Audio Interface/Preamp suggestions?

[Ely]

Not entirely sure if this belongs in Recording Gear, Live Sound, or Amps.

Well, I've been running without a preamp for a while now, and I'm also in need of an audio interface for my new laptop.

I just recently have begun exploring the joys of computer music. I am a total noob when it comes to this stuff. Basically, I have a 2.0ghz Core 2 Duo, 3GB of RAM, 4 USB ports, no firewire, running Ableton Live 7 and Reason 4.

My needs are many. First off, I want something with plenty of ins and outs, and some MIDI I/Os would be great too. Next, it has to be rackmountable. I'll just say my price range is $400-600.

My main concern is that I mostly will be using this for live performance/jamming. I want to be able to run my bass and synth in to my computer for processing, and then run the output to my bass amp, as well as having electronic percussion, sequenced synth sounds, and possibly vocals (If I can ever work up the coordination to play and sing at the same time) going out to my PA. Of course, minimal latency is a must. Being able to route I/Os to form an outboard effects loop would be a plus as well.

At first I was thinking about just getting a POD X3 pro, but I'm not too sure because I don't really have any use for the effects (I've got plenty of those on my own) and the only features I'm interested in are the amp models, the USB output, and the dual-tone processing capability. If I had the cash I'd just go ahead and buy a fully loaded Muse Receptor 2 Pro Max Komplete, but that's more of a long term goal.

What are some other good preamp/audio interfaces? Tube would be nice. Basically, if I can get it over Zzounds or American Musical Supply (or some other site you can suggest that has a payment plan) my price limit would be more around $1000.

Sorry for the rambling, but any and all help is welcome and greatly appreciated. Help this noob make beautiful music!

[NineSpine]

The Presonus Firestudio Project seems like it would be a good match for what you need. You would need to get a compatible Firewire card for your laptop though.

[chicago_mike]

Presonus gear or the newish m-audio profire 2626. I use the 610 version at home and have not had one issue.

[Ely]

Alright, I am ordering the ADS Pyro Firewire Card tonight, and after my last payment is made on my synth (should be around feb 22nd) I'll order up the Presonus Firestudio or that M-Audio Interface. So you guys are sure this will do all that I want it to, right?

[Ely]

One last question... Would the tubes in the Firestudio Tube be worth the loss of 6 I/Os, or is it just a gimmick? I've got my Firewire card and I'm about ready to get the interface, and I want one that will kinda sorta function as a preamp and give me some good sound coloration and a little gain and I was wondering if a single tube would actually make that big of a difference.

[Ely]

Does anybody know of any good single-rackspace USB MIDI interfaces? The only ones I can seem to find are either MOTU or M-Audio. I figure if I get the MOTU I might as well get the MOTU 828mk3 Interface (I'm OCD about brand-matching) and the M-Audio doesn't have nearly enough MIDI ports.

[Jehos]

Take a look at the Tascam FW-1082, that might be up your alley.

There are a bunch of firewire interfaces around your price range either new or used that will do at least 8x8 audio and a couple MIDI channels as well. That's probably what you want.

[NineSpine]

I think the extra money you would spend on the Firestudio Tube is better spent on something like an ART MPA Gold preamp.

Make sure your computer and your firewire card are compatible though. Firestudios are notoriously picky.