M-Audio 410

[saxnbass]

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Doesn't have the best of reviews on MF, but I've heard great things about M-Audio. I'd like to hear about this interface from people who own or have used one.
I really don't know much about interfaces, so I'm not sure what to look for. I'm looking for something around that price, firewire (I have a Mac), that's good and simple to use.

Also, if someone would like to explain how to use an interface and how interfaces work?

 

[fretlessrock]

I ran a Firewire 410 for a while and it is a decent interface. If you want to track two mics at once it is not a bad choice, and it is cheep. The preamps are aceptable. All around I'd place it in the middle of the pack for sonice, which isn't a bad place to be.

A good way to think of an external interface is a computer controlled mixer. You have control over inputs, outputs, and routing. The inputs are available for recording by a software recorder (Digital Audio Workstation = DAW) and for routing to outputs. The 410 has two channels with preamps, and two line inputs. I use the preamp inputs for mics, bass, guitar... and the line inputs for things like keyboards and drum machines, and external preamps with line outputs.

One of the best uses that I found for the 410 was digital transfers from a turntable or tape deck. It was Ok for doing multitrack overdubs, or for live stereo recordings too, but really kicked butt on those transfers.

Also check out:
Mackie Satellite
Presonus Firebox
Focusrite Saffire

All of these came to market well after the 410, and I would definitely take the Presonus over the 410. I haven't heard the other two but they get vey good reviews and I have read that the preamps are better than the 410.

Hope that helps

 

[Rush Fan]

I love my 410. Honestly it's just been me going in by myself, but it hasn't given me any problems and has fit my needs just fine.