Home studio - stumped newbie.

[Cool Tool]

Originally Posted by Nizzyo

Not sure if it's been recommended yet, but have you looked into the USBPre2? I've heard good things about them...

I had actually never heard of this interface, or even the brand, but looked into it as soon as I saw your post.

I'm impressed, good pres, few channels, it satisfies my reqs for sure. But the ASIO4ALL driver issues kinda worry me.

[Cool Tool]

Just wanted to pop in and say that I'm considering 3 interfaces now; NI Komplete Audio 6, Steinberg UR28M, and the SD USBPre 2. The RME BF is just too expensive and has too many channels, and the MOTU 4Pre seems to have nothing going for it but the hybrid USB/FW design. Unless it has better pres than the three I'm considering, I'll pass on it.

1. NI Komplete Audio 6. $230, you get a nice little software bundle with it. I've heard good things about the sound quality, but I haven't found any clips myself.

2. Steinberg UR28M. $400, comes with Cubase. Only one of the 3 with DSP. I've heard good things about this one as well, except on the D/A front.

3. SD USBPre 2. $650. The only thing I'm sure of is it has good sound. Besides that, it's a bare-bones interface.

I'm stuck (again ). I want good pres, and good sound in general, but I also want "room" in case I decide to use external pre-amps in the future. I like the software included with the first 2 interfaces, particularly the UR28M, but fear they'll lack in the pre and converter department.

[Rev. Eslam]

Then go with the Roland. I'm sure you won't regret it.
It is very much a professional product, despite the comment from a previous poster who ovbiously has never used it.
It comes with one of the finest pieces of software by Cakewalk.

[mattjew24]

So the Roland allows you to bypass it's preamps on line input? He wants to utilize better preamps and that would be important.

[Rev. Eslam]

Six of the inputs are line-level.

[Cool Tool]

Reporting in.

I've decided to go with the NI Komplete Audio 6 for an interface. I've heard a lot of good things about it and the software bundle is unbeatable, since I like NI VSTs and have been wanting to try Cubase.

Still going with the Studio Projects CS5 for a mic (for now anyway), but Sweetwater appears to have limited stock right now...should I wait and get it from them to get the free 2-year warranty? I've found another online shop that is including a free $50 metal pop filter with it.

[Nizzyo]

I own an Audio Kontrol 1. It's actually a real good interface and mine was bundled with Absynth, $100 NI voucher, and FM8(really nice!). It doesn't sound as good as my Duet 2, but it's definitely louder and the build is excellent. I would definitely get a powered USB hub to plug your Komplete Audio 6 into(assuming its bus powered)

[Cool Tool]

Originally Posted by Nizzyo

I own an Audio Kontrol 1. It's actually a real good interface and mine was bundled with Absynth, $100 NI voucher, and FM8(really nice!). It doesn't sound as good as my Duet 2, but it's definitely louder and the build is excellent. I would definitely get a powered USB hub to plug your Komplete Audio 6 into(assuming its bus powered)

Absynth and FM8 are gorgeous VSTs, I'm rather jealous . It is bus powered, so I'll look into that. Thanks man.

[ericbenard]

what kind of computer are you using

[Cool Tool]

A Windows 7 desktop I got earlier this year. It should have plenty of processing capability for what I intend to do.

[FiL.dUbz]

Originally Posted by Cool Tool

Okay, I just found out that the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 does have phantom power. It's a cheap interface with few inputs. But, if I'm understanding the impedance bridging thing right, the interface isn't adequate for the mics I'm looking at (output impedance of the Scarlett is < 10 ohms, impedance of the AT4040 for example is 100 ohms). Am I correct? But if I'm going to have a pre-amp between the mic and interface, what effect does it have?

Or should I just forget the interface and get an A-D converter? I'm so lost.

I don't get why you think the AT4040 wouldn't function correctly with the 2i2. I've got a Shure PG-27 working as it regularly would plugged into the 2i2. There are 2 in's and 2 out's, as most mobile interfaces have.

[Maverick87]

I have a Studio Projects CS1 and am happy with it. Much smoother than some of the other condensors in the price range. I don't find it to be dull, if I remember correctly, it has a bump in the 3k range and a few other spots up there :p Look for a frequency response graph and see for yourself(it'll serve you better than my poor explanation lol).

[Cool Tool]

Originally Posted by Maverick87

I have a Studio Projects CS1 and am happy with it. Much smoother than some of the other condensors in the price range. I don't find it to be dull, if I remember correctly, it has a bump in the 3k range and a few other spots up there :p Look for a frequency response graph and see for yourself(it'll serve you better than my poor explanation lol).

Glad to hear a good report, I can't wait to get my hands on the CS5.

[Shaolin]

Hey OP,

You said you're recording in a trailer. No preamp or audio interface is going to help with the inherent acoustic crappinnes of that environment. Once you sort out our interface (I'd recommend sound devices usbpre2) you need to think about getting some treatment for the vocal recording. Even something as simple as a duvet behind and a portable reflection booth in front will improve your vocals more than any other piece of equipment you can throw money at. Talking of mics, look at the Heil dynamics. They reject room well and have a hotter output than many dynamics like the SM7B.