Mixer or Mic Preamp: Help Please
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Posted on Feb 06, 2005 01:15 pm
sax_fan
Member Since: Feb 06, 2005
Hi, I'm new to the forum and new to home recording. I've been getting opinions from various folks about the following and would greatly appreciate your input as well.
I am a woodwind player (primarily saxophones) and plan to be doing some recording -- one man band kind of thing. I will be using audio and midi. In short, I am trying to decide what to use to record my saxophones to the computer. Since I have a condenser mic, I need something with phantom power.
Would you recommend (1) a small mixer -- I have been looking at the Yamaha MG 10/2, but think this may be more than is needed given that I am a one man show; or (2) a separate mic preamp. I would like to keep things under $200 I don't have a lot of experience with the recording side, so I want to keep my cost down for now, while I am learning, but I don't want to have to junk whatever I buy in 3 months.
As an alternative, I have also been considering the M-Audio Mobile Pre USB soundcard. This would give me the preamp and, presumably, a better sound card than the audigy (which I plan to replace eventually), but I have heard some folks say that I should avoid USB for audio recording. By the way, I don't need a midi port because my midi controller connects via USB.
Thanks for your thoughts. Please take a look at my equipment list if you need further info about what I currently have.
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Feb 06, 2005 01:22 pm That Mobile pre, based on what I know about your needs, sounds like a very good solution. For a one-man band type situation, USB isn't a big problem...at least USB2 isn't...and yes, you will want to replace that Audigy at some point.
service.bfast.com/bfast/c...mp;bfmtype=gear might be a good possibility too, as it also comes with decent software and effects plugins, and it's gottan some great reviews aroudn the industry.
Welcome to HRC.
Feb 06, 2005 01:45 pm Thanks.
I think the Mobile Pre is USB 1.1. I don't think there are very many audio interfaces that use USB 2 yet, but I could be wrong.
I just realized that this question is probably more suited to the Computer Forum, so I am going to post it over there. Please respond on that forum.
Thanks.
Feb 06, 2005 06:50 pm Hmm maybe go something more around this route if you're thinking of expanding/upgrading later on:
- audiophile 2496 sound card ($100)
- a behringer mixer, you can find decent ones for as low as $60 that are probably more than enough for you, like the UB1002 perhaps?:
service.bfast.com/bfast/c...mp;bfmtype=gear
WaltChief Cook and Bottle WasherMember
Since: May 10, 2002
Feb 07, 2005 12:06 pm I like what gravytrain and dB have listed. The audiobuddy is a bit under-rated especially considering that you are playing a reed. A lot of overtones in creating that sound. M-Audio even admits that the USB powered pre's are maybe 'not the best'. If it was a distorted guitar, or bass, or synth, I would say probably your ok. With the sax I would really prefer having 48k 24bit personaly MHO. That way you know you have the foundation to get a solid signal. You may find yourself going to a finer pre-amp later, but at least you will have the foundation of getting a full signal into the 'God Box'.
Feb 08, 2005 01:07 pm Thanks everyone. I decided to try the Yammie mixer. I've got a lot to learn so we'll see how it goes. I just need to try not to get too frustrated!
