Solo guitarist looking for Quality

[guitar_thingy]

hey

I'm looking to buy an Audio Interface so I can get some nice quality recordings done on my PC, the quality of my recordings is definitly at the TOP of my list of priorities although I would also like MIDI capabilities (i'll probably buy a midi keyboard) and will only need a maximum of 2 inputs and phantom power (I'm going to buy a condenser mic soon, but already have a SM57).

I'll mainly be recording guitar and micing my amp. My budget is about £500 ($900).

Cheers!

 

[David Katauskas]

One option is to get a nice PCI audio card (such as the Echo MIA/MIDI) and a seperate 2 channel mic preamp (such as the DMP3). It just so happens that I also own these and like them for recording both acoustic and electric (micing the amp).

Also, as you've suggested, you could go with the whole audio interface thingy. But my preference is to keep the responsibilities seperate in the hardware that I buy...but that's just me.

Then with all the money you save, spend it on the other elements of your recording chain...it all adds up quickly.

 

[chessrock]

With that budget, I would highly consider getting one of these:

http://www.humbuckermusic.com/fmraudrnreal.html

And one of these:

http://www.djdeals.com/echoAUDIOFIRE2.htm


That would make for a pretty killer combo at that price point.

.

 

[guitar_thingy]

To David...

If I did buy what you suggested how would I connect the DMP3 to my computer? It seems to only have 1/4 outputs, going into the Line In of my PC would surely sound crap? But the Echo card looks like a nice idea, do you know how the DMP3 sounds compared to some of m-audio's small firewire interfaces and FMR's RNP?

To Chessrock...

I looked at the RNP a little while back as I have heard good things, however, how would I connect this to the Audiofire interface as it already has its own Mic preamps?

 

[chessrock]

Through the Line inputs.

Audiofire 2 is probably more along the lines of what you're looking for: http://www.echoaudio.com/Products/FireWire/AudioFire2/index.php

Only catch is you'd have to wait a few weeks until they hit stores, from what I gather.

.

 

[guitar_thingy]

Looks like i will need to get a special cable for MIDI, on the back of the Audiofire 2 it's got a MIDI - S/PDIF port, how is this different? Most MIDI ports that I see have got a simple MIDI in and out like on the back of the Audiofire 4.

Also, do you think the FMR's RNP is really worth £200 more than the DMP3? It's alot of money and I was wondering what kind of quality i can expect from it.

 

[tnjazz]

Also, do you think the FMR's RNP is really worth £200 more than the DMP3? It's alot of money and I was wondering what kind of quality i can expect from it.

The RNP is very much worth the extra money. You won't regret that purchase at all.

 

[David Katauskas]

To David...

If I did buy what you suggested how would I connect the DMP3 to my computer?

There are 2 balanced 1/4" outputs from the DMP3 that can go directly into the Echo MIA 2 balanced 1/4" inputs. You'll need to get 2 TRS cables.

Also, the RNP is a better preamp. I made an assumption that you do not have much else and will need to spend more money. Such as a new condenser mic, sequencing software, good plug-ins for your sequencer, cables, headphones, monitors, ...?

 

[guitar_thingy]

ok, so it looks like i'm going to get the Echo MIA/MIDI and the FMR RNP, they look like a nice combo and should sound great. Just a few questions left though, from what I have read the preamps and the A/D converters are very important in the chain. Does the Echo MIA/MIDI have nice converters?, basically i'm just worried that the card will comprimise the quality of the preamp if the line ins arn't of a good quality. Also can I connect the the outputs of the Echo to my monitors to hear my recordings. Also TRS cables are just balanced 1/4" jack cables right?

 

[David Katauskas]

ok, so it looks like i'm going to get the Echo MIA/MIDI and the FMR RNP, they look like a nice combo and should sound great. Just a few questions left though, from what I have read the preamps and the A/D converters are very important in the chain. Does the Echo MIA/MIDI have nice converters?, basically i'm just worried that the card will comprimise the quality of the preamp if the line ins arn't of a good quality. Also can I connect the the outputs of the Echo to my monitors to hear my recordings. Also TRS cables are just balanced 1/4" jack cables right?

Yes.
Yes. (but you'll also want to hookup some headphones for tracking)

 

[guitar_thingy]

ok, finally then is the Echo just as good for listening to music as it is for recording, as i want it to be an all-round sound card (sorry about the vast volumes of questions, just want to buy the right thing )

and do you know anything about the Studio Projects B1?, I need to get a condenser and recently heard good things about this despite its very low and attractive price, it'll mainly be for recording acoustic guitar or perhaps getting a more 'roomy' sound from my amp with the SM57.

thanks, you've been ever so helpful

 

[tom18222]

toneport? sounds decent for you.

 

[travelin travis]

toneport? sounds decent for you.

i think he was looking for quality?

 

[guitar_thingy]

^hahaha very true, also the toneport really seems made for people who DI their guitars and add effects and amps later

 

[guitar_thingy]

Could anyone recommend some nice, but cheap , monitors or condenser microphones?

 

[David Katauskas]

Could anyone recommend some nice, but cheap , monitors or condenser microphones?

It's all preference, but for a very nice budget condenser (LDC) for both acoustic and vocals, the AT4040 rocks...but if possible, audition some mics.

With regards to monitors...they are all so different...you'll need to audition those too.

 

[guitar_thingy]

Finally, before I buy it seems I dont completely understand one thing...

To me, it seems pointless buying a 'Really Nice Preamp' if it is going to go into the Line Ins of the soundcard, surely there is no point in buying a good preamp if you are just going to put it into the Line Ins, wouldn't this comprimise the quality of the preamp? and i wouldn't get the full quality of the RNP becuase the soundcard's preamps are not as good.

Have I got this right, or are the Line Ins just a way of getting the signal from the RNP to my computer and the quality of the Line Ins have no effect.

 

[David Katauskas]

...the Line Ins just a way of getting the signal from the RNP to my computer and the quality of the Line Ins have no effect.

That's almost correct. The TRS line-ins on the audio card won't have preamps...hence the need for a preamp. What you'll want to consider with an audio card is the A/D conversion. The typical consumer "sound cards" have crappy A/D conversion.

 

[guitar_thingy]

^ ...but the Echo Mia/Midi has good converters?

 

[tnjazz]

Finally, before I buy it seems I dont completely understand one thing...

To me, it seems pointless buying a 'Really Nice Preamp' if it is going to go into the Line Ins of the soundcard, surely there is no point in buying a good preamp if you are just going to put it into the Line Ins, wouldn't this comprimise the quality of the preamp? and i wouldn't get the full quality of the RNP becuase the soundcard's preamps are not as good.

Have I got this right, or are the Line Ins just a way of getting the signal from the RNP to my computer and the quality of the Line Ins have no effect.

It's the combination of both that will give you a good sound - the preamp and the analog to digital conversion.

The preamps in the RNP are very good, but of course the unit is analog only. However, Echo converters are quite good. Maybe not as good as full blown pro gear, but well worth it for the price range you are talking about.

Many "all in one" pieces skimp on one or the other. For instance RME is well known for having excellent (mid-grade converters) Their preamps are rather dull though. So people buy a nice analog preamp and use the RME converters only.

The RNP and the Echo will make an excellent combo for you starting out.