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Second interface

DocBop

DocBop

Feb 22, 2007
2,412
38
Los Angeles, CA
#1
I am going to be taking a class that I need to be able to record my bass and sometimes my (horrible) voice. Later I want to get more into recording to create practice tracks and solo bass stuff.

I have a Mac Mini and bought a M-Audio FastTrack and using Audacity since class wants stuff in MP3 format. The problem I'm having is the level on the M-Audio is real low and some latency when playing some fast lines. I've read some of the threads and these seem to be common complaints with the FastTrack. Can someone recommend a better interface to use, should I switch to Firewire? If I plan to do more later should I just go ahead and get a M-Box or something like that. If I do that will the ProTools LE save to a MP3 format? Also need a mic' I was thinking a Shure 57??? Or you receommend something else for general purpose mic'?

What do all recommend???
 
#3
thehurlatron said:
I've had nothing but good results with my MOTU ultralite. (with my Macs) It's firewire, top notch construction and customer service to match. The pre's in it are great with lots of headroom.

As for a general purpose mic, are you looking for a condenser or dynamic?
Click to expand...

Thanks for tip on the UltraLite, don't know if I need that many ins and outs.

As for a mic doesn't matter at this point dynamic or condenser. Been a long time since I done this type of stuff. Was thinking a dynamic since they can take a lot of SPL if I mic an amp or drum, but still okay for voice or acoustic. :help:
 
#4
You need something that has direct monitoring on it--meaning that you're listening to your bass as it goes into the computer, not after.

These: http://www.tapcoworld.com/products/linkfw/index.html

look interesting. The USB one is pretty cheap and they come bundled with Traction (not a big deal, but a nice one). From what I've read, if you're USB 2.0 you're fine, though firewire is still faster (but I'm sure someone's read differently!).

It's not the interface that determines if you can save as MP3s, it's the software. I'd guess all major recording apps can do it (logic can, for instance). The whole pro tools vs. [insert any other app here] discussion is a can of worms I hate to open. Basically, I'd say if you think you're going to be doing a lot complex recording at home that you then will be taking into a commercial studio to work on, seriously consider pro tools. But, even then, it's not necessary.

As to the mic, you can't really go wrong with a 57. If you're hitting really quiet sources you'll need a nice quiet mic pre. But, in my opinion, it's a mic that will always be used. Hell, I believe for quite some time it was Bjork's vocal mic of choice and I've never heard a record where her vocs sounded crap.
 
#5
comfortstarr said:
You need something that has direct monitoring on it--meaning that you're listening to your bass as it goes into the computer, not after.
Click to expand...
If we're talking Fast Track USB then it has direct monitoring. However, if you're using Audacity's software play through then you're going to get latency. Audacity doesn't even have an option for low-latency operation as far as I know. I'm surprised you're getting low levels too. Are you getting low recording levels or low monitor levels?
 
#6
lemur821 said:
If we're talking Fast Track USB then it has direct monitoring. However, if you're using Audacity's software play through then you're going to get latency. Audacity doesn't even have an option for low-latency operation as far as I know. I'm surprised you're getting low levels too. Are you getting low recording levels or low monitor levels?
Click to expand...

Actually both recording and monitoring are low. The input level is around 1/3 across the indicator. The recorded signal is usable not real strong sounding, considering I have the bass (active bass) wide open. I figure that would be a pretty strong signal.
 

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