Help me decide on a recording interface

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Member Since: Dec 13, 2008

Hello,
I've always wanted to record some of my stuff so the time to make the first step has come. I'm not even thinking of making studio quality recordings or even anything close to this but some decent amateur performance would definitely satisfy me. Since I don't have a good soundcard in my computer I want to get a recording interface. I just want to record my electric guitar so I don't need many inputs and mic preamps or MIDI input. As far as mic goes I've decided to buy Shure SM 57. My price range is about 180-230$. I have thought about two options. The first one is to get M-Audio FireWire Solo or Presonus Inspire only. The second one is to get a cheaper external soundcard such as E-MU 0202 USB and for SM57 a mic preamp (was thinking about Presonus TubePre, it doesn't have to be a tube pre though). I'm only concerned that Presonus TubePre won't boost my signal more than preamp in E-MU and won't give me more clear tone than this soundcard. Then getting it would be totally useless.

The more I read on the Internet the more I get confused. Do you have any suggestions, advice for recording amateur? I don't know why but I lean towards Presonus Inspire. The Firewire Solo has some bad opinions on its preamps.

Thanks for help,
Michael

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Czar of Midi
Administrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002


Dec 14, 2008 06:33 pm

Have you looked into the Line 6 UX-2 yet? That would get you a lot more options then either of the two you are looking at.

Even though the modeling options are all there you don't need to use them if you are recording an micced amp. I personally love it for the high end mic pre amp models it has which I use frequently.

Member
Since: Dec 13, 2008


Dec 16, 2008 10:19 am

Noize2u, I don't really need modeling in UX2. I think UX2 is good when you are going in direct in. The preamps don't seem the best


I did much of thinking and I narrowed my options to the following:
1)ESI Julia / E-MU 0404 PCI / other soundcard in that price range + Studio Project VTB-1 mic pre.
2) used Presonus Firebox from eBay

Many people claim that PreSonus Firebox is the best audio interface up to 300$ or even more. It is said to have great mic preamps and is very functional too. The only question is: what will give me better results? Option 1 or 2? Presonus is more expensive but if I buy it used it will ultimately cost the same. On the other hand VTB is dedicated to be a mic preamp not everything in one box (as Presonus) and the soundcard has 24bit/192khz AD DA conversion.

I'm in dilema about which to choose.... Could you help me guys?

Czar of Turd Polish
Member
Since: Jun 20, 2006


Dec 16, 2008 05:07 pm

Me, I won't go the presonus route. They work for many people, but the problems I've seen locally and on the net have turned me off from them. ESI+VTB would be my choice.

Also, the Line6 UX pre's are no worse than a presonus rig imo. I have been getting great drum sounds through mine (no modeling). Not trying to to persuade you, just stating an opinion.

Czar of Midi
Administrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002


Dec 16, 2008 09:18 pm

Existor, you did not catch exactly what I was saying about the UX. I don't take the actual pre amp into account. I am talking about the pre amp models it has. They are far from seeming not the best.

I will however agree with Tripps on the combo he suggested. That would work out well.

Member
Since: Jul 30, 2008


Dec 17, 2008 01:48 am

If its any help, I purchased a line 6 toneport (kb37 tho) basically a UX-2 with a midi keyboard. Noize2u helped me choose it and I couldn't have made a better choice.
Exactly in your price range, it also comes with Abletons Live Lite which is an amazingly powerful and easy-to-use Recording/Live Performance suppliment/Songwriting tool/editor and mixer. Imo it's great for an amateur.

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