So what's the deal with the interfaces?

[danterecord]

OK I know that if I ask what is the best interface/soundcard, the answer will probably be that there's no answer. I know it depends on how many channels you need, the software compatibility, drivers, etc. So, my question is more like, if you compare different interfaces, without caring about the number of channels, software, etc, is there a difference in the sound you can get from one or another?, is there a cheap interface sound versus a more pro interface sound? I have an M-audio USB (yes, the simplest one, not even the Fast Track Pro) and I'm willing to upgrade. I record on Ableton Live, use EZDrummer, so I only use one or two channels at the most. I feel that the sound I get is just ok, not good, and maybe the problem is me (remember, I'm a newbie) but I don't know if it is worth it to upgrade to a better sounding interface, still with only two channels, to work on Ableton on a regular laptop. Please let me know your ideas, and if there is an interface you'd recommend also bring it up.

 

[aaronmcoleman]

I'm no expert, but better interfaces have lower latency. And, the pres on better interfaces are better (go figure). Probably a bunch of other things too, but those are probably the two biggest reasons to upgrade.

 

[guitarplayr82]

OK I know that if I ask what is the best interface/soundcard, the answer will probably be that there's no answer. I know it depends on how many channels you need, the software compatibility, drivers, etc. So, my question is more like, if you compare different interfaces, without caring about the number of channels, software, etc, is there a difference in the sound you can get from one or another?, is there a cheap interface sound versus a more pro interface sound? I have an M-audio USB (yes, the simplest one, not even the Fast Track Pro) and I'm willing to upgrade. I record on Ableton Live, use EZDrummer, so I only use one or two channels at the most. I feel that the sound I get is just ok, not good, and maybe the problem is me (remember, I'm a newbie) but I don't know if it is worth it to upgrade to a better sounding interface, still with only two channels, to work on Ableton on a regular laptop. Please let me know your ideas, and if there is an interface you'd recommend also bring it up.

I used to use a MobilePre (I think that is the interface you are talking about) so I can comment on it directly. The MobilePre colors your sound a lot more than a more expensive interface, especially when you use the 1/4 inch inputs. The older models also only record 16-bit audio, so when you use the MobilePre you experience some digital restrictions even if you aren't aware of them.

The #1 thing I found when I used a more expensive interface is how flat the preamps were in the expensive interface and how much coloration the MobilePre was giving my sound. It took a while for me to get used to the new flat sounding preamps in my new interface, but now that I'm used to them I can have a lot more flexibility with my sound.

Check out the Focusrite Saffire 6 or the Emu 0404 USB if you're looking for a new interface.

 

[Shadow_7]

Number of channels
Quality of preamps (biggest difference IMO)
Quality of the phantom power (many USB interfaces don't provide enough for some mics)
Sampling rates (16/48 or 24/192?)
Quality of the converters (yes, even that matters)

Number of channels and sampling rates are pretty obvious differences.

The phantom power issue can color a lot of mics capabilities. As in your tracks sound nothing like the samples you heard online before buying it. The mic or the interface. It in theory affects the dynamic range of the mic as well. As does 16 bit versus 24 bit.

The quality of converters is the one that catches a few off guard IMO. I got my Korg MR-1000 because of the converters and as an MP3 player it smokes anything I have. Even a Delta 44 and Mobile Pre. Not that you want to convert all of your CDs to WAVs that can be played on it. But for certain things it's a whole different world. CDs you thought sucked aren't half bad on it. Other popular ones like My Immortal, you can hear every little hiss of dozens of tracks adding up. Even on cheap headphones.

So no, all things are not created equal. Even if they look that way on paper.

 

[danterecord]

Mine is not MobilePre, it is the Fast Track USB, it doesn't even have phantom power, but I use a Behringer Ultra Voice VX2000 as a preamp (that I don't really like much). So, if I use a preamp to be connected to the M-audio fast track, I'm not really using the interface preamps, so the sound should be very clear. Now, my sound is decently clear, but it doesn't have that smoothness that most of the stuff in this forum has, mine sounds kind of raw, which makes me think that it must be me that don't know how to treat the tracks, but I've done pretty much everything, so I was thinking that the interface or the mic have something to do there.

 

[danterecord]

I see your point. Now, the Korg MR-1000 is definitely over my budget, but what interfaces around 400-500 bucks would you recommend with good preamps, USB-based, and no need for more than 2 inputs?

 

[CFox]

I would put noise floor and the quality of converters up the top of the list.
Also look at gain.The smaller tascams have been criticized for lack of it.

This thing has Cirrus Logic converters and loads of gain. It gets good reviews but also seems to have persistent driver issues ( but will work with ASIO4ALL ).

Mackie - Onyx Blackjack

 

[c7sus]

My Lynx2A has never let me down.

Whatever you put through it is what comes back out of it.

But that's an entirely different league than any of the M-audio stuff.

 

[Jim Lad]

I use a Behringer Ultra Voice VX2000 as a preamp (that I don't really like much).

Yeah, you're not really in a position to judge the Behringer yet because you have it running through the Fast Track USB.
You're only as good as your weakest link, I'm afraid.
Look at spending your money on something at least as good as the Fast Track Pro.
Edirol makes a nice one, better preamps and latency but less features, in the same price range.
$200 +, new.
You won't need the Behringer then but for a different reason.
Basically, the more gear you introduce to your signal chain, the more noise you create.
Not true once you get into the high end stuff but for now, that should be a rule of thumb.

 

[Shadow_7]

You might try using a DMP3 preamp to feed the fast track. I've got some sound devices MM-1's that I feed to my mobile pre when I'm being lazy / cheap. But I can also use the MR-1000 as a pass through and capture content on both devices. And do some serious editing later. On the low end, you'll get more bang for the buck on a quality preamp. You really don't know what a mic really sounds like until you have at least a decent microphone preamp. And at $50 a channel you're really not getting what you need. i.e. what you'll be used to (commercial CDs) or competing against (everyone else's gear). Not to say that there aren't some good cheap preamps. But I doubt behringer tops that list.