Lexicon Alpha????

GrooveWarrior · #1 10-09-2007, 11:15 AM

Anyone have any experience with a Lexicon Alpha on Mac?

I currently have an M-Audio Quattro, but I would like to trade it out for an interface that has mic and instrument input. The Quattro is 4 1/4" inputs. The Alpha looks like a decent, bare-bones interface.

bluestarbass · #2 10-09-2007, 02:09 PM

Those new apogees that are comming out for mac look like the bees knees. Im not sure how much the alpha is but I think the apogee is $500 with 2 mic pres. I worked at sam ash for a while and we sold that lexicon stuff. I dont think I ever saw one sold, which is probably why they are blowing them out so cheap right now. I cant say one way or the other on it.

EricF · #3 10-11-2007, 06:07 PM

For a simple, portable, bus-powered, recording interface at a low cost, the Alpha is brilliant.

I used an Alpha with a PC for a while, and it did a good job for what it was. However, the limits of the USB connection were reached pretty quickly as I got into more and more complex multi-track recordings with VST effects and instruments.

If you're doing simple tracking of no more than 2 sources at a time, and aren't expecting to get into a more complex recording setup (mixers, outboard preamps, etc.), the Alpha is a good little box. If you think things are going to get more involved, I'd suggest looking into a Firewire interface. Firewire can handle a lot more than USB.

GrooveWarrior · #4 10-12-2007, 06:29 AM

Yeah, I'll be keeping things pretty simple. USB has always handled what I have done before. Thanks.

JoeVictim · #5 10-19-2007, 04:27 PM

Does anyone know where an interested party could hear a sample recorded with that interface...

I think I will be getting one of the lexicons for X-mas.

JoeVictim · #6 10-23-2007, 12:19 PM

bump!

EricF · #7 10-23-2007, 01:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JoeVictim

Does anyone know where an interested party could hear a sample recorded with that interface

Everything in the MySpace and Soundclick links in my sig were recorded with the Alpha. However, they did benefit from using a SansAmp and/or a Presonus BlueTube preamp in the signal chain as well.

SkiingLizard · #8 10-23-2007, 02:16 PM

I'd look at getting a decent pre amp instead of changing the interface..

GrooveWarrior · #9 10-24-2007, 06:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SkiingLizard

I'd look at getting a decent pre amp instead of changing the interface..

Honestly, my bass sounds great without a preamp. The Quattro just doesn't have any knobs to increase gain. It has a switch with two different levels, and I'd like more flexibility than that. I also want something with an XLR input for the times I record my acoustic guitar.

JoeVictim · #10 10-24-2007, 10:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EricF

Everything in the MySpace and Soundclick links in my sig were recorded with the Alpha. However, they did benefit from using a SansAmp and/or a Presonus BlueTube preamp in the signal chain as well.

Thanks, I'll have to check it at home, network firewall and all that jazz at work.

JoeVictim · #11 10-25-2007, 12:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EricF

Everything in the MySpace and Soundclick links in my sig were recorded with the Alpha. However, they did benefit from using a SansAmp and/or a Presonus BlueTube preamp in the signal chain as well.

Are those drum tracks what you created using the VST in the cubase program? They sound good.

GrooveWarrior · #12 10-31-2007, 08:02 AM

Out of curiosity . . . could I use the Alpha as a practice tool? Plug in to the instrument input, and run an iPod into the TRS input on Channel two and monitor through the headphones without even running into the computer?

That would be a nice little bonus!!

bluestarbass · #13 10-31-2007, 08:55 AM

no not if its bus powered, which I believe someone said it was. It will need the computer to power itself. To be able to do that it will need something called "standalone" operation. I dont think this interface has it, its usually found on bigger units. Like my 002 rack doesnt have it but the board version does. The apogee ensemble has this as well. Thats not to say it cant be a great practice tool, I use my 002 for practicing through programs all the time. My fav practice program is that ampeg SVX. You can load songs in and slow them down and play along with them, its great.

coolrunner989 · #14 08-01-2008, 08:11 AM

bumping this - I just saw this at GC yesterday and it looks great for what I want to do (two-track bass/acoustic guitar) for cheap. Just wanted to make sure it works fine with mac, or if theres anything with more options/better for $150 or less.