Need advice on a good first audio interface.

[imgettingcloser]

First of all, thanks for all responses, as you can I am also new to forum. So I have permission for a few newb questions since I am completely new to the recording world. Haha. I was actually suggested this website from the music forum on my local CL, so I figured I'd check it out.

Anyways, to what I am trying to shoot for. What I am mainly going to be recording is guitar, and maybe some vocals. I would like some advice on an audio interface that meets my needs. My laptop has plenty of power and plenty hard drive space, 2gb of ram, and is equipped with 32 bit Vista. My gear is a Les Paul standard, Ibanez FL9, 535q wah, Boss DD3, and Sunn Beta lead 2x12. Now I would like to record my gear eventually, but this is mainly for use to be saved on my laptop and then directly mixed in a program. I am leaning more towards Cubase since I have fooled around with it a bit, but I am up for other options and preferably pretty user friendly. Basically the price range I am looking at spending is between $200-350. I have seen a lot of things for the Line 6 pod stuff and it being one of the best ways to go, also, I have seen a lot on NI Audio Kontrol 1 and Line 6 UX2 being a great semi-entry level unit. I have been doing a ton of research and haven't come up with any conclusions. Haha. Can you help me out?

[Jan1973]

Do you need microphones as well?

I'd buy an EMU 0404 USB interface. Nice quality item for the price. Can be used standalone preamp and/or converter as well. You can DI your guitar with it or mic the amp up.

As for microphones, for guitar you can't do wrong with an SM57. However, a Rode M3 would be more all around at about the same price, with decent results possible for guitar as well as vocals.

[imgettingcloser]

I'm probably not going to go with mics quite yet. I probably will once I get the hang of the software and get my tone situated on my amp. I totally forgot about the EMU 0404. A friend suggested the Presonus Firebox as well. How is that one?

[warhead]

ECHO Audiofire 4 is seriously nice, if you have a firewire port that'd be my reach (you mentioned Presonus which is firewire too so figure you do).

War

[vijsolo]

If choosing E-MU I would vote for

Emu Tracker Pre USB 2.0 Audio Interface

The reason is it has everything to start with, but also has some capabilities for more professional use like channel inserts. This will let you use some professional hardware effects while recording. Also +48V phantom power on this does not require external power supply.

Extencieve software bundle included

[saguinus_gr]

Do you have a budget? You could spend 3K (or more) on 2 good channels or $300 !!

[Heartfelt]

Originally Posted by warhead

ECHO Audiofire 4 is seriously nice, if you have a firewire port that'd be my reach (you mentioned Presonus which is firewire too so figure you do).

War

Yes. The pres are very useable, it is rock solid on XP/Vista and the conversion rocks. I have gotten many a good mile out of mine.

[Ca$h Marty]

My advice is think about how many channels you will need to record (now and in the future). For example if you want to eventually do drums, you will likely need 8 inputs ideally. However if you are only going to be doing a single vocal or guitar line at a time you might only need one/two inputs.

This will be a major deciding factor in your selection as you can invest your budget into 2 really nice channels or invest in expandability with more inputs.

[kooz]

Originally Posted by Ca$h Marty

My advice is think about how many channels you will need to record (now and in the future). For example if you want to eventually do drums, you will likely need 8 inputs ideally. However if you are only going to be doing a single vocal or guitar line at a time you might only need one/two inputs.

This will be a major deciding factor in your selection as you can invest your budget into 2 really nice channels or invest in expandability with more inputs.

Right! also think about future connectivity and number of outputs.
A USB or Firewire interface might suffice for now, but you're looking at re-outfitting yourself in 5 years or less. If it doesn't have AES I/O and some option slots (for possibly dropping in a PT or MADI interface card), I say keep looking.

[imgettingcloser]

Thanks for the replies. My budget is between $200-300. I do have firewire, I'm just not sure what speed it is. Is there anyway of checking? I checked google, and didn't really come up with anything good. So far I am liking the ECHO Audiofire 4. I'm not too concerned about upgrading later on down the road, I'm just looking for something that's going to be good for my needs right now. I'll probably just end up giving the audio interface for my dad or sell it later on for an upgrade.

[KeithMoonwannabe]

I own the EMU 0404 USB and can highly suggest it. Definitely the best for the price. Quality of pres and conversion far surpasses the Presonus firebox.

With that said the ECHO is also a great unit.

I'd suggest picking up a Shure SM57 and the EMU 0404 usb interface.

I tried the M3 and wasn't impressed at all on any app I put up against it. This was a SDC shootout I did myself with a lot of other mics including Shure KSM137, KSM141, KSM109, ATM450, Rode M3, Sterling Audio ST31, Rode NT5, SM81, and AT4041.

Mic cables were Mogami Gold Studio and mic preamp was a Trident S20. My monitoring for the test was my Beyer DT770 headphones and then a pair of JBL LSR 4328. Room was acoustically treated with traps, broadband, and diffusers. Hardwood floors etc.

Testing was done using a couple acoustic guitars Gibson SJ200, Taylor GS-K I believe (it had a solid spruce top with flamed koa back and sides), Martin D-35, and my Epiphone Masterbilt AJ500R.

I also tried miking up drums and cymbals from overhead and as a hat and ride spot mic. I used my set of K Custom Hybrid cymbals and a set of A Custom Rezo cymbals. I used a DW Collectors Series (maple) 5 piece kit (18x23 kick, 7x10, 8x12, 11x14 with legs, and 13x16 with legs) with a 6x13" EDGE snare.

Judging by how the M3 reacted to those sources (one's I was very familiar with) I can safely say I wouldn't choose an M3 over an SM57 or any of my other favorite instrument mics on a guitar cab or for an acoustic guitar.

heil's pr-30 and pr-20 ut are excellent alternatives to the industry standard MD421 and SM57 in my opinion. the BLUE Ball is also a great alternative and is surprisingly affordable now, you just have to talk to your BLUE dealer and have them order you one.

In any event the mics I listed will be able to last with you forever and will stand the test of time I just can't say the M3 will be a lasting hit like an SM57, MD421 or like the Heil dynamics will be.