M-Audio

Night Prowler · #1 07-14-2009, 10:17 AM

I starting to uppgrading my gear finally. M-audio Profire 610 looks nice, it´s a interface. Do you think there is a need for this M-audio DMP3 preamp also? I will record both bass and distorted guitars. I saw a guy on youtube that used the same preamp with another m-audio interface. It looks nice and all to have both but do I need it?

lm183902 · #2 07-14-2009, 11:29 AM

I think You would do just fine without the extra preamp.

I've been using an M-Audio Octane preamp (Profire is based on the Octane pre's) as a front end to my Pro Tools rig, and It really does a great job.

The only reason i can see to get the other pre is if you need two more channels to record with.

Otherwise, I would save your money and get a nicer pre. If you can swing around $500, Grace and Summit Audio have some great pre's in that price range.

Night Prowler · #3 07-14-2009, 12:27 PM

What Pro Tools rig are you using? I thinking of switching to M-powered PT from Cubase LE. That´s why I´m into the M-audio interface to work with. I´m gonna take a look at Grace and Summit Audio.

lm183902 · #4 07-14-2009, 04:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Night Prowler

What Pro Tools rig are you using? I thinking of switching to M-powered PT from Cubase LE. That´s why I´m into the M-audio interface to work with. I´m gonna take a look at Grace and Summit Audio.

I'm using a Digi002 with PT8, and running the octane through the lightpipe-in of the 002.

The great thing about getting the M-Audio interface is that if you decide to switch to PT, you'll have that option. However, i know a lot of people who are very happy with Cubase, and for the most part, it's about preference. PT8 has blown me away though. It's definitely worth checking out if you get a chance.

Another option, if you're planning on spending a bit, would be to find a used 002 and have it modified by a company called Black Lion Audio. They take your unit and upgrade the pre's, clock, power supply, converters, etc. (depending on what package you get) and the final result is nothing short of amazing. I've heard a few of these, and to my ear, they're up there with PTHD hardware, if not beyond.

Night Prowler · #5 07-14-2009, 06:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lm183902

I'm using a Digi002 with PT8, and running the octane through the lightpipe-in of the 002.

The great thing about getting the M-Audio interface is that if you decide to switch to PT, you'll have that option. However, i know a lot of people who are very happy with Cubase, and for the most part, it's about preference. PT8 has blown me away though. It's definitely worth checking out if you get a chance.

Another option, if you're planning on spending a bit, would be to find a used 002 and have it modified by a company called Black Lion Audio. They take your unit and upgrade the pre's, clock, power supply, converters, etc. (depending on what package you get) and the final result is nothing short of amazing. I've heard a few of these, and to my ear, they're up there with PTHD hardware, if not beyond.

Well, that is gonna be little more than I need. I´m fine with a 2 preamp interface with a sort of limited version of Pro Tools or cubase. But I don´t like cubase so much and I have never tried PT before, but I will try it before buying it.

And Digidesign also have the MBox 2 Factory interface but I don´t think that it is a firewire box. ProTools LE comes with that plus an iLok USB smart key that can be good to have. I don´t know wich one of the interfaces that sounds the best though. I need to think about this and read some reviews on both of them.

Night Prowler · #6 07-14-2009, 06:44 PM

I also looked at the Summit Audio 2BA-221 and TD-100. Pricier than both of the M-audio and Mbox2, but maybe better sound from them?

lm183902 · #7 07-14-2009, 08:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Night Prowler

I also looked at the Summit Audio 2BA-221 and TD-100. Pricier than both of the M-audio and Mbox2, but maybe better sound from them?

You would definitely get better sound from them, but you would still need an interface, as the 2BA-221 and TD-100 are just a Preamp and Direct box respectively. Also, with the TD-100, you would only have the option to go direct, and could not use a mic.

The Profire 610 has 4 analog inputs, so I was saying you could use the Summit or Grace as an extra preamp to use with the line inputs, which would increase the amount of mics you could use simultaneously, and give you a bit of a nicer pre.

lm183902 · #8 07-14-2009, 09:05 PM

I did a bit of research, and the unit seems to be getting some rather high praise. As far as playback goes, it appears the 610 is very solid.

The onboard pres seem to be most peoples' complaint though. While reading, i also saw a bit of praise for the DMP3, so it sounds like the combination of the 610 and the DMP3 might be a pretty good buy.

Night Prowler · #9 07-15-2009, 05:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lm183902

You would definitely get better sound from them, but you would still need an interface, as the 2BA-221 and TD-100 are just a Preamp and Direct box respectively. Also, with the TD-100, you would only have the option to go direct, and could not use a mic.

The Profire 610 has 4 analog inputs, so I was saying you could use the Summit or Grace as an extra preamp to use with the line inputs, which would increase the amount of mics you could use simultaneously, and give you a bit of a nicer pre.

I have the PreSonus Firebox as an interface now. I could use the firebox with the 2BA-221 instead of buying the 610 and DMP3 for the same money. In this pricerange the Avalon U5 is an alternative also, if it works like the 2BA-221. But the summit maybe is better anyway.

Charling · #10 07-15-2009, 11:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Night Prowler

I have the PreSonus Firebox as an interface now. I could use the firebox with the 2BA-221 instead of buying the 610 and DMP3 for the same money. In this pricerange the Avalon U5 is an alternative also, if it works like the 2BA-221. But the summit maybe is better anyway.

the summit is a mic pre, the avalon is a DI. it has a pre amp in it but not designed for mics. I haven't used the summit but the avalon DI is great. quality wise the m-audio and the firebox re pretty similar, all you would be gaining is extra inputs it seems. Personally I'd rather have the summit mic pre, one good input and you can always use the summit with any other soundcard you buy at a later date.

the m-audio pre's will not be in the same league as the summit.