Need USB/Firewire interface help! please!

  • Thread starter Thread starter willfenix
  • Start date Start date
W

willfenix

New member
Hello everyone. I am upgrading my studio setup to a basic "mobile" setup (where I can take it to band's practice spaces and record them) and I have what seems like a very simple question, but it's been difficult to find an answer, mainly because I'm not sure exactly WHAT I'm looking for.

What I need is a USB or Firewire interface/mixer that will let me record 8 mic inputs (for example, drums) and then have it synced up to my computer/software where it will record those 8 inputs all on their own individual track. i.e. mic 1 goes to track 1, mic 2 to track 2, etc). So that way I can have the snare, kick, toms, etc all on their own track. I was looking at the Tascam US-1800 but it says it has 4 outputs? But is that analog outputs? Would I be able to use that to record 8 drum tracks simultaneously onto 8 separate tracks on Cubase? I'm also looking for the cheapest option available, as I'm on somewhat of a budget. I also was looking at the Alesis iO|26, but I'm really not sure what exactly I should be looking for so I'm hoping anyone could help me. Thansk for your time, hope to hear back from somebody, I'm desperate!
 
The outputs are for monitors, headphones, spdif, etc.. I have a 1800. 8 mic pres, so yes, this will work, if I was you, I would download reaper instead of cubase. I run reaper off my USB stick.
 
+1 to the 1800. Make sure you have USB 2.0. Not just USB input on computer. :)

Oh and 1800 has 10 preamps. Can use XLR to 1/4 cables for 10 total mics.
 
I did a quick google of the Tascam US-1800, and it shows it has eight XLR inputs so it will do what you want: feed eight inputs via USB to separate tracks in your recording program.
 
Yes.. USB 2.0 not 1.1. It has 16 inputs. 8 mic pres, 8 1/4 inputs.
 
The Tascam US-1800 appears to be able to send 16 channels to your recording software, all of which can be recorded to separate tracks. It has 8 channels of mic preamplifiers, 6 channels of line input and a S/Pdif pair. You could record 8 tracks using the built-in preamps, plus 6 tracks more of line level devices (like outboard preamps).

The 4 output channels you mention aren't what goes into the computer, they are what can come out of it. Use one pair for your studio monitors and use the others for headphone mixes, sends to outboard gear or whatever.
 
Almost right. 10 pre's, 8 XLR, 6 1/4", 2 digital inputs.

Boulder beat me to it! :)
 
Unbelievable! Can't believe there's already so many helpful responses, thanks so much guys. Ok, so that's good news, I think I'm leaning towards the 1800. I also checked out the TASCAM US-1641 and I was wondering if anyone knew what the difference between that and the 1800 were? My needs are relatively simple (just need the mic inputs for drums and to record to separate tracks) so if it's not worth it to spend the extra 100 bux I'd happily avoid it.

And this will be another idiotic question, but if I get either of these units, I'm also purchasing a pair of monitors. Previously I've just done headphone/computer speaker mixes where I'd have to go listen to a mix on 15 different stereos and try to get some kind of middle ground. If I get monitors, where do I plug those in? I know that sounds really dumb, but this is the first time I've done this and I guess I just need help with the basic setup. I've got the recording aspect down, but just not the technical side of it.

My setup would theoretically be:
- Tascam US-1800 or US1641
- Pair of monitors (not sure what I'm getting yet)
going directly into a PC with no rack gear or anything, and I'm using plugins for all of my effects/compression/etc.

Thanks again for the insanely fast and helpful responses. I've been involved in home recording for years but this is my first time upgrading to a not so ghetto setup and you'd be surprised how overwhelming it can be.

EDIT: mavn posted above that the line outputs are for headphones or monitors so I think he already answered that. Sorry, I just reread and saw that! Do monitors generally just have 1/4" jacks? Would there be just one 1/4" jack for them (like headphones) or two for each monitor?
 
The 1800 has monitor outs. 4 to be exact. Get maudio BX5a I love mine! And I've had $1000+ monitors and these are my favorite!
 
1641 same but with internal power supply. Actually 1800 has 2 monitor outs that duplicate what the headphone output sends (mix of input and computer output) the other 4 line outs are assignable to whatever you want there via DAW.

Your monitors will get signal from either monitor out or the other 4 outputs on the 1641 or 1800
 
MaVN said:
The 1800 has monitor outs. 4 to be exact. Get maudio BX5a I love mine! And I've had $1000+ monitors and these are my favorite!
Click to expand...

Dude I was JUST looking at these on Musician's Friend (they're on sale for $199) and had pretty much decided on them. Thanks for your reply, that all sounds good.

Jimmys69 - by internal power supply do you mean it has like a power amp in it? Because I also need to purchase a power amp, maybe it would be better to get the 1641 if that is the case. Or would it be better to get the 1800, and then find a separate power amp? And how would I hook that up to the 1800? Again, I realize these are all very cliche newbie questions but I want to make sure I get everything right and don't end up with a setup that doesn't work. Thanks again guys, I should've posted here months ago.
 
Power supply is just what powers the interface. You need a power amp to run passive monitors. 1800 and 1641 are basically the exact thing. Except 1800 has a wall wart. Like a laptop as opposed to a desktop.
 
Powered monitors a much better idea. Bi-amped for the drivers specifically helps ensure flat response. I use KRK G2 5's with a sub.
 
jimmys69 said:
Powered monitors a much better idea. Bi-amped for the drivers specifically helps ensure flat response. I use KRK G2 5's with a sub.
Click to expand...

Sounds good. I think the BX5A's are what I'm looking for. I'm gonna snatch those up while they're that cheap. I guess that about sums it up. Thanks again for the help!
 
willfenix said:
Jimmys69 - by internal power supply do you mean it has like a power amp in it?
Click to expand...

The power supply is the part of the device that converts wall power to the internal power the electronics use. It isn't a power amp. External power supplies are often those block shaped plug ends with skinny wires going to a connector on the unit. An internal power supply will have a beefier cord going to a plain plug end. External power supplies (a.k.a. wall warts, line lumps etc.) are inconvenient but cost less to make.
 
bouldersoundguy said:
The power supply is the part of the device that converts wall power to the internal power the electronics use. It isn't a power amp. External power supplies are often those block shaped plug ends with skinny wires going to a connector on the unit. An internal power supply will have a beefier cord going to a plain plug end. External power supplies (a.k.a. wall warts, line lumps etc.) are inconvenient but cost less to make.
Click to expand...

Ok cool. Yeah that makes sense, just wasn't sure. I'll be sure to post here and let everyone know how it worked out!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top