Need new audio interface

[Dallasblues]

Hey guys.

I'm afraid that my old (1st generation) M-Audio MobilePre USB interface is outdated. M-Audio has since come out with a newer version and no longer supports the 1st generation model with drivers compatible with my Mac OS X Yosemite. It was a usable piece of hardware but perhaps it's time to move on.

I'm thinking of upgrading now. I'd like as many inputs as I can get for the money. I'd been getting by just fine with the 2 inputs on the MobilePre for a while, but I think I want more if I'm gonna buy a new interface. Eventually, I'd like to take on bigger recording projects. Focusrite and Presonus both offer what look to be pretty decent devices that'll allow multiple inputs simultaneously. I'd like to try recording full-band situations live.

Here's what I'm looking at...

Focusrite Scarlett 18i8
Focusrite Scarlett 18i20
Presonus 44vsl
Presonus 1818vsl

These all offer either 4 or 8 mic inputs. However the price difference between the 4 input models and 8 input models is pretty noticeable. Has anyone had any luck recording a full band using any of these models?

Thanks!

 

[Brenton]

Don't worry about the m-audio! I still have a mobile pre usb and use it on a spare computer!

I've never used any of the models you've listed but have an older presonus firepod with semi-close features to the newer presonus. I've always liked the sound I was able to get out of the presonus units. The biggest thing I've found with my firepod is that I've had to crack the case open more than once and do a little repair work to it. I did buy it broken, so the first time doesn't count!

Check out the features of each model. You'll be the best judge as to what you will end up needing. They will all sound very similar since they are competing with one another. If you're never gonna use more than 4 ins at a time, get one of the interfaces with less inputs. If you think you're gonna end up wishing you had more inputs, its a worthy sacrifice to make and spend a little more to get 8.

Given the choice between them all, I wish I'd say that I'd go for the presonus, but I'm pretty sure the Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 would be the one I'd end up taking home.

As for the mobile pre, set up a linux box (ubuntu studio), give it to your kids, and take your chances in the open source world for a bit!