M-Audio USB: right for me?

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blakelock

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M-Audio Omni Studio USB: right for me?

Hey all,
My first post! but i've been doing quite a bit of reading and researching. I've done a small amount of computer-based recording in the past (line out from amp into cheap SB soundcard and SM58 mic into cheap sound card then used n-track and fruity loops for beats). I'm putting together a new (slightly better) system now but still very bare-bones and simple. I'm just doing recording as a fun hobby but now I have a job and (slightly) more income.

I have a Dell Inspiron (cel 2Ghz w/ 256Mb RAM). I'd like to buy an interface to send in my electric guitar, bass, and vocal (not neccesarily at the same time). Also, I no longer have a guitar amp so I need a preamp (seperate or in the same interface unit). Here's what I think I need:
- preamps (for SM58 microphone and electric guitar and bass)
- USB going into laptop (PCI is not an option because of laptop)
- 2 inputs should be fine (it's just me! no full band to muck things up)
- less than $300
- looks cool (this will help my subconscious feel better about the purchase)

The M-audio USB Omni Studio (http://www.samedaymusic.com/product--MDOOMNISTUUSB) seems to have all of my requirements.
- Are there other units that have similar capabilities?
- I've read some disturbing posts about the limitations of USB inputs. How bad is USB?
- Is there a latency issue with this or similar units I should look out for?
- Maybe it would be better to go for separate units. How about a nice preamp (like sansamp) and then a seperate interface (cheaper without preamps)?

Thanks for the advice,
blakelock
 
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How Bad Is USB?

Not bad at all as long as you have a good system I have the Tascam US428 and it works flawlessly I haven't had a problem yet and I've had it since april, and have hooked it up on a couple of different daws no problem on any of them with it. The most important thing is to find a program that can handle it. I first had Cool Edit and the timing was off when I tried to double a vocal or instrament they would be out of sync so what did I do went to another program. Nuendo to be exact and haven't had a problem since
 
Thanks for the info.

RD243,
I appreciate you recommendation and experience but NUENDO a little over my price range (~$1500). Also, what's your computer like? Maybe the puter capability will help overcome any latency/driver issues. My laptop is only a Dell inspiron 1100 (pronounced "tank") with a cel 2Ghz.

I'll probably use my desktop for recording and go with a PCI interface. The desktop is a PIII 700MHz. Not a screamer but it sounds like I'll be better off using it with PCI than a slightly faster laptop with a USB sudio interface.

For PCI, it looks like the MAudio Omni Studio Omni I/O and Delta 66 Package will suit all of my needs (as stated in my original post above). One question though, why is the Omni studio package (break-out box with amp AND PCI card) cheaper than just the Omni studio break-out box alone???
Here are the links:
http://www.zzounds.com/a--2676837/item--MDOOMNISTU
http://www.zzounds.com/a--2676837/item--MDOOMNIIO

It looks like they pay you to take the PCI card off their hands!!!
 
Try getting u a usb interface I would say maybe the tascam us 122 or 224 they are cheaper than the 428 and the 122 is something like what you posted the link to and try the program called N Track I haven't used it but we have a lot of loyal N Track users on this board and I have read that the tascam us 122 works well with it so check that out.

And for the systems I have used my usb mixer for was a compaq p3 933mhz 80gb hard drive. And also 2 different e machines but the same specs which are P4 2 ghz 40gb hard drive. So as you can tell my compaq was old and had no problems you just have to make sure you change all of your settings in windows tweak it some, tweak the settings in the program that you are using it with, and also make sure you have the most recent driver for your usb interface and once you get the driver that works right with your computer DON'T UPDATE it. Remember the old saying "If It Ain't Broke Don't Fix It"
 
blakelock said:
It looks like they pay you to take the PCI card off their hands!!!
Click to expand...

M-Audio have recently dropped their prices. ZZsounds probably haven't caught up with everything yet.

The Omnistudio is a good unit. Remember though it only comes with 2 preamps. If you want to record 4 mics, you'll need another couple of pres.

You can buy a delta 44 on its own, and hook it to the small Yamaha mixer. Get the lot for under $200 and you've got all the pres you need
 
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