Author Topic: what would you prefer? (Read 3282 times)

leech · « **on:** May 27, 2006, 11:26:29 PM »

need your opinions please...

what would you prefer if your just starting to venture onto home recording?...

M-Audio
FireWire 1814 FireWire Audio / MIDI Interface

...........OR...........

Hercules
1612FW 16 In/12 Out Firewire Audio Interface
.

suggestions , comments are welcome..

KitC · « **Reply #1 on:** May 27, 2006, 11:55:28 PM »

If you really want to start with a firewire interface, I recommend the Motu Ultralite which costs only $50 more. Way better converters than anything M-Audio can offer. On the other hand, M-Audio gives you Pro Tools LE compatibility, but at extra cost.

leech · « **Reply #2 on:** May 28, 2006, 03:54:05 AM »

oic... but how about the hercules? what are your comments on this? i dont really know much about firewire interfaces but how important is the A/d D/A converters? where do you actually use it?

how much is enough inputs/ouputs? i really dont know why other interfaces have more outputs than inputs? what do you think is the most apropriate interface to use if i'm going to use atleast 3 guitars, 1 bass, 2 mics and a 5 piece drumset with 3 cymbals? but i really dont need to record it simultaneously though....help pls!

mariuo · « **Reply #3 on:** May 28, 2006, 09:20:50 AM »

yeah so many people in other forums say motu is really good. i think a/d converters are the ones that actually deal with your instruments output or sound, how it goes into the computer. not 100% sure but thats what i understand from tutorials hehe

as far as inputs.. i wish i could have more than 2. thats just me

KitC · « **Reply #4 on:** May 28, 2006, 11:01:19 AM »

Quote from: leech

oic... but how about the hercules? what are your comments on this? i dont really know much about firewire interfaces but how important is the A/d D/A converters? where do you actually use it?

The quality of the converters is very important especially if you want pristine sound; the converters are the heart of your soundcard/audio interface. I've read recently that the Motu Traveller, 828, 896 and now the Ultralite use AKM converters which are similar to the ones found in Pro Tools interfaces. As mariuo says, they do the conversion from analog sound into digital streams and poor converters will color your sound.

Hercules is relatively new to the business of soundcards; Motu is quite well established and respected in the world of pro audio. Do a search for user reviews on the Guillemot Isis and you'll understand why I'm steering you away from Hercules.

leech · « **Reply #5 on:** May 29, 2006, 10:33:08 PM »

ah ok... but comparing the motu traveler and the Presonus - FirePod FireWire Audio Interface , what would you prefer? sorry kung maraming akong tanong hehe!! pweo kailangan ko talaga malaman eh...

if you were to pick one.... between motu traveller, maudio or presonus.... what would it be? pros and cons? thanks!!

pallas · « **Reply #6 on:** May 30, 2006, 12:19:33 AM »

Quote from: leech

ah ok... but comparing the motu traveler and the Presonus - FirePod FireWire Audio Interface , what would you prefer? sorry kung maraming akong tanong hehe!! pweo kailangan ko talaga malaman eh... if you were to pick one.... between motu traveller, maudio or presonus.... what would it be? pros and cons? thanks!!

we need answers here...discuss

leech · « **Reply #7 on:** May 30, 2006, 01:30:08 AM »

yup!! tulong!!

KitC · « **Reply #8 on:** May 30, 2006, 02:52:06 AM »

Why rehash what's already been written but here's the lowdown on all 3:

M-Audio Firewire 1814

Presonus Firepod

MOTU Ultralite (I think you meant Ultralite because the Traveler is more expensive at around $850.

It all boils down to I/O preference. If you need 8 XLR mic inputs, the Firepod fits the bill, plus s/pdif coaxial I/O, you get at total of 10 inputs and outputs.

The Ultralite has 2 XLR/TRS combo connectors vs. the Firepod's 8. S/pdif is also coaxial so you get a total of 10 inputs. On the Ultralite, however, the main outs and headphone outs are separately assignable so you get a total of 14 outputs. The Ultralite can also function as a standalone digital mixer when not connected to a computer.

