Best sub-$500 Non-pro tools setup compatible w/ mac+pc?

Posted on Feb 28, 2010 01:24 pm
gopaldawg
Member Since: Feb 28, 2010

I Guess that was a lot for the topic name, but necessary. I only have $500 to spend and ill be getting a mac in about 6 months. I'm just getting into recording but have a good feel for the basics with ableton, reaper and other basic software. I just want some interface that will be in that price range that will allow for moderate amount of ins (im not doing drums or anything) and will work non-problematically with any software. I don't know what software either, but I'm hoping I could be led to a hardware interface that is compatible over many kinds of software. I specifically don't want Pro Tools because it's so proprietary. Thanks a bunch!

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Nate Mc.
Formally Hydrial69
Member
Since: May 06, 2009

Mar 01, 2010 03:58 pm

well how many ins? because 2 is your basic, that you can get quite a good bang for your buck from a 2 ins interface that is really good, and software wise, im a mac man myself, and i've been trained and love Logic. theres so much you can do with it, but it is around 200$ to start

Nate Mc.
Formally Hydrial69
Member
Since: May 06, 2009

Mar 01, 2010 03:59 pm

OH! and welcome :D

Quincysan
http://www.unitedmusicians.info
Contributor
Since: Nov 11, 2007

Mar 01, 2010 05:45 pm

If I were you, I would stick with something that has 2 inputs if you won't be recording drums. The reason for two inputs is that you can record stereo output. There are plenty of applications for recording in stereo (think stereo output from a Rickenbacker guitar/bass for example...maybe you want to record an acoustic guitar at the neck and bridge position etc.) Can you think of any reason you'd need three inputs other than a drum kit? I can't.

Line6 UX2 for the interface; spend the rest on microphones. Bust your budget a little and buy the Sm7B; if you don't get one immediately and wait until you have an arsenal of other dynamic and condenser mics...you'll end up pissed off and broker than you should be. This is personal experience talking, hah! I would give you a list of often-quoted famous users of the sm7b...but since I've never worked with these artists and I would guess most other people touting these claims haven't either, I'll refrain. Misinformation pisses me off.

If you're an uber-skilled operatic vocal madman or if you or your vocalist has a tendency to be spot on with intended notes and delivery you might benefit from an expensive condenser mic at some point...but for the vast majority of vocalists...go sm7b!

pjk
Prince CZAR-ming
Member
Since: Apr 08, 2004

Mar 01, 2010 11:13 pm

I do 3 / 4 MICs/connections on acoustic. 2 for SDC close to guitar, 1 plugged into onboard mic system, and 1 for further distance. I won't say it's always worth it, but I do use more than 2.

Maudio has some nice stuff, and you can run around the 2-300 range with a lot of options. They still have some PCI options available, but they also have some USB stuff as well. I think one of them is 8 ins, the fast track ultra, i think.

You may also think about if preamps are onboard. Something like the delta 44 is < 200$, but you'd need preamps to drive it.