Usb interface (annoying question)

  • Thread starter Thread starter Mixteco
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Mixteco

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Ok ok ok. Before I get the "use the forum search"...lemme ask you a more detailed question:)

I am always eyes & ears to each of your suggestions/advice/etc...

I am finally upgrading from using so called "studio quality" usb condenser mics. I bought a AKG Perception 100 for $45 on eBay. I had a simple Maudio Fast Track but it didnt provide phantom power or nada. I now need to upgrade the usb interface as well.

I know I will picking up a MAudio dmp3 for sure. The problem I'm having is choosing the usb interface. I'm gonna be just recording vocals over instrumentals. Occasion maybe record my keyboard but thats just occasionally. The room is treated acoustically with bass traps in corners. Should I need a external pre-amp? or Would you recommend I get one such as the MAudio DMP3? I'm stuck in the crossfire of 3 nice usb interfaces with good reviews...

the Tascam US-122L
DHUS122L.jpg


M-Audio Fast Track Pro
FastTrackPro-large.jpg


Lexicon Omega
Lexicon_Omega.jpg

 
Mixteco said:
Should I need a external pre-amp? or Would you recommend I get one such as the MAudio DMP3?
Click to expand...

This statement confuses me, the DMP3 is an external preamp. If you get this then why don't you just keep using the Fast Track that you have now??

Mic > DMP3 > Fast Track > computer.... record at 24/44.1k. you're good to go.

Ahh, looking at the specs for the DMP3, it has balanced outs. You'll need to find out if this would work with your current interface.

peace.
 
Chili said:
This statement confuses me, the DMP3 is an external preamp. If you get this then why don't you just keep using the Fast Track that you have now??

Mic > DMP3 > Fast Track > computer.... record at 24/44.1k. you're good to go.

Ahh, looking at the specs for the DMP3, it has balanced outs. You'll need to find out if this would work with your current interface.

peace.
Click to expand...

It's this one I got...it doesnt have phantom power or nada.
http://www.amazon.com/M-Audio-US44010-Interface-GT-Player-Software/dp/B00061ZM2Y

I was told I should just upgrade since I bought this lil interface back in '03 or somewhere near the early 00's

 
Yeah im going to have to agree with chili. Pick up the dmp3 and keep using the fast track. I have a fast track pro and am using the a V3 for preamp and I have no problems. What software are you using? Seems your going with m-audio alot just wondering if this is because you have protools mpowered? Either way id say it doesnt really make sense to purchase another usb interface if you dont really need to. If you want to then I can say the fast track pro is decent for the price. Pretty good quality for what it is.
 
Mixteco said:
It's this one I got...it doesnt have phantom power or nada.
http://www.amazon.com/M-Audio-US44010-Interface-GT-Player-Software/dp/B00061ZM2Y

I was told I should just upgrade since I bought this lil interface back in '03 or somewhere near the early 00's
Click to expand...

If you're getting the DMP3, it will have phantom power, won't need it on the interface. So you can continue to use your current interface if you're lookiing to save money.

If you're set on getting a new interface, any of the ones you've mentioned will work fine. They are in the same quality/functionality camp and you can get decent results. And I think all of these provide phantom power so you opt out of the dmp3 or any other mic pre, if you choose.
 

So you're telling me I should just keep the lil maudio fast track box & get the dmp3? Will I suffer latency issues? or maybe quality? Suppose I didn't upgrade the usb interface & kept using this old one with the dmp3, how would I hook it up to the dmp3? Using a regular xls cable, right?

Im looking to save money like many but another question I got is: suppose I buy just a new interface...would I still need the dmp3 to get good results or would I be better off just using the built-in preamp in the new interfaces?

 
Mixteco said:
Im looking to save money like many but another question I got is: suppose I buy just a new interface...would I still need the dmp3 to get good results or would I be better off just using the built-in preamp in the new interfaces?
Click to expand...

You'll get pretty decent results with the pre-amps on the interface. I'm willing to bet you won't notice much of a difference with or without the DMP3. If you were to use the dmp3, you would not want to use XLR cables. If you did so, you'd be routing the signal through the mic pre on the fast track and that might not sound so good. From the quick read I did on the DMP3 specs, it has balanced outputs, not sure if your old fast track has balanced inputs OR if you can plug balanced into unbalanced. (Probably with an adaptor cable)


I don't kow about latency issues with the fast track unit you have now. Do you have latency problems with it?? If you bought it many years ago, M-Audio may not support it anymore, driver updates, Vista, etc., I don't know. These are things you'll have to look at when deciding. Converters have gotten better since 2003.

So, it seems you have narrowed it down to two choices. DMP3 with current interface or new interface with phantom power and no DMP3.
 
Chili said:
You'll get pretty decent results with the pre-amps on the interface. I'm willing to bet you won't notice much of a difference with or without the DMP3. If you were to use the dmp3, you would not want to use XLR cables. If you did so, you'd be routing the signal through the mic pre on the fast track and that might not sound so good. From the quick read I did on the DMP3 specs, it has balanced outputs, not sure if your old fast track has balanced inputs OR if you can plug balanced into unbalanced. (Probably with an adaptor cable)


I don't kow about latency issues with the fast track unit you have now. Do you have latency problems with it?? If you bought it many years ago, M-Audio may not support it anymore, driver updates, Vista, etc., I don't know. These are things you'll have to look at when deciding. Converters have gotten better since 2003.

So, it seems you have narrowed it down to two choices. DMP3 with current interface or new interface with phantom power and no DMP3.
Click to expand...

Mr. Chili...you have been a great help to me. I really appreciate it:)

My lil fast track only has one mic input & one line/guitat input...I think Ima keep on using this interface & just buy the DMP3. Eventually I'll save up for a Universal Audio preamp/compressor & cop a Neumann mic:rolleyes:

For the time being I'll spend some money on my lincoln's worn out tires:o

 
TO Mixteco!!!!!!!!!

Hey Mixteco!!!!!!!!! Hey man i have the fast track usb as well. Not a big fan of the guitar quality but it works. For vocals i use the M-audio Producer USB Mic. I use the Fast Track and the Producer mic with the session software.

ex. I will use the drum loops/ backing tracks that come with the session software.

Then i will plug in the fast track........to record the guitars

I will then unplug the usb cable from the fast track and plug it into my producers usb mic............to record vocals

if you are interested in the quality of the vocals i have 6 songs on mypace that have all been recorded with this setup


www.myspace.com/rapidcityrock
 
Hi Mixteco

If you just get the DMP 3 you will plug it in to your USB interface theough the instrument/Guitar ins using a TRS cable, not using a mic XLR cable

If you get something like the fastrack Pro it has on board preamps and phantom power so don't need a DMP 3

I would consider the USB interface with Preamps. If you're using a 6-9 year old interface then the converters than handle conversion of sound to digital are going to be poor by today's standard, replacing the interface means you'll get better converters and a built in pre and the potential for a nicer overall sound
 
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