whats the best audio interface?

  • Thread starter Thread starter e unum pluribus
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e unum pluribus

e unum pluribus

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ultra portable recording

i need the best usb audio interface with the best preamp compatable with n audio for under 200$ new...

i am in need of a ultra portable recording setup compatable with my laptop and n-audio. i will only be recording one track at a time.

what are your reccomendations?
 
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i did, could you help me out and tell me what to search for? cause you do a search for audio interface with the words audio interface and preamp and got no particular threads talking about which usb interface has the best stock preamps
 
It helps if you have narrowed down your search to a few specific models that you can type into the search box. If not, something like "USB interface $200" might yield some results. Also checck out product reviews on music sales websites, online magazines, and harmony-central.

No all-in-one USB interface under $200 is going to have great preamps and I doubt anyone has tried them all in any sort of "shoot out." I own a Tascam US-122 and think it is certainly capable of decent recordings. The preamps are quiet and don't really get in the way. If I were buying today, I'd also be looking at the M-Audio Fast Track Pro, given my experiences with other products by M-Audio and the particular feature set of this device. Basically, pick the one that has the features you need and go with it.
 
ok i read about the usb interfaces with preamps included and they sound pretty sucky so how about this MAudio Transit USB 24/96 Laptop I/O and a decent preamp with a c1?
 
Personally I'd go with Firewire for the latency issue alone. Latency drives me nuts.

Pretty much all the low-end boxes are made with the same basic components, and are comparable on sound quality so:

Basically, pick the one that has the features you need and go with it.
Click to expand...
 
e unum pluribus said:
ok i read about the usb interfaces with preamps included and they sound pretty sucky so how about this MAudio Transit USB 24/96 Laptop I/O and a decent preamp with a c1?
Click to expand...

I don't know much about that unit, but I typed "Transit USB" into the search and found several users who had problems with the drivers on that device (though some were successfully using it to transfer analog recordings to their comptuers).

If price is the issue, you only need 1 or 2 inputs, and you're recording to a laptop, the USB interfaces are just fine. The advantage of these devices are: they take care of all your routing (headphones, monitors, etc.) and a/d/a conversion needs; they are highly portable; they are generally easy to set up, although the initial installation can be troublesome for some folks; they usually come with free software -- I don't know what n-audio is, but the Cubase LE that comes with the Tascam unit is a solid recording program. Basically, you plug them in, install the software, and you're recording.

Mbrane's suggestion of FireWire is a good idea, although those units are more expensive. I've rarely encountered any latency issues with my usb device on either laptop or desktop use, but YMMV. The presonus firewire interfaces have a decent reputation and the preamps seem ok, too.

Basically, if you're serious about recording, this device may only be a stepping stone for you. Eventually, you may want to upgrade to a better soundcard, preamps, etc. $200 is peanuts in the recording world and, while you get a lot for your money with these devices, they really are entry-level gear.
 
yeah im feelin you on the usb entry level stuff. i have a usb m-audio quattro/ art pre/ mxl 990 set up at home on my desk top. yeah the initial set up of the quattro was a pain but now i have absolutely no issues and no noticable latency(for me anyway) but now im out of the country for about a year and dont have my stuff with me. :( so i just bought a laptop and im looking to do some recording but...

1) i dont want to simpley match the price and equipment cause when i get home dont want to have 2 of everything

2) I definately want an upgrade if im gonna spend over 200 dollars

3) for under 200 i at least want a more portable setup then i have at home

4) all i need is a way to record one track at a time while i monitor the other tracks, i dont even need to direct monitor the track im recording

does this help with the question any?

a nice 1 in 1 out preamp and a seperate usb audiointerface w/no frills just 24/96
 
i looked though this and though all the storeson the internet and have come to the conclusion that there is so such thing as a simple 1 in 1 out 24/48 or 96 audio interface without midi so im am just gonna have to suck it up and buy the tascam 122 or the mobilepre...

this sucks...

does anyone know where i can find some recording of the mobilepre and the tascam 122 with like a c1 or something running on the factory preamps?
 
ok scrubs...

so i bought the tascam about 5 min ago online ....

along with a sm 57

on the factory preamps this recording(https://homerecording.com/bbs/showthread.php?t=122275) was made and posted in the mp3 forum and jezz this is a good soundin mic/pre combo for vox...

anyway this should close this embarassing thread(thank god)...

(mumbles and grumbles)next time i gotta pick a better name for a thread....
 
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