upgrading my kit...interface queries

[nms]

i have an m-audio mobilePre....and i was wondering whether the Alesis iO range was better for an upgrade. I simply need more inputs!

However....seeing as i am relatively dim in this respect - what are the ports above the the jack line in in the iOs - i don't know what cables fit in there!

Also: would that new interface work with GarageBand? I know logic would be better, but until i raise some funds i think GB will have to do.

Lastly - drum mics.....any cheap recommendation (apart from putting/hovering a few mics over the kit - bass drum, left and right etc.)

Thanks! I had a great response when i posted a latency help thread with my M-Audio kit, here's hoping for the same.

 

[zimv20]

Thanks! I had a great response when i posted a latency help thread with my M-Audio kit, here's hoping for the same.

i had to search for that thread to realize you're being sarcastic.

are you looking for better converters or more inputs? or both? haven't used either unit, but if you go for the alesis i reckon you're in for a sonic crossgrade, and not a different level of converter.

buying / placing drum mics is a big topic. start w/ a budget and how many mics you want to use.

 

[nms]

i had to search for that thread to realize you're being sarcastic.

are you looking for better converters or more inputs? or both? haven't used either unit, but if you go for the alesis i reckon you're in for a sonic crossgrade, and not a different level of converter.

buying / placing drum mics is a big topic. start w/ a budget and how many mics you want to use.

i wasn't being sarcastic! although i was surprised that anyone replied at all, even though i fixed the problem myself, and there's now no latency....which negates the person's entire reply to my post.

EDIT: that was you!

more inputs. sorry, what's a sonic crossgrade?
and i'm not a drummer, so i probably shouldn't be buying his equipment. so i think i'll ignore that one for a bit.

and you searched? you SEARCHED for that random thread?

EDIT: that was you!

 

[zimv20]

more inputs. sorry, what's a sonic crossgrade?

if you wanted better conversion than what you get in the m-audio, you'd have to spend a good deal more and get something from, say, Metric Halo or Apogee.

for the budget-minded, i'd say also have a look at the presonus gear.

 

[nms]

thanks. if you look at the picture of the alesis iO, what are those odd looking sockets?

 

[zimv20]

sorry, i spent 20 seconds googling for a good shot of the ports and turned up empty. post a photo and i'll have a look, but i reckon you're talking about s/pdif ports.

 

[ChrisA]

sorry, i spent 20 seconds googling for a good shot of the ports and turned up empty. post a photo and i'll have a look, but i reckon you're talking about s/pdif ports.

Google found this for me
http://www.alesis.com/photos.php?id=96
could it be an XLR and 1/4" TRS combo jack

See here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:XLR-phone_jack_combo_connector.jpg

 

[zimv20]

Google found this for me
http://www.alesis.com/photos.php?id=96

that's great, but it doesn't show the ports.

i'm sure i could find it if i tried, but i don't really feel that should be my task. the OP's welcome to help us help him.

 

[nms]

sorry guys, yeah i meant the ports IN on the front, shown in that photo. i've heard that combo jack phrase used before....but what is a combo jack? it looks a bit like a keyhole to me...

 

[nms]

Google found this for me
http://www.alesis.com/photos.php?id=96
could it be an XLR and 1/4" TRS combo jack

See here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:XLR-phone_jack_combo_connector.jpg

yeah that's the one! thanks, i thought i'd already tried wikipedia!

The iO|14 seems good value for money though, doesn't it?

 

[nms]

while we're at it.


Phantom Power - what's that about?!

does it make any difference and is it worth it?

 

[zimv20]

does it make any difference and is it worth it?

sure does/is if you have a mic that needs phantom power.