Soundcard Suggestions Please

  • Thread starter Thread starter Husar
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Husar

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I am new to the HR BBS. I have been looking and trying to read as much as I can get start putting together a little home studio. What I need to do is record 1 or 2 guitars (Acoustic Electric or Electric) along with 1 or 2 mics for vocals. Basically a low budget singer/songwriter home studio.

I alreay have an iMac that i will be using for my computer. But what I need help with is purchasing a song card. I have narrowed by decisions down to 3 options. All of these are firewire....

1. Forusrite Saffire - http://www.focusrite.com/product/saffire/

2. M-Audio 410 - http://www.m-audio.com/products/en_us/FireWire410-main.html

3. Alesis iO|26 - http://www.alesis.com/product.php?id=96

I would really like to use ProTools so that reduces me down to the M-Audio 410. But I am concerned with audio quality. If the Saffire would be ProTools compatible I would go with that. The Alesis has a lot of imputs compared to the other devices. The Alesis is also apprealing to me because I like the table top form factor. But in the end I really like the Saffire and that is what I am leaning towards.

I won't ever need to record drums. Just some vocal mic and guitar. Eventually I will get a mixer and a midi keyboard.

Also, how much weight should I put into sample rate of devices sample rates: 96kHz or 192kHz. What is that anyway? Does it affect the audio coming in or out of the device.

If it was your choice what would you choose and why?
 
Well if it is a new imac, I would go with the m-audio since there is no intel mac version of cubase yet and your going to have to buy software anyway so it might as well be pro-tools.

Beyond that and the saffires DSP, they are very similar interfaces.

Dont worry about sample rates if your just starting. 24bit/48kHz is more than enough
 
altitude909 said:
... don't worry about sample rates if your just starting. 24bit/48kHz is more than enough
Click to expand...
Amen, cubed.

That Alesis looks pretty sweet. Never underestimate the value of integrated pres.
 
Damn you Husar! Before you came along I had no idea that Alesis had such a sweet A/D/A box.

Shite. Got to save up MORE money!!
 
I have a PPC older (1 year) 20'' iMac.

Firestudio? I need to find out about that. If you have any information please point me to it.

Cheers.

Ed
 
altitude909 said:
http://namm.harmony-central.com/WNAMM06/Content/PreSonus/PR/FireStudio.html

its an upgraded firepod with more i/o and a remote. I would not spend $900 on it

if you have a ppc based imac then everything (including the firepod) should come with some recording software
Click to expand...


It's $699, not $900. With updated preamps and converters, there's no question this will smoke the Firepod at that price point.

(The optional remote is $199 though - if you just want to look cool)
 
I have decided just to pick up a Firebox. I know ProTools is out of the question with it but I just can't bring myself to pick up any of the M-Audio products in this price range. All the plastic used on those devices is kind of scary. I can diasy chain Fireboxs should I really need more options.

This is just about exactly what I am shooting for in my setup right now.

http://www.presonus.com/images/FIREBOXhookupbig.jpg

If anyone want to try and talk me out of the Firebox now is the time. :)

Thanks for all the help! If you want to see what I think of the Firebox keep an eye on my blog. I am sure I will post an initial review and follow up on it.

Cheers,

Ed
http://www.husar.us
 
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