Quick quetion on interfaces

[ConcreteHippo]

I'm using a 8 track and a mixer, and want to make the switch to pc/laptop.

I was wodering if i got a cheap audio interface would that lessen the quality of a recording that i already have.

For example say my recording is rated at a 5 if i got a cheap interface would that make the recording sound like a 4 or would it stay sounding the same.

 

[sixways]

what are you using now?

Is it a NEVE mixer running into a Alesis HD? Is it a Peavey USB12 running into a Roland? Is it a Behringer running into a Zoom?

Hard to answer your question as posted.

6

 

[ConcreteHippo]

well right now its a behringer eurorack UB1202 to a fostex mr8 digital 8 track.

but if i got an interface it would be the mixer to the interface to the computer most likely recording on cubase

 

[bennychico11]

it all depends on what interface you're looking at.
if you're really wanting to go the computer route, I'd sell both the mixer and fostex and get something at least halfway decent with the money you get.

 

[sixways]

I'll have to agree with Benny.

If you are getting decent results with what you've got, a good interface and mixer can only improve on it.

Unless you get caught up to hard in the learning curve a new software.

6

 

[bennychico11]

i would even can the whole mixer idea all together.
So many beginners purchase mixers thinking they need them because everyone else uses them. Many interfaces now have everything you need from a mixer without the extra noise or complications a mixer can add. Preamps and control room volume can be on the interface itself. And you won't have to worry about searching for a mixer with direct/tape outs or trying the ol' insert technique just to get signal to an interface that already has mic pres on them! Forget the mixer...yes they look cool, but wouldn't it sound better investing your money in a nice single or dual mic pre instead?

 

[studiomaster]

i would even can the whole mixer idea all together.
So many beginners purchase mixers thinking they need them because everyone else uses them. Many interfaces now have everything you need from a mixer without the extra noise or complications a mixer can add. Preamps and control room volume can be on the interface itself. And you won't have to worry about searching for a mixer with direct/tape outs or trying the ol' insert technique just to get signal to an interface that already has mic pres on them! Forget the mixer...yes they look cool, but wouldn't it sound better investing your money in a nice single or dual mic pre instead?

I second that.

 

[KamikazeKyle]

From where you are I would recomend using a Mackie Onyx 400F to either Cakewalk Sonar or Steinberg Cubase. Or a Focusrite pre with the AD/DA card over the Mackie unit.

 

[ConcreteHippo]

thanks everybody.

i was thinking about keeping the mixer for now, just for drums, and getting a behringer fca202 with 2 ins, just to get used to the whole thing before i spend a lot of money or...

go all out and sell my 8 track and mixer and get something like a firepod