Should I buy the Presonus AudioBox or something else? Budget = under $200

[lespaul_79]

1st post here! I'm thinking about getting the Presonus AudioBox to record acoustic instrumentals at home. I would record one track at a time. Something like this.
Track 1 - Rhythm acoustic guitar
Track 2 - Lead acoustic
Track 3 - Lead mandolin

I want a warm, natural acoustic tone. This is my gear
- Collings MT and an Alvarez Yairi (dreaming of a Collings guitar...)
- MAC with Garage Band, PC with Audacity
- Audio-Technica ATM350 Cardioid Condenser Clip-on Microphone
- I also have a cheapy MF MXL 990 Condenser Microphone

Soooo should I get the Audiobox or something else? Looking to spend under $200.

 

[mr manchester]

I recently bought the Audiobox for a new laptop when my old computer died. Audiobox comes with the basic version of Presonus Studio One software. I had previously used ACID Pro for many years with outboard effects and liked the idea of having everything I needed on the laptop.
I can't honestly say how the Audiobox compares to other DAWs, but I have to say I have been mightily impressed, not only by the quality of sounds I'm able to produce, but by how easy it is to use.

I record what is best described as acoustic pop-rock. I still use the ACID loops for the drum and percussion backing, then record layers of acoustic guitars (usually using both mic inputs simultaneously) then I'll add other stuff: bass, electric, 12-string, vocals, mandolin, harmonica...whatever is at hand really and build up quite a number of tracks before preparing to mix.
I have had very little problem learning the software and have recorded 14 songs in about 4 weeks.

 

[mjbphotos]

The Presonus is just an interface. Your mics and onboard processing (whatever software you use) will determine the sound.

 

[lespaul_79]

Anything else in that price range that I should look into? Thanks!

 

[Papanya420]

AudioBox USB by Presonus....

I have nothing but praise for this thing....it does what it's supposed to do. I bought it at The Gutar Center for around $150.00. It came with Studio One - Artist, but I payed an extra $200.00 to upgrade to Pro which allows you to master and burn Red Book audio CDs (provided you have a CD burner in your computer). When u upgrade you get more effects and loops and much more. It could really keep you busy for a lifetime. I had also bought a Presonus Faderport ($129.99)and a Presonus Monitor Control Station ($299.99). The Faderport has a motorized fader and it controls Studio One better than other recording software. The Monitor Station is great and allows you to hook up up to 3 sets of powered reference monitors or 2 sets of monitors and a subwoofer and comes with 4 channel headphone amp and more. I'm a big Presonus fan....I wish they made more stuff. I use the AudioBox for recording vocals mostly. I use an Audio Technica AT2035 cardoid condenser microphone through a BOSS VE 20 Vocal Processing Pedal as a preamp. Excellent sound everytime. If u get the AudioBox make sure you have at least 4GB of RAM and a duo core processor or it will sound like shit once u get 10 or more tracks going.