Best Recording interface?

[Fonzijr1964]

I am looking for a desk top Recording interface/preamp kinda thing like the http://store.apple.com/us/product/TQ919ZM/A?fnode=MTY1NDA3MA&mco=MTA4NTcx
i just wanted to know what you guys think are the best options

Heres what i will be doing:
~Vocals and guitar with 1/4"
~Condenser mikes for vocals
~Electronic drum set
~Garage band

[localoid]

Are you wanting something to use with both your Air and Imac? If so, a USB interface is your only choice. But then you have a Macbook, so you could go Firewire.

If you do plan on using the Air as a portable recording solution, and if you want to be able to use phantom powered condenser mikes and power them without the need for an external power supply, then make sure the device can do that. Not all USB devices can do that. Same thing with some Firewire devices (that can't provide portable power.)

Lot's of "ifs"... Probably best if you describe your plans/needs in more detail.

[Kilamite]

I own this: Alesis MultiMix FireWire (http://www.alesis.com/multimix8firewire). Integrates beautifully with GarageBand, but also comes with Cubase.

Worth every penny. Works as an actual mixer as well if you ever wanted to connect it to a PA System. 8 inputs and the ability to use condenser mics under phantom power is great.

[Fonzijr1964]

Are you wanting something to use with both your Air and Imac? If so, a USB interface is your only choice. But then you have a Macbook, so you could go Firewire.

If you do plan on using the Air as a portable recording solution, and if you want to be able to use phantom powered condenser mikes and power them without the need for an external power supply, then make sure the device can do that. Not all USB devices can do that. Same thing with some Firewire devices (that can't provide portable power.)

Lot's of "ifs"... Probably best if you describe your plans/needs in more detail.
I will not be using my air i will be using my iMac and/or a MacPro

I own this: Alesis MultiMix FireWire (http://www.alesis.com/multimix8firewire). Integrates beautifully with GarageBand, but also comes with Cubase.

Worth every penny. Works as an actual mixer as well if you ever wanted to connect it to a PA System. 8 inputs and the ability to use condenser mics under phantom power is great.

How much???

[Kilamite]

How much???

Well, I got it a couple years ago for £180 ($260), but I see the 12 track version with actual sliding volume controls is only $269 now.

http://cachepe.zzounds.com/media/quality,85/brand,zzounds/fit,400by400/p31551h-8c0804d510220cba38c7cf8cd0eaed7e.jpg

Taken from ZZ Sounds (http://www.zzounds.com/prodsearch?q=multimix&button=search%2Fheader&form=search). Make sure you get the FireWire version, not the USB version. FireWire gives you true full 24-bit recording.

[Fonzijr1964]

Well, I got it a couple years ago for £180 ($260), but I see the 12 track version with actual sliding volume controls is only $269 now.

http://cachepe.zzounds.com/media/quality,85/brand,zzounds/fit,400by400/p31551h-8c0804d510220cba38c7cf8cd0eaed7e.jpg

Taken from ZZ Sounds (http://www.zzounds.com/prodsearch?q=multimix&button=search%2Fheader&form=search). Make sure you get the FireWire version, not the USB version. FireWire gives you true full 24-bit recording.

Deff FW

is it 400?

[Kilamite]

Deff FW

is it 400?

Yeah, FW400. It comes with its own power supply, but it really does go so well in a home studio setup.

[Fonzijr1964]

why is this http://store.apple.com/us/product/TQ919ZM/A?fnode=MTY1NDA3MA&mco=MTA4NTcx the same price???

Do i need all that?

[Kilamite]

No you don't need that.

The Alesis 16-channel mixer RRP price is $699. ZZSounds always has massive discounts on them, hence why it is $269.

I'd never buy a recording device that doesn't have a mixer. Fair enough you can adjust it on the software, but I prefer being able to physically adjust it all before it reaches the software. Much easier too when you are setting up initially - equaliser adjusting and setting up is much quicker and convenient when you have physical controls rather than software based. Save the fine tuning on the software side for the actual mastering of the production.

[platypus63]

Presonus has good recording interfaces with pretty decent pre-amps for good prices.

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/PreSonus-FIREBOX-24bit96kHz-FireWire-Recording-System?sku=184133

and

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/PreSonus-FireStudio-Project?sku=241723

Had the firebox, recently upgraded to firestudio. For your purposes I think the firebox would be good, since you wont be micing too many instruments at once.

[Fonzijr1964]

since you wont be micing too many instruments at once.

I am a solo act

[celloycafe]

If you want to buy mine you can. i have an Alesis multimix 12 firewire mixer. I am selling it because I don't need it anymore.

[samwich]

You could look into a Line6 Toneport

http://line6.com/toneport/

They have a lot of different flavors to suit your needs, but you should also check out the pro quality effects processors/simulators that come with it standard.

-Sam

[MacBass]

I would say that you should get the Alesis, you can't just add a third or fourth channel to the M-Audio like you can add RAM to a computer. What if you want to record a CD and add a string quartet on? Or you want to add drums or more guitars or bass? Always try to futureproof yourself.

[celloycafe]

I say you get the Alesis too because the cool thing with alesis you can connect more than one of them together with firewire to get more inputs. With the interface, the only inputs you have are the ones on there. Like the m-audio has 2 that's all you get. I'm selling my Alesis for $260 on amazon.com and it comes with a custom bag and all original cd's and and include Cubase LE professional recording software. I have only used it like 4 times. The reason I'm selling it is because I don't need it anymore. When I used it for recording though, I loved it. Great mixer. Great price too.

[Fonzijr1964]

Now there is this
http://store.apple.com/us/product/TQ890ZM/A?fnode=MTY1NDA3MA&mco=MjQzNjA4NQ

Any opinion on that?

[Kilamite]

Have you bothered to read anything in this thread?

It is USB 2.0 for a start..

[Fonzijr1964]

Have you bothered to read anything in this thread?

It is USB 2.0 for a start..

yeah i know...