Suggestions For A New MicPre/AudioInterface Unit?

[cakire82]

Hey Folks,

I am looking to by a new audio interface unit. What are the thing I need to pay attention to? Is used market a good option for these devices?

-Under $500
-at least 8 inputs (XLR/Instrument)
-at least USB2 or firewire connectivity.
-Great driver support for windows XP
-Phantom power for mics
-Tube micpre is a plus

Here are a few I have browsed in MF website, what do you think?

TASCAM US-1641 USB 2.0 Audio/MIDI Computer Interface: $220
Focusrite Saffire Pro 40 IO Firewire Interface: $400
M-Audio Fast Track Ultra 8R USB Interface : $420
TASCAM US-2000 USB AUDIO INTERFACE : $353
ART TubeOpto8 Mic Preamp with ADAT I/O : $410

 

[woemoejack]

Re: Suggestions For A New MicPre/AudioInterface Unit?

I have the M-Audio Fast Track Ultra 8R. I use it on mac and pc(win xp). as far as functionality and quality, its top notch. selectable phantom on half the channels is an AMAZING bonus as well.

 

[cakire82]

Re: Suggestions For A New MicPre/AudioInterface Unit?

I have the M-Audio Fast Track Ultra 8R. I use it on mac and pc(win xp). as far as functionality and quality, its top notch. selectable phantom on half the channels is an AMAZING bonus as well.

It looked like a very good option to me too. I have read some review about burned USB ports and untraceable cracking sounds in recordings. Have you faced any issues.

How are the on board DSP effects on this unit? Have you ever tried recording 8 tracks all at once? How was the performance? Any latency?

 

[James Rock]

Re: Suggestions For A New MicPre/AudioInterface Unit?

I'm looking at Focusrite stuff and if I had the money I'd get the Saffire Pro 40.

 

[cakire82]

Re: Suggestions For A New MicPre/AudioInterface Unit?

I'm looking at Focusrite stuff and if I had the money I'd get the Saffire Pro 40.

Any particular reason why?

Why does Saffire Pro 40 come with 2 6 pin Firewire ports? Twice the speed?

By the way I only have 4 pin firewire port on my computer. Can i use the focusrite with one of these 4pin to 6pin cables? Is there any performance loss using these cables?

 

[innerdreamrecords.co]

Re: Suggestions For A New MicPre/AudioInterface Unit?

I owned an Echo interface for many years they always have made good stuff. http://www.google.com/products/cata...log_result&ct=image&resnum=7&ved=0CEkQ8gIwBg#

 

[cakire82]

Re: Suggestions For A New MicPre/AudioInterface Unit?

I owned an Echo interface for many years they always have made good stuff. http://www.google.com/products/cata...log_result&ct=image&resnum=7&ved=0CEkQ8gIwBg#

They took my attention also but only PRE8 model has 8 analog inpus and it is ~$700 unfortunately.

 

[innerdreamrecords.co]

Re: Suggestions For A New MicPre/AudioInterface Unit?

I think the one I posted has two universal jacks on the front and 6 analog TRS on the back doesn't it? That makes 8.

It has 2 universal inputs with mic preamps, phantom power, channel inserts, and trim knobs so you can just plug in your microphone or instrument and record whenever or wherever you want. AudioFire8 also comes with 6 balanced analog inputs (TRS),

 

[cakire82]

Re: Suggestions For A New MicPre/AudioInterface Unit?

I think the one I posted has two universal jacks on the front and 6 analog TRS on the back doesn't it? That makes 8.

Yes, you are right. I was looking at the comparison chart and I have noticed that only 2 of those inputs have preamps, am I right?

http://www.echoaudio.com/Products/Product_Comparison_Chart.php

 

[innerdreamrecords.co]

Re: Suggestions For A New MicPre/AudioInterface Unit?

I think so. The two in front have mic pres and phantom power.

 

[cakire82]

Re: Suggestions For A New MicPre/AudioInterface Unit?

I think so. The two in front have mic pres and phantom power.

So I can not use this with more than 2 mics at a time, can I?

 

[James Rock]

Re: Suggestions For A New MicPre/AudioInterface Unit?

From reviews and general stuff about Focusrite the preamps (while nothing on their top models) and decent for the price and the options the focusrite pres (like digital ins and outs) leave room for expansion. I think the main difference between 4 and 6 pin is the you need external power for 4 pin. Two firewire ports so you can hook up two together i think

 

[innerdreamrecords.co]

Re: Suggestions For A New MicPre/AudioInterface Unit?

So I can not use this with more than 2 mics at a time, can I?

I'm pretty sure you could use 6 mics that don't require phantom power and 2 that due at one time or 8 that don't (you should double check this with any of the units). Example, SM57's don't require phantom power.

You could also have an external mixer and route the outputs into the Echo.

 

[cakire82]

Re: Suggestions For A New MicPre/AudioInterface Unit?

What you guys think about Mackie Onyx Blackbird? IT is also a fire wire unit.

 

[devastone]

Re: Suggestions For A New MicPre/AudioInterface Unit?

What you guys think about Mackie Onyx Blackbird? IT is also a fire wire unit.

For quality of Pres, I would definitely go with the Mackie or the Focusrite.

My <$0.02...

 

[innerdreamrecords.co]

Re: Suggestions For A New MicPre/AudioInterface Unit?

For under $500.00 the mic pres aren't gonna be earth shattering and you won't be able to hear a difference between any of the better units in that range. I would be far more concerned with the AD/DA converters in the unit and the drivers than the mic pres.

 

[cakire82]

Re: Suggestions For A New MicPre/AudioInterface Unit?

For under $500.00 the mic pres aren't gonna be earth shattering and you won't be able to hear a difference between any of the better units in that range. I would be far more concerned with the AD/DA converters in the unit and the drivers than the mic pres.

What would one look for in a good AD/DA converter?

 

[innerdreamrecords.co]

Re: Suggestions For A New MicPre/AudioInterface Unit?

I haven't bought an interface in ages but I would try and find some reviews on the web. I can say from experience that the Echo units sound great and I would imagine the better units on your list will all have similar components.