Worth it to upgrade my interface?

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Dub Sound

Dub Sound

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Hello everybody, been lurking for a long time here, but this is my first post.

I am currently using a Tascam FW-1804 as my interface to a MacBook Pro, with a Presonus Digimax D8 connected via lightpipe. I am considering upgrading to something like a M-Audio Profire 2626 or Focusrite Saffire Pro-40.

I am just wondering if this would be money well spent? I have plenty of inputs for what I am doing, but would like to get some improvement in my sound. I have a good sounding room, decent monitors, and low end microphones (MXL 991/603s, (2) SM57s, Blue Bluebird, and a few cheap dynamics.)

I guess what I am trying to ask is how much of an improvement can i get going from the Tascam to something in the range of the Profire or Saffire Pro 40? What would you guys upgrade first? I mostly track live bands if that helps at all.

Thanks
 
What do you honestly feel is the weak link, if there is one?


At a glance I'd say microphones too but if there's no problem don't upgrade anything. :)

What do you record?
 
Thanks for the replies! I mostly record my jazz reggae band which consists of a large drum kit, congas and bongos, keys, electric guitar and bass. I am trying to get higher quality drum and percussion recordings. I have tried many different mic placements with the mxls as overheads, but I'm just not satisfied with the results I'm getting. I have enough money to get a pair of SDCs (~$500 for the pair) and something like a D112 for the kick. You guys think my interface setup Isnt the weak link here?

Thanks again!
 
I don't know your gear intimately but I often wish I hadn't sold my firepod. (Same preamps?)
I do reckon it's more likely to be the mics but there's no better way than to prove it before buying.
Do you have an opportunity to borrow any mics, or an interface for that matter?

You could grab Henry's sm81s if they're still lying around the free ads section.
I have a pair and love em.
His might need a good dusting by now though! :p

Someone said to try out or listen to samples of kick mics in another thread today.
It's true. The difference between any kick mics that I have is unbelievable and a d112 might not be to your tastes.
It has a very aggressive scooped sound IMO.
 
As of right now, i dont really have a way to borrow mics or interfaces, but Im kind of leaning towards better mics. I am going to need to upgrade my mics at some point anyway, so I might as well start now. Thanks for the SM81 suggestion, Ill definitely look into that. And with the kick mic, the only mics I have heard on our drummers bass drum are the Shure Beta 52a, and the Audix D6. They both sounded very good, but the Beta52a was in a live setting and the D6 was a studio setting. Im going to start looking for some new mics I think, other than the SM81, are there any other stereo pairs you would recommend? Do you have an opinion on the Cascade Fathead II? I think it might be nice to add some ribbon mics to the collection.

Thanks for all your help.
 
I'd go for the sm81s before the fatheads for drums.
 
Sorry, I can't add much more.

I only own 1 ribbon and I bought that a few weeks ago.

81s come in really handy all the time though for what it's worth.
 
Im liking the idea of a pair of SM81s, I just hope that deal is still around when it comes time to actually make some purchases, should be within a week or so. Now i just need to figure out what to use on the kick drum..pretty much trying to decide between the D112, the Audix D6, and the Shure Beta52a.

This thread went from an interface question to a mic discussion, my apologies if it is off topic. Im just looking for a little direction, as I am pretty new to recording.

Many thanks to everyone
 
No apology needed. It was MOFO's fault anyway :P

You'd be very unlucky if they aren't still there; If I remember right his are at a bargain price.
 
I like the D112 better than the beta 52 for pretty much everything. I can't describe the difference but for most rockish/classic sounds the d112 is better IMO
 
Which one do you think is more versatile? For getting different kick sounds, and miking things like a bass cab.
 
I'm not so sure about versatility, but the D112 worked pretty well on a bass cabinet I did today. My professor said he'd typically use something with a little better top end to get the plucking/string noise, but the D112 actually ended up picking more of that than we wanted in the end (Mic positioned dead center of the speaker against the grille to pick up the most high end).
The D6 is my personal favorite for kicks, though... Always thought it added a nice slappy sound to it. =]
 
SM81's are a great shout... Mics + Interface would be the upgrade....

As for interface, my everyday card for things like like band recording especially is a MOTU 828Mk3 Hybrid. Any troubles with firewire, can swap to usb... Mixcontrol software for all the internal rooting and monitoring makes it so much easier and quicker.

Take a look on the motu site for i/o
 
Thanks fellas! Found a D112 locally for $70 so ill give it a shot.
 
Yeah! Great deal. I think you'll find it's versatile enough to cover almost any kick sound you want, and bass cabs. I had a friend who sang through one live years ago. I can't remember how it sounded, so it must not have been terrible.
 
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