I've been recording for a while now through analog equipment; Boss BR8 recorder with a 7 channel mixer, later taking the track that was recorded on a zip disk, and editing it in cool edit. I would like to have 4 xlr ins, 4 trs ins and a midi i/o, and would like to be able to have all of those being recorded at the same tame to separate tracks, like vocals on one, bass on another, midi etc, but all being recorded at the same time, for around $500 preferably. Any help would be much appreciated.
We talking about a computer interface, or another standalone unit? If its an interface you are looking for, a Presonus Firepod or MOTU 8Pre will do you just fine. I've only used the Firepod, and its preamps are decent, but don't provide tons of gain before noise. I traditionally use external preamps with it when possible (at least for quiet sources w/ mics that usually put out low levels). I've heard many a time on this board that the MOTU has better preamps built in.
Both of these interfaces have 8 channels of mic pres, or line-inputs if you don't want to use the preamps. They both also have MIDI I/O, so take your pick
if you're looking for a standalone unit, tascam makes two really nice rigs. the tascam 2488 and the 2488 mkII. the mkII is a bit more expensive, though i'm sure it's the better machine. in order to fit in your budget you'd have to go for a second hand one if you could find such an animal. but i just recently picked up a brand new mkI for 450 US.
they have 4 xlr inputs, and you can use them as line inputs too for a total of either 4 and 4 or 8 line inputs. it also has a high z input for guitars and usb out to computer and midi in and out.
The firepod has combo jacks on the front so they’ll take ¼” jack plugs for line inputs (or Hi Z instruments on ins 1 & 2) or XLR plugs for microphones. You can download the manual from the presonus website and it will tell you stuff like that:
, and editing it in cool edit. I would like to have 4 xlr ins, 4 trs ins and a midi i/o, and would like to be able to have all of those being recorded at the same tame to separate tracks, like vocals on one, bass on another, midi etc, but all being recorded at the same time, for around $500 preferably. Any help would be much appreciated.
