RME Multiface worth it?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Morningrise 24
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Morningrise 24

New member
Hows everyone doing? This is my first post and just wanted to say hi to everyone!

I have been doing some research over the last few days, and have been pondering whether to get the Echo Layla G3 or the RME Multiface (w/ PCI card). I have read good things about both, but I need some help as to whether or not the RME is $400 better than the Layla as far as quality recordings go.

I was originally gonna fo with the Aardvark Q10, but they went the way of the dodo, and the E-Mu 1820M is promising, but considering my Athlon processor and the chipset, I will steer way clear of their non-existant software support. Here is my setup:

PC

Athlon 64 3200+
Asus KV8 (VIA chipset)
1 GB RAM
Radeon 9600/256 MB RAM, dual monitor support
10,000 RPM SATA HDD (Application/OS)
160 7200 IDE HDD (Storage)

Monitors- Yorkville YSM powered

Mics- SM57, Behringer B1, AKG D112, AKG C1000S, Behringer Omni.

I will be recording my Metalcore group mainly, so I want something that gives me great quality. I am also looking for either a very high quality 2 channel preamp or a high quality preamp that are around $800. I was looking at the 4 channel Sytec for $850 and I hear that sounds very nice. Thanks in advance for any help!
 
Morning,

This is just off the top of my head.... You didn't specify a budget, you didn't state how many channels w/preamps you are going to need, nor whether or not you needed any DI for instruments. While you did state that you wanted a...
...very high quality 2 channel preamp or a high quality preamp that are around $800...
Click to expand...
... your mic lineup is the weak link in that chain.

I was also puzzled by you grouping the RME MultiFace/PCI combo ($1.5K) with the Layla 3G ($.5K)... seemed like you were deciding whether you wanted to pop for a bottle of British Royal Navy Imperial or a bottle of Captain Morgan.

Other than the SM7B I have not used the following gear, but I hear good things...

Assuming you need ten channels, two of which would be relative 'gold' channels, and assuming you aren't made out of money, you might consider a Presonus Firepod for $600, two M-Audio TAMPA mic pre/compressor (w/SPDIF out to the Firepod SPDIF ins) $800, and two Shure SM7B dynamics for $630, just a tad over $2K...

Or not.

Luck.
 
You can't go wrong with RME.
It may not be the most affordable brand but their products and support are top notch.

(Satisfied RME Fireface user)
 
I have a RME digiface. Love it. Only problem is that it isn't the Multiface, but I got a deal. Work just like it's supposed to.
 
The computer I built for recording looks much like yours:Athlon 3200, Asus board. I bought the Layla3g for this computer. Reasons:

I used the Echo Mia for two years and was pleased with its performance.
The Layla3g has a healthy number of ins and outs.

Now, sound quality is the main issue. Place the tech specs of the Layla3g next to the emu 1820m and so on. They're all the bloody same! I swear to god, it doesn't matter. I went with the Layla instead of the emu 1820m because I like Echo. The company is down the street from me. They are a smaller shop. Their gear is sexier. It's affordable. Plus, their gear has worked for me in the past. I didn't buy the EMU cause I just didn't like it. Why? I don't know...the color of the box maybe? I bet it works great though.

With the latest generation of sound cards in the $500 - $700 range, you're gauranteed a great recording sound. I'll recommend the Layla because it works flawlessly for me, but the RME and the EMU are probably bitchin too, so hurry up and buy one before you forget the songs you want to record!

BTW, the Layla3g pre's are pretty decent. They weren't really a selling point for me, but I like them because, as it turns out, they are clean, noiseless, and handy. They are always on and right next to me when I want to plug in and throw down an idea.
 
Thanks for the responses everyone. I decided to definitley go with the RME Multiface just because I want to try and not upgrade every year and I know the this is a top quality unit before you get into the real professional stuff.

I am still looking into the Sytek. I hear it is a great preamp, but I need to buy some mic pads to decrease the power of the signal. This is not a problem but now I know why my Audio Buddy was distorting! (learning is good!)

The mics is another thing I want to upgrade, and I know my current choices are a little on the weak side. The D112 and the SM57 are great mics that any professional might use in their studio so they will suffice. Now all that I need is a great vocal mic for hardcore, a pair of drum overheads, and tom mics. Here are my thoughts:

Overheads: I want a pair of Rode NT5's, but I may just go with2 Studio Project B1's for now till I can scrap up some more money

Toms: I want to get 1 Sennheiser MD 421 for now, and later on get 1 or 2 more.

Vocal Mic: I really like the SM57 on my vocalists tracks, but another mic that is good for rock music that is under lets say $350 would be great.

I will be coming into money in February in which I hope to update the mics and maybe pick up a 1 channel SUPERB mic preamp for vocals and guitars etc, but this is what I am looking at for the basis of my project studio.

Any criticisms, insights, etc are greatly welcome!
 
I love my Sytek. Great pres to use for your basics. Quiet and very clean. Nice powerful musical sound. You can't go wrong there.

Pick up a Great River and a good tube pre later.
 
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