What recording interface should i get?

modwickman2020 · #1 09-27-2007, 09:45 PM

Hi all!
I just got Sonar and i'm now looking for a decent recording interface.I really know nothing about them,so i call on my fellow TB'ers for some direction.So,if you have something to recommend,please post it.
Thanks.

Foamy · #2 09-27-2007, 10:26 PM

I would recommend against a Mackie Onyx if you'll be using condenser mics - it has a barely perceptible high-pitch whine. But once you do perceive it, it's over. It also comes with Tracktion though, and I find that to be my favorite recording app so far. I ended up with a presonus firebox, and I am pleased with it. The firepod has just dropped in price though too.

**Pacman** · #3 09-28-2007, 06:22 AM

Moved to Recording Gear and Equipment

Plain Old Me · #4 10-05-2007, 01:14 AM

I love my firepod.

Kosko · #5 10-12-2007, 09:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Plain Old Me

I love my firepod.

Presonus is the way to go. Seriously the firepod is the BEST audio interface I have ever worked with and its cheap.

I will mention that it is the only interface I've worked with beyond running a mixer to an audio in. But really the Firepod is amazing.

One problem. They discontinued the Firepod. Its now the Firestudio, you can also tack on the H60 headphone mixer which will make possible personal headphone mixes (band, direct instrument and clicktrack). Its seriously sounds like the greatest thing ever for under 1k in stuff.

Its definitely a studio in two rack mounts of space + a computer. A good computer really helps.

I can't reccomend these guys enough.

Plain Old Me · #6 10-12-2007, 03:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kosko

Presonus is the way to go. Seriously the firepod is the BEST audio interface I have ever worked with and its cheap.

I will mention that it is the only interface I've worked with beyond running a mixer to an audio in. But really the Firepod is amazing.

One problem. They discontinued the Firepod. Its now the Firestudio, you can also tack on the H60 headphone mixer which will make possible personal headphone mixes (band, direct instrument and clicktrack). Its seriously sounds like the greatest thing ever for under 1k in stuff.

Its definitely a studio in two rack mounts of space + a computer. A good computer really helps.

I can't reccomend these guys enough.

I know the Firepod has been discontinued, but I think they are still blowing them out on MusiciansFriend for really cheap. I got mine for $400 with a free headphone amp/mixer. I have used several other products (E-mu, MOTU, etc.) and I have found that the AD/DA converters on the Firepod are the best under about $7-800. It has also been very reliable, which my previous interface was not (E-mu 1820). However, the preamp section is not the greatest, and will get hissy at about half volume. If you already have strong signals or other preamps, then you should be fine though.

pbass2 · #7 10-12-2007, 06:10 PM

Look into the MOTU stuff too. The 828MKII is kind of an industry-standard for this sorta thing. The mic pres on any of these things aren't gonna get anybody too excited, but at least they're pretty transparent, and you can add something else to the front end as your recording gear GAS gets into full swing

Foamy · #8 10-15-2007, 05:38 PM

The Mackie Onyx is the Stupid deal of the day at MF - in case there is any interest.

DocBop · #9 10-15-2007, 08:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Foamy

The Mackie Onyx is the Stupid deal of the day at MF - in case there is any interest.

I have M-Audio FastTrack not great but useable. I plan to buy a MBox 2 sometime next year. Is it worth taking advantage of the Mackie deal at MF or live with the FastTrack until I get the MBox and all its software?

Foamy · #10 10-15-2007, 10:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DocBop

I have M-Audio FastTrack not great but useable. I plan to buy a MBox 2 sometime next year. Is it worth taking advantage of the Mackie deal at MF or live with the FastTrack until I get the MBox and all its software?

I had a Mackie Onyx, and it had a very high-pitch when recording from condenser mics with phantom power on - a high tone like a mosquito. I sent it back, and they sent another that had the same problem. The guy at Mackie pulled another one off the shelf there and it had the same problem.
They called me to tell me they had one "fixed', about three weeks later.
However, I had already returned all my kit to GC.
Some other folks may not have had that problem.
But Tracktion is pretty killer.
If ya get one, let me know.
I've got some pieces for it that I got from a promo, and being the happy Foamy I am, I'll get 'em to you for cheap or shipping or something. Not looking to profit.

DocBop · #11 10-16-2007, 08:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Foamy

I had a Mackie Onyx, and it had a very high-pitch when recording from condenser mics with phantom power on - a high tone like a mosquito. I sent it back, and they sent another that had the same problem. The guy at Mackie pulled another one off the shelf there and it had the same problem.
They called me to tell me they had one "fixed', about three weeks later.
However, I had already returned all my kit to GC.
Some other folks may not have had that problem.
But Tracktion is pretty killer.
If ya get one, let me know.
I've got some pieces for it that I got from a promo, and being the happy Foamy I am, I'll get 'em to you for cheap or shipping or something. Not looking to profit.

Thanks for the reply. I ended up passing to save my money and to move my date up to buy a MBox2 with ProTools LE to early next year. I want to learn ProTool since that is what I have a chance to work with at church.