Which M-Audio Interface is better?

[Stevo7]

Hi. I wan't to purchase a recording interface for my computer. Either Firewire or USB. I don't know much about any of this but I think I have narrowed it down to 2 M-Audio Interfaces.

M-Audio OmniStudio USB

M-Audio Firewire Audiophile

I have a couple questions. Has anyone here used either of these? Are there any pro or cons to using either Firewire or USB? Also, I can't figure out how many inputs are on either interface. I don't think I would need more then 2 at a time (1 acoustic guitar, vocals), but it would be nice to have more. The Audiophile says it has 4 inputs but I don't see any Mic inputs, how would I plug my microphone in? Would I have to buy an pre-amp for either of these interfaces, or do they come built in?

Thanks alot for the help.

 

[philpereira]

if you just want something to plug mics into, check out the mobilepre, also by m-audio. it's pretty inexpensive (around $150 on ebay) and very easy to use. i used to have one and think it's a great beginner's device. this has preamps built in, and phantom power as well. based on what you said this should be all you need. good luck!

 

[minofifa]

if i'm not mistaken, the omni studio is a front end for the delta 66?? if so, that is not firewire or USB, but a PCI card. This is a pretty good setup if you only need a few tracks at once. For this range of products, also check out the delta 1010LT or even the delta 1010, both by m-audio.

 

[philpereira]

yeah, if you have a regular desktop pc, i'd go with the 1010lt, which you can plug 2 xlr mics into. that's the setup i use now. only downside is that you need to get an external device for phantom power if you plan to use condensor mics (i only have one dynamic mic, so it isnt an issue). but it's a good card as far as i can tell so far.

 

[Stevo7]

I want a USB or Firewire interface so I can use it on both a desktop and a lap top. Also, is the MobilePre much better then the Omnistudio USB or Audiophile Firewire? Because the MobilePre isn't much cheaper then the Omnistudio or the Audiophile.