Which M-Audio device?

[Fresh_Start]

I've searched this forum and other places for info on equipment for recording. I'm about to buy a new home-office PC and think an external USB powered gizmo makes more sense than an upgraded sound card, especially since I may use a laptop sometimes too.

All I want to do is record for myself and for practicing, so perfection isn't the goal. I've got an ART preamp for use with a mic if needed, a Tech 21 TradeMark 10 amp with direct XLR output, and a Zoom RT-123 Rhythm Track drum machine (plus extra???). Oh, my software is Guitar Tracks Pro 2.0.

I've made a few crappy recordings running XLR into the RT-123, then into the computer's "line in", but there are big latency problems (along with some unresolved ground loop buzzing).

Would someone knowledgeable please take a look at this M-Audio page and tell me which gizmo will do the job?

The "Fast Track USB" at the bottom looks like it may work for me. $99 at Musician's Friend. The "Mobile Pre USB" is $149 and includes pre-amp features, along with a bunch of other stuff that I may or may not need.

What I really can't figure out is what the deal is with the "Audiophile USB". It looks like an external soundcard... List is $249, but MF has it on sale for $99. Should I grab one of those, or is there a good reason it's on sale?

I'm sorry to bug y'all with this after all of the posts on PC recording already here, but this stuff is driving me crazy.

Thanks for your help.

Chip

 

[Brow]

Re: Which M-Audio device?

I have 1 of the M-Audio MobilePre USB units and it's great for a spot of home recording.

For a cheap unit the onboard pre-amps actually sound quite good and it's a simple unit to use.

Craig

 

[megalo]

Re: Which M-Audio device?

if you dont upgrade the sound card your going to have all kind of latency problems especially if your using some laptops cheesy onboard sound.
get an M-audio delta 44
I have a PCI M-audio Audiophile and it does the job for me but if i was to buy now i would get that delta 44 at least.
I purchased a small cheap Yamaha 4 channel mixer and connect that to my soundcard. This way you can EQ the signal before the computer and you have more connections like XLR if you ever decide to use a mics. Also having 4 channels you could record drums with multiple mics at the same time for best results.You could probably get a cheap mixer for $100 or less and the soundcard for about the same, they have dropped in price alot the past couple years. GL :headbang:

 

[DeadSkinSlayer3]

Re: Which M-Audio device?

I'd spring for the new DigiDesign M-Box2. That thing kicks serious ass!

 

[ericmeyer4]

Re: Which M-Audio device?

I have 1 of the M-Audio MobilePre USB units and it's great for a spot of home recording.

For a cheap unit the onboard pre-amps actually sound quite good and it's a simple unit to use.

Craig

+1 I have this aswell and I like it alot.

 

[tone4days]

Re: Which M-Audio device?

hi chip - long time no see .. good to see you around .. hope all is well there for you and yours

+1 on the mobile-pre .. a buddy has it and it produces very cool sounding recordings .. the recorder program it came with is a bit wonky, but it can feed any good program

good luck - and looking forward to hearing your playing!
cheers
t4d

 

[Evan Skopp]

Re: Which M-Audio device?

I just got the M-Audio Black Box (actually, it's on loan from Seymour), but my computer is in the Mac Shack at the moment, so I haven't had a chance to put it all together. I'll let you know when I do.

 

[PUCKBOY99]

Re: Which M-Audio device?

I just got the M-Audio Black Box (actually, it's on loan from Seymour), but my computer is in the Mac Shack at the moment, so I haven't had a chance to put it all together. I'll let you know when I do.

Fill us all in Evan....I've been wanting something for a while & the Black Box looks very cool. Lots of goodies for the cost:bigok:

And Yes Chip.....WELCOME BACK!!!!:beerchug: