Upgrading Interfaces

  • Thread starter Thread starter GreenDayFan2170
  • Start date Start date
Pretty much any modern interface will be fine. So buy mainly on price and features. I can tell you that I have a Focusrite converter and it's terrific.

--Ethan
 
Even though you say the main reason for upgrading is additional I/O, I thought I should mention that I used to have an RME Fireface UFX and downgraded to a Focusrite Scarlett 18i6. I notice no audible difference in terms of sound quality, only a few MS more of latency which is totally fine. I'm not saying the Fireface wasn't good, it was amazing, but just beware that you might not need it in a homerecording context.

If you want Comp/EQ on the way in, you might be better off getting yourself a channelstrip.
 
I'd go for the Focusrite. ;) Great sturdy equipment and fantastic preamps. If you do have a Firewire port on your computer, go for the Saffire range instead of the Scarlett, as they have taken some great features away from the latter.

Honestly, never been crazy on Presonus interfaces. Everyone I talk to says Focusrite units perform better than Presonus ones.
 
Other than the extra ins, couldn't you get an external compressor and run it through the optical in/out? I am pretty sure you can take the input of the analog and route through the external compressor for more flexibility. (My apologies if I stated the obvious).
 
DM60 said:
Other than the extra ins, couldn't you get an external compressor and run it through the optical in/out? I am pretty sure you can take the input of the analog and route through the external compressor for more flexibility. (My apologies if I stated the obvious).
Click to expand...

That's true but I'm a newb when it comes to outboard type stuff. So thanks. I would have never thought of that.
 
Bane01 said:
I'd go for the Focusrite. ;) Great sturdy equipment and fantastic preamps. If you do have a Firewire port on your computer, go for the Saffire range instead of the Scarlett, as they have taken some great features away from the latter.

Honestly, never been crazy on Presonus interfaces. Everyone I talk to says Focusrite units perform better than Presonus ones.
Click to expand...

Would I have better Preamp quality than the Profire? On the Profire I also really have to crank the Pres to get a usable level for mic'ing an acoustic guitar, are the pres hotter on the focusrite?
Thanks
 
Not sure as far as gain, I'm sure you could compare tech specs on their respective websites for exact figures. If you are really having to crank the gain, maybe it's the microphone you are using. It's not unusual for me to have to turn the Focusrite gain almost to max when using my dynamic microphone. That said, I've noticed the gain is much purer and cleaner than anything I've worked with so far.

And yes, Focusrite preamps are bound to be better than M-Audio. I know manufacturer websites are so confusing, each claiming their built-in preamps are the best things since sliced bread. But I think Focusrite is very capable in this aspect, being that their mic pre boxes perform way above their price range, and I am confident there will be a substantial difference.
 
Ok here I looked it up:

Focusrite Saffire Pro 40

•Dynamic Range (A-Weighted): 109dB
•SNR (A-weighted): -109dB
•Frequency Response: 20Hz - 20kHz +/- 0.1 dB
•THD+N: 0.001% (measured at 1kHz with a 20Hz/22kHz bandpass filter)
•Noise: EIN > 125dB (128dB analogue to digital) (measured at 60dB of gain with 150 Ohm termination (20Hz/22kHz bandpass filter)
•Maximum level (A-weighted): 8dBu at 1%

M-Audio Profire

Frequency Response +/- 0.1dB, 20Hz to 22kHz

Dynamic Range 109dB, A-weighted

Signal-to-Noise Ratio -109dB, A-weighted

THD+N (min gain, no pad) 0.0011% (-99dB), 1kHz, -1dBFS

Crosstalk < -120dB @ 1kHz

Maximum Input level +6.5dBu, no pad

Input Impedance 3.7k ohms, balanced, no pad

Adjustable Gain >53dB without pad

Pad -20dB
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top