hi,

I don't have enough money to buy a multitrack recorder, so I have been thinking about purchasing this. I would only need to record one track at a time. I plan on getting 2 condensor mics (one for vocals and one for guitar). Also planning to get a set of headphones. I have Cakewalk Home Studio, so I really wouldn't need to buy a recorder.

What are the pros and cons with this piece of equipment?
How good is the sound quality? What can I do with this?

If someone has purchased this and uses it regularly, please post and let me know.

Thanks,

uh huh him

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[philpereira]

i used to use this, and i've found that its a good device for basic recording. i would recommend it for anyone on a budget doing small scale recording. the thing to keep in mind is that this records at 16bit quality, which is cd quality. a lot of devices out there now handle 24 bit, which is supposed to be better. there are devices similar to the mobilepre that do 24 bit, but are more expensive. but if you're just starting out, the mobilepre is just fine. it usually runs around 150, but you can find it cheaper on ebay so it's a good deal. best of luck.

 

[billmcdonald]

I have a good friend who owns it and he does acoustic/vocal work with it and he seems to be pretty happy with it.

 

[Bandman]

Which ones?

What units are capable of 24bit? At least which ones are recommended?

Thanks for the help,

i used to use this, and i've found that its a good device for basic recording. i would recommend it for anyone on a budget doing small scale recording. the thing to keep in mind is that this records at 16bit quality, which is cd quality. a lot of devices out there now handle 24 bit, which is supposed to be better. there are devices similar to the mobilepre that do 24 bit, but are more expensive. but if you're just starting out, the mobilepre is just fine. it usually runs around 150, but you can find it cheaper on ebay so it's a good deal. best of luck.

 

[azraelswings]

Happen to know what software he uses?

 

[Dack]

Quick question: If I got a mobile pre would I need a soundcard in my computer as well?

 

[scrubs]

Quick question: If I got a mobile pre would I need a soundcard in my computer as well?

Well, for recording purposes, the mobilepre functions as an external soundcard. So, no, you would not use your computer's soundcard. If you want to listen to the music after you've recorded it, however, a soundcard is nice (hint - if you can hear music on your computer now, you already have a soundcard).

 

[scrubs]

What units are capable of 24bit? At least which ones are recommended?

Thanks for the help,

I have the Tascam US-122, which does 24-bit. The songs in my sig were recorded with it. Check out the USB interfaces at www.zzsounds.com to see which ones are 24-bit. M-Audio has a pretty good reputation among home recording enthusiasts.

 

[Dack]

I should have explained a bit more. I have onboard sound on the motherboard (an asus something or other). One version of cakewalk I tried wouldn't even let me play a sample project just to listen, though I can usually listen to music just fine. I was thinking of going with the M-Audio 1010lt just to take care of everything, but if I can get the mobile pre and not need anything else I might as well go that route since it's cheaper.

 

[scrubs]

I should have explained a bit more. I have onboard sound on the motherboard (an asus something or other). One version of cakewalk I tried wouldn't even let me play a sample project just to listen, though I can usually listen to music just fine. I was thinking of going with the M-Audio 1010lt just to take care of everything, but if I can get the mobile pre and not need anything else I might as well go that route since it's cheaper.

The Delta 1010lt is a good card. It will give you more channels (if you need to record drums, or multiple instruments/voices simultaneously) and will almost certainly sound better (better A/D converters) than the mobilepre. The main downside of the 1010 is it's lack of portability. The USB interfaces are better for people who record on laptops, etc. or need that plug-and-play convenience.

If you want just a 2-channel integrated (PCI) soundcard, look into the M-Audio Audiophile 2496. It's about $100 and many around here use it.

 

[Dack]

That audiophile looks good (and cheap, which makes it even better). I do like that the mobile pre has more flexibility though. Will the mobile pre work with my asus onboard sound chip w/o needing anything else? I was never really sure about this since it seems everyone else has actual soundcards while mine is just integrated with the motherboard.

 

[philpereira]

i used to use the mobilepre as a soundcard for my pc. like id listen to winamp through the headphone jack of the mobilepre (mainly because my only set of headphones was hooked up to it, and didn't want to disconnect them and plug into the soundblaster everytime i wanted to listen to mp3's quietly). you don't even have to use the onboard audio for anything.