A couple Interface questions

[Doc Labyrinth]

I have a couple questions about firewire interfaces.. i have logic express v. 7 and was wondering if any audio interface would work, namely, the alesis io 14. also, do i need a preamp for every individual track i want to record simultaneously? like, say, if i had an interface with four analog inputs, two with preamps, would i still be able to record four simultaneous tracks? thanks in advance.

 

[Doc Labyrinth]

anyone?

 

[stranger0]

I can't answer that specifically but generally there seem to be very few interfaces that don't worry with the majority of audio programs esp something like Logic.

As long as you can get a signal, you can record anything into the program.

 

[liquid-dream-ex]

We bought the Alesis IO14 and used it for the first time last week.

You don't really need a Pre-Amp, but you will only get a very low signal from mics. What we did was using the direct-put of our mixing desk.

 

[bluestarbass]

You don't really need a Pre-Amp

Yes, you absolutely do

What we did was using the direct-put of our mixing desk.

You ran the feed off your board, so you were using the boards mic pres. You will not get sound not using a mic pre. Either you wernt turning the Gain up high enough or your board doesnt have high enough headroom for your source.

To answer the original posters questions. The alesis should work. The general rule is any interface will work with any major program except pro tools, then any digidesign interface will work with anything.

You need a mic pre for every mic or DI you are recording simultaneously. If you have 4 mics but only 2 mic pres you can only record 2 mics. What the line ins can be used for is synths, but you lose control over gain and possible features of the pre. If your buying an interface with 4 ins, but only 2 pres, pick up something like a FMR really nice pre. Its 2 channel and sounds good.

 

[Doc Labyrinth]

awesome, thanks for the help guys.