Need Christmas advice...

misterwhizzy

Well-known member
So my wife keeps asking me what to get me for Christmas, and I was thinking about putting together something just so I could get into the riff-off competition. (As well as to put together backing tracks so I can practice leads by myself.)

What should I ask for? I was thinking one of the Pod Studio boxes, but I'm so uninformed with this stuff that I really have no idea. Any suggestions? I'm really looking for best bang for the buck, too, meaning something that doesn't break the bank but can really come out with professional sounding clips (assuming the playing is up to par).
 
Re: Need Christmas advice...

So my wife keeps asking me what to get me for Christmas, and I was thinking about putting together something just so I could get into the riff-off competition. (As well as to put together backing tracks so I can practice leads by myself.)

What should I ask for? I was thinking one of the Pod Studio boxes, but I'm so uninformed with this stuff that I really have no idea. Any suggestions? I'm really looking for best bang for the buck, too, meaning something that doesn't break the bank but can really come out with professional sounding clips (assuming the playing is up to par).

Those POD Studios are very good. I have recorded a lot with one, and I'll recommend it with no reservation.

Bang:Buck is through the roof.
 
Re: Need Christmas advice...

Which model specifically? I was thinking UX1, but I don't know if I would have a reason for that second input of the UX2.
 
Re: Need Christmas advice...

I have the UX1 and it is great.
I looked at the GX, but thought the Mic input would be good, and ended up getting a deal here on the UX1
If you plan to record multiple instruments at once, I suppose the second input could be good (or multiple mics on a single instrument)
 
Re: Need Christmas advice...

I'm not sure about those specific products, but my guess is that if you go to the manufacturer's website to compare features and specification you may discover that there are greater differences than the addition of one input.

I have considered (not thoroughly researched) the UX2 myself but still haven't decided if I really need all the POD Farm stuff.
 
Re: Need Christmas advice...

On what? The UX1? UX2?

I think +1 should be banned when it doesn't come with a quote.

I got the GX (the guitar only, cheapest model) and I frequently wish that I had the UX2.

Down the road, rebuying a CAI that can run a condenser microphone will be more expensive than getting the cheapish but decent Line6.

I wish I had a UX2.
 
Re: Need Christmas advice...

I got the GX (the guitar only, cheapest model) and I frequently wish that I had the UX2.

I wish I had a UX2.

This is exactly the type of post I was hoping to get. So it's worth twice the price? I don't think $200 is outrageous, anyway.

Down the road, rebuying a CAI that can run a condenser microphone will be more expensive than getting the cheapish but decent Line6.

What's a CAI? And my plan was to run a mic straight into the UX2. (Cab -> SM57 -> UX2 -> USB.) Are you saying that wouldn't work?
 
Re: Need Christmas advice...

I've read the specs on the website, but I don't understand the differences between all the available Presonus units, the Line 6 stuff, etc. I don't know if I should just take the preamp out of my head. I don't have any experience with any guitar recording. I don't know what I'm doing, and based on the riff-off, a lot of guys here know VERY WELL what they're doing. That's why I'm asking.

If you think I'm too inexperienced to benefit from your opinion, just don't give it. I know I'm ignorant about all of this stuff. Reminding me of that isn't going to make me any more knowledgeable.
 
Re: Need Christmas advice...

the UX1 will get you a recording that is VERY good.
Go to the UX2 if you want 2 inputs instead of one.
Either one will enable you to make recordings that are as good as most on this forum.
If you want to mic drums with 16 mics, you're out of luck. If you want to slap a mic in front of your amp then you're golden.
 
Re: Need Christmas advice...

Misterwhizzy,

I think you need to chill a bit. Nowhere in my posts did I reference anything about you other than to go read up on the Line6 stuff.
 
Re: Need Christmas advice...

the UX1 will get you a recording that is VERY good.
Go to the UX2 if you want 2 inputs instead of one.
Either one will enable you to make recordings that are as good as most on this forum.
If you want to mic drums with 16 mics, you're out of luck. If you want to slap a mic in front of your amp then you're golden.

Well, let me back up a bit. The UX2 has phantom power, and it also has footswitch inputs that can be used for various functions (it mentions start / stop)

I would go ahead with the UX2
 
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Re: Need Christmas advice...

It's only worth twice the price if you need the additional functions of the hardware. Why don't you visit Line6 and read about the units?

Sorry if I misinterpreted. I read this as, "Hey, dope, why don't you read about the things you're asking about before you bother all of us?" The problem is I didn't even know where to start. And, as I've found out the hard way, if you don't give the thread a place to start, it ends up with no responses.

So I picked the item that looked to my uninformed eyes to be the closest to what I want and started asking about it. The problem is I'm out of my league asking these questions. That's all that was going through my head.

When I read your response, all I got was a "Hey, n00b, buzz off" vibe, and apparently that's not what you meant. Sorry to bark. :D
 
Re: Need Christmas advice...

Whiz,

I am about 1/4 step ahead of you on all this confusion because I have been trying to sort it out for about a month or two. It's hard to figure out what you want or need when the functions and specifications don't make sense because you don't know the lingo. Don't feel bad ... I am right there with you.

As others have said, chosing between the UX1 and UX2 is almost as simple as deciding whether you want the extra input for recording two things at the same time. Reload makes a great point about the UX2 providing phantom power. This allows you to use a condensor mic for vocals. Personally, I consider that a must have.

Again, the Line six products are a great choice particularly if you want to use the included amp/effect modeling capabilities.

For what it's worth (and that may not be much), after long and arduous research I have narrowed my selection to either the UX2 or the Tascam US-144 MK II.

http://www.zzounds.com/item--TASUS144MKII

Feel free to PM me and I can try to explain how determine compatability with your computer if that is also a gray area for you.

By the way, in my admittedly noobish opinion either the Line 6 or Tascam units should be superior to a similarly priced PreSonus unit.
 
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