Interfaces

[A_Perfect_Tool]

Hey guys, I have a question for you all regarding interfaces. The max I can spend is about $300. However, I won't be using it for drums as most of you guys would think considering that this is a drum forum. I'll be using it mostly for small scale recording for guitar, bass, keys, and possibly vocals. I have a copy of Adobe Audition and Fruity Loops as well if you guys care to know. If you need specs for my computer just ask for it and I'll be sure to post them up.

Thank you.

[SMX_Dizzy]

Well, how many channels would you preferably want? How many XLR ins?...1/4" ins?...

[A_Perfect_Tool]

Well, how many channels would you preferably want? How many XLR ins?...1/4" ins?...

I think 2 XLRs should be enough to do the job, no?

[SMX_Dizzy]

If you think it'll be enough, then sure. Also, are you going to purchase mics?...anyway, here are some suggestions:

1) Presonus Firebox (http://www.presonus.com/firebox.html) for around $290-$300

2) Alesis iO | 14 (http://www.alesis.com/product.php?id=95) $300

3) M-Audio Firewire 410 (http://www.m-audio.com/products/en_us/FireWire410-main.html) for around $290-$300

For interfaces, those would be good choices. If you went with a firewire mixer, like the Phonic Helix Board 12 Firewire (http://www.phonic.com/partner/modules/product_explor/products_detail.php?product_id=140), you'd probably sacrifice some preamp quality. That Alesis unit has not been out for a while and not a lot of people have used it yet, so it might be a little sketchy...but coming from Alesis I don't think there could be many problems with it at all. If you wanted the two extra XLR inputs that the io | 14 has, then it might be the way to go, but the Firebox and the Firewire 410 are both solid products.

[Tju85]

I'd go with that Alesis.

It looks like a very solid product.

[SMX_Dizzy]

I think I'm going to try the Alesis out. I was originally going to go with the Phonic mixer I posted, but I have a better feeling about the Alesis even though it's incredibly new.

[metal_god69]

i would reccormend the FirePod, not the Firebox....i own 3 and have them al linked together. Its a ncie feature. Great preamp quality for the $$. Limited with 2 Line inputs, but you call. I highly recoomend it

[SMX_Dizzy]

If he had $500, I would've told him his only option was a Firepod :D ;)

[vMOOnEYv]

Echo Audio Audiofire4, hands down. $289

[SMX_Dizzy]

Wow, that looks nice too. Didn't know Echo made anything like that...I was looking at some of their higher end/more expensive stuff yesterday. Looks like a great interface.

[josh_tsp]

forgive my ignorance, but what does "world clock" out put do?

[SMX_Dizzy]

Excuse me?

[vMOOnEYv]

It syncs up all the gear you have so they have the same sample rate. slight differences in sample rates cause jitters, clicks, and pops in your recording.

usually you can slave them all off of one piece, or use a dedicated wordclock (ie, Apogee Big Ben).

[vMOOnEYv]

Wow, that looks nice too. Didn't know Echo made anything like that...I was looking at some of their higher end/more expensive stuff yesterday. Looks like a great interface.

they're all the same quality basically, just made to serve different needs.

they all have the same converters, pres (if applicable), etc. it just depends on how much i/o you want, FW or PCI, pres or not. The AF2 and AF4 are brand new though, just started shipping a few weeks ago, i think. i picked up the AF4 and i couldn't be happier.

[josh_tsp]

word clock*

[spindrummer82]

I'll recomend the Echo products as well. They tend to get overshadowed by the other manufacturers which is a shame because they are phenomenal. I have the Layla 3G and it has been nothing but incredible. Rock solid, stable drivers and a great sound. The pre's are very clean.

[vMOOnEYv]

i blame echo's lack of marketing. a good marketing division would serve them well.

[SMX_Dizzy]

Yea, that's most likely why I hadn't heard of them until a few days ago.