Portable sound interface for live performance

shadewind · 7th December 2009

Hello!

I currently use a Fireface 800 in my studio but I find that it's a bit overkill when performing live. I'd also hate to break it while carrying around since it's a bit expensive.

So I'm wondering if anyone has a tip for a reasonably cheap but still stable audio interface with USB or Firewire connection. I need at least two stereo outputs, one balanced and one headphone. It doesn't have to be headphone, it can be balanced as well, I just need a main and a headphone cue output. Then I need at least one mic preamp and at least two balanced inputs.

And ideas?

David C. · 8th December 2009

Would it be feasible to buy a bullet proof case for the Fireface?

99zulu · 8th December 2009

How about a MOTU Ultralite mk3? The refresh has firewire and usb, and the thing works stand-alone if need be. Pres don't have a ton of power (can't drive an SM7B with them) but they aren't bad. Ins and outs are routable and it's around a third of the cost of your Fireface. Best of all, it's small (1u half-width)...and you can daisy-chain if you need more inputs.

vijsolo · 8th December 2009

Hi there,

May be this one could be interesting for you

Tascam US144 MKII USB 2.0 Audio Interface Made of metal, so should be robust in live situations.

or this one if you need 1 mic and two line ins simultaneously

M-Audio ProFire 610 Firewire Audio Interface

Cheerz!

AlexK · 8th December 2009

How about an RME Fireface 400? Similar to the 800 but smaller

Also, I wouldn't be SO worried about breaking a better interface - a better interface will be more reliable/less likely to fail on the road...

7th December 2009	#1
shadewind Gear addict Joined: Aug 2007 Posts: 378 Thread Starter	Portable sound interface for live performance Hello! I currently use a Fireface 800 in my studio but I find that it's a bit overkill when performing live. I'd also hate to break it while carrying around since it's a bit expensive. So I'm wondering if anyone has a tip for a reasonably cheap but still stable audio interface with USB or Firewire connection. I need at least two stereo outputs, one balanced and one headphone. It doesn't have to be headphone, it can be balanced as well, I just need a main and a headphone cue output. Then I need at least one mic preamp and at least two balanced inputs. And ideas?

8th December 2009	#4
vijsolo Gear nut Joined: Nov 2009 Posts: 130	Hi there, May be this one could be interesting for you Tascam US144 MKII USB 2.0 Audio Interface Made of metal, so should be robust in live situations. or this one if you need 1 mic and two line ins simultaneously M-Audio ProFire 610 Firewire Audio Interface Cheerz! __________________ www.bedroom-musician.com

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8th December 2009	#2
David C. Gear addict Joined: Jun 2009 Location: Race Horse and Bourbon State Posts: 357	Would it be feasible to buy a bullet proof case for the Fireface?

8th December 2009	#3
99zulu Gear maniac Joined: May 2009 Location: central ND Posts: 283	How about a MOTU Ultralite mk3? The refresh has firewire and usb, and the thing works stand-alone if need be. Pres don't have a ton of power (can't drive an SM7B with them) but they aren't bad. Ins and outs are routable and it's around a third of the cost of your Fireface. Best of all, it's small (1u half-width)...and you can daisy-chain if you need more inputs.

8th December 2009	#5
AlexK Lives for gear Joined: Oct 2009 Location: Cardiff & Bath, UK Posts: 1,344	How about an RME Fireface 400? Similar to the 800 but smaller Also, I wouldn't be SO worried about breaking a better interface - a better interface will be more reliable/less likely to fail on the road...