firewire interface

[chrischen]

Hi I need a firewire interface to work with Pro Tools Academic. I've been looking at the Onyx Satellite, Firewire Solo, and Firewire 410. Any advice? I have a budget of $400. I don't really need a lot of inputs, just one for mic and instrument.

Thanks.

[DrDeltaM]

Only Digidesign or M-Audio interfaces work with ProTools LE respectively ProTools M-Powered. So the Onyx, while a nice interface, is no option if you want ProTools.

[chrischen]

so would the firewire solo be a good choice?

[chrischen]

would it be worth buying cakewalk SONAR producer, sonar studio (what's are the differences), or Cubase 4, instead at $399, $199, or $399 respectively so i can use the Onyx?

*pro tools is only $199 academic which is why i mentioned it first.

[Spectacle]

Originally Posted by chrischen

would it be worth buying cakewalk SONAR producer, sonar studio (what's are the differences), or Cubase 4, instead at $399, $199, or $399 respectively so i can use the Onyx?

*pro tools is only $199 academic which is why i mentioned it first.

Logic Express = academic price is $149, and it is about 90% of the way to Logic Pro. Very nice DAW for the money, if you have a Mac. It will work with all of these interfaces. And Onyx Satellite is now half price all over the place: $199.

[chrischen]

unfortunately i don't have a mac.

[DrDeltaM]

The Solo firewire would be fine.

If you don't need ProTools, The Mackie Onyx comes with Tracktion. Interfaces from Presonus (and many other brands) come with Cubase LE.

[chrischen]

I'm looking at this and it comes with a free mic: http://www.musiciansfriend.com/produ...tem?sku=184133

i've narrowed it down to that (presonus plus cubase le and mic), Onyx with tracktion, or firewire solo + pro tools m-powered academic.

Also is there a difference between cubase LE and 4?

[Ashofapheonix]

Yes a big one, Cuabase LE is a highly stripped form of Cubase. However, It can be good to learn on, and is enough to get most people started. Software Wise the Onyx Sattelite with tracktion is proably the most cost effective. The Onyx pres are better than the rest of the budget interfaces, but I'm wary of the drivers, on the satellite I have heard mixed things there.

[chrischen]

so between the three the ONyx is the better preamp?

Then I guess I'll go with the Onyx and if the Tracktion software isn't good enough i can always switch to academic cubase 4 or sonar.

[Spectacle]

Originally Posted by Ashofapheonix

Yes a big one, Cuabase LE is a highly stripped form of Cubase. However, It can be good to learn on, and is enough to get most people started. Software Wise the Onyx Sattelite with tracktion is proably the most cost effective. The Onyx pres are better than the rest of the budget interfaces, but I'm wary of the drivers, on the satellite I have heard mixed things there.

And it actually comes with TWO mics, a pair of MXL 990s. I got a couple of these when just starting out. They are definitely budget-level, but you can get some really nice results if you get to know them. They're not really large diaphragm condensers: more like a medium diaphragm (.7", I think). But a million times better than just about everything else in their exact price range. For the money, this package looks like a good deal for starting out.

[chrischen]

I'd rather have a better preamp. And I don't really need two mics.
I think i can shell out atleast another $100 for a mic and if necessary software.

[chrischen]

I just found out about this one: http://www.musiciansfriend.com/produ...ace?sku=246030 Alesis iO/14

And this: http://www.musiciansfriend.com/produ...er-?sku=630153

These look good. But are they?

[Spectacle]

Originally Posted by chrischen

I just found out about this one: http://www.musiciansfriend.com/produ...ace?sku=246030 Alesis iO/14

And this: http://www.musiciansfriend.com/produ...er-?sku=630153

These look good. But are they?

They're very good. A really insane bargain really. I have the iO/26 myself. There have been some people reporting problems with these when they listen to iTunes through them and then try to surf the internet. That is, of course, not what these interfaces are for, though, so I haven't run into any problems at all, and the pres are really, really good for the money.

With the multimix, you get all those faders, but the trade off is a maximum recording sample rate of 16bit/44.1 kHz. Good piece of gear, though.

And good choice with the mics, I'd say. Definitely worth having a better-quality mic, even for starting out. For your stated budget, I'd suggest the

MXL V67g ($99)
MXL 3000 ($99 on Musicians' Friend)
AT 2020 ($99)
Studio Projects B1 ($119, though make sure that you get the new version [with a pad switch on it], and DEFINITELY don't get the Behringer B1 )

Best of luck!

[chrischen]

Yea thanks for those suggestions. I was considering the studio projects b1.

I looked at the pro tools stuff again. Is the Mbox 2 better than the Onyx Satellite?

[chrischen]

For the mics, studio projects b3 or rode NT 1A?

[Spectacle]

Originally Posted by chrischen

For the mics, studio projects b3 or rode NT 1A?

Absolutely on both. Once again, I have the NT1-A, and it is a fantastic mic for the price. Really good for both acoustic and vocals. When I got it, I did a shoot-out with a couple of other similar-priced mics (AKG Perception 200 and something else...), and it was no contest.

But keep in mind that the NT1-A is more than you mentioned you were willing to spend. I think it runs for about $230 at this point, though you might be able to get it for just under $200.

[chrischen]

Thanks for the response.

[dviola]

If you're still looking I have an m-audio firewire solo that i'm looking to sell...i loved it but have upgraded to a focusrite saffire because I needed more channels

PM me if you might be interested

[Acoustic Cloud]

ChrisChen,

You asked about Sonar Producer 6, I upgraded to it a few weeks ago from 4 Studio, and I am amazed at it. Best $$ I have spent since my Joly Modded Oktavas. The Vintage Channel, Perfect space Verb and V-Vocal were worth way more to me than the upgrade price itself. Beautiful sounding plugs.

If you cant swing Sonar 6 PE right now, I recommend whole heartedly that you shoot for it in the future...