The M-Audio FW 1814 has 2 mic pre amps, but it's 6 other analog inputs are unbalanced as compared to the other 2. The 1814, however, also has ADAT capability plus the coaxial s/pdif gives you a total of 18 inputs, but only 8 of those are analog. Analog outputs are 4 plus ADAT and s/pdif gives you a total of 14 outputs.

Also note that the Presonus and MOTU offer AKM converters similar to those used in Apogee and RME interfaces. I cannot determine what converters the M-Audio uses.

bugoy · « **Reply #9 on:** May 30, 2006, 04:00:16 AM »

ang mamahal nama nnyan KiTC ehehe ala ka bang ma irerecomend na rang $150-$250 lang na pareho ng quality ng converters nyang mga ni specify mo kahit 2 analog ins and outs lang ?

starfugger · « **Reply #10 on:** May 30, 2006, 08:54:09 AM »

hmmm, i think it would help to make a sticky thread about audio interfaces and how to start a home recording studio. just a suggestion.

leech · « **Reply #11 on:** May 30, 2006, 09:51:09 AM »

yup!! i think thats a good idea!!

KitC · « **Reply #12 on:** May 30, 2006, 10:28:15 AM »

Quote from: bugoy

ang mamahal nama nnyan KiTC ehehe ala ka bang ma irerecomend na rang $150-$250 lang na pareho ng quality ng converters nyang mga ni specify mo kahit 2 analog ins and outs lang ?

In reply lang ako sa original question ni leech na naglalaro ang mga FW interfaces around the $500 range. Right now, the cheaper FW interfaces belong to M-Audio, Presonus and Hercules. Judging by Hercules' previous performance, medyo risky getting their interfaces inspite of the good price. M-Audio builds good solid interfaces but their cost reflects the quality of the components and an audio interface is only as good as it's converters and clock. That leaves us with Presonus which is known to have AKM converters, among the best in the business. The names to look for in converters are AKM (Asahi-Kasei), Cirrus Logic, Burr-Brown, and a couple more whose names escape me ATM.

Hazel, I like the idea about making a sticky re: audio interfaces and starting a home recording setup. It is a rather large article (or two) and time is my enemy right now. If someone could start the article(s), I'd be happy to make it into a sticky. Any takers?

Sound Weavers · « **Reply #13 on:** May 30, 2006, 10:43:16 AM »

leech, I would recommend the FIREPOD based on the assumptions
* that your recording requirements will most likely be multi-input tracking (4 pc band settings)
* you will most likely mix in the computer
* if you want to expand your inputs later you can just add another FIREPOD

Aside from the quality of converters, PRESONUS stuff are built like tanks.

HTH.

starfugger · « **Reply #14 on:** May 30, 2006, 10:44:02 AM »

Kit, suggestion. cut paste and compile nalang all the relevant info on audio interfaces, dealers, etc. in this forum

that should be pretty useful already as this subject has been discussed repeatedly.

bugoy · « **Reply #15 on:** May 30, 2006, 10:48:59 AM »

sir kitC magkano naman yung sinasabi mo pong Presonus dyan sa last post mo po ? at ilang in/out ?

Sound Weavers · « **Reply #16 on:** May 30, 2006, 11:02:29 AM »

Firewire Audio interfaces sorted by price low ot high

HTH

bugoy · « **Reply #17 on:** May 30, 2006, 11:11:29 AM »

ganda nitong PreSonus Inspire 1394 ahh parang pinaliit na X-box eheheh

ok rin kaya yan ? what can you say sir KitC

KitC · « **Reply #18 on:** May 30, 2006, 11:42:38 AM »

Quote from: bugoy

ganda nitong PreSonus Inspire 1394 ahh parang pinaliit na X-box eheheh

ok rin kaya yan ? what can you say sir KitC

It's ok if you need 4 inputs. Lumalabas $50/input. Step up to the Firebox at $300, same ratio din.

KitC · « **Reply #19 on:** May 30, 2006, 12:00:20 PM »

Quote from: starfugger

Kit, suggestion. cut paste and compile nalang all the relevant info on audio interfaces, dealers, etc. in this forum that should be pretty useful already as this subject has been discussed repeatedly.

Hazel,

I'll seriously consider that. Yun lang, medyo kalat ang data so it might take some time which I don't have much of right now. If someone could start a thread, I could make it a sticky.

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Author Topic: what would you prefer? (Read 3282 times)