tell me what to do
I’m about ready to get a new computer and soundcard.
I’ve been using an aardvark Q10, but they’ve been out of buisness for a while, driver updates don’t exist, and I need a more powerful computer.
So I was looking at the Presonus firewire thing.
I have the Presonus Eureka and I think it’s a pretty good piece of equipment, but Bax3 mentioned problems with it on another thread, and suggested we start a new one.
I only need 8 tracks in.
I like the Q10’s basic design: 8 preamps with 4 inserts and phantom.
My ideal box would have 8 preamps all with inserts each with switchable phantom, and would be inexpensive and stable.
I thought firewire was the way to go, but now I dunno.
So y’all tell me what to do.
I have a Lenovo 3000 n100. The chipsets for firewire and cardbus are listed as “compliant” with no brand name associated. That can apparently be a problem with audio.
Check over at Audiominds for more info on Laptops.
I can definately say that my Layla 24 PCMCIA cardbus (disconinued) works great for audio even wtih my Lenovo (it did require I use a special “fix” from Echo audio). I did not find that the case with my Presonus FireStation, nothing I did could make it work with the laptop. A TI shipset PCI card fixed the desktop. Check the Presonus forum for more information. Other brands are having problems with firewire and laptops.
Yeah I thought this was thread about “firewire” VS PCI or USB?
I too am in the market for at the least an upgrade of home PC set up interface/mixer/mic/ect. for basically recording two guitars, acoustic yamaha 12 string/plug in and Ibanez electric (with or without stack and head, do use amp sims) and occasionally bass, keys and vocals.
I am exploring several options, and hearing some pretty poor reviews from various devices when used with older OS and computers.
It seems you can get a descent interface <(M-audio $80, USB) but the fire wire is $199(M-Audio FireWire Solo Mobile Audio Interface)
Then there’s the (M-Audio E-MU 0404 PCI Digital Audio Recording System) for 99$ which seems to work well with a mixer…but have heard many bad reviews on older systems…latency issues…
Then there’s stuff like this:
M-Audio MXL 990/991 Recording Mic Duo and M-Audio AudioBuddy Package
Which is essentially two condenser mics with an interface for 99$ however it seems limited in the EQ and monitoring abilities while recording…
I have been using a Behringer analog mixer with a 1/8 inch RCA to phono type jack, splitting the stereo output to left and right to give me two separate inputs/tracks, with a dynamic mic, and a second class condenser mic for vocals. I haven’t had the problems I have heard from many with noise from the mixer or mics, but I have used what was recommended as quality mixer and cords…along with power sources.
I do want to upgrade, either get a better mixer like this:
Alesis MultiMix 8USB Mixer with USB and DSP
Along with the MXL condenser mic (which is only 60$ right now)… but I am leery of the USB interface having read all the latency issues with that…(along with other affordable USB interfaces)
So I am posed between the two options, a better sound card (which may have multiple 1/8 inch inputs) along with mic and mixer a $200 total investment. (although I have also heard of problems with the Audiophile with slower older OS and processors)
OR a better mixer. (with USB interface) along with the MXL condencer mic) Again 200$ range.
OR a cheaper interface, , no mixer, (also USB) with 2 MXL mic’s)
I would like to be able to leave the analog mixer behind and go digital, but need to stay in my price range, Merry Christmas to me lol
I saw a few break out boxes in the 20$ range but they too like the other mentioned are limited (need mixer or preamp to operate at full ability) I also saw a few boxes that will either simulate an amp (for the guitars ) or allow me to take a signal directly from my stack to the box or mixer, also in the 20$ range.
Many options…not much experience with the other devices. As I said tho I would like to move forward and to the next level of sound.
I was thinking for a moment of going completely digital and bi-basing the computer altogether, there are 4-8 track recorders (some with built in burners) these days in the 150$ range, but I am leery of them as well since I am not hearing to many good things about them and their quality of tracks and synchronizing them once into the puter…
If anyone can offer any advice as to any of the things I have discussed please feel free to quote the particular device and or offer advice and suggestions alternative devices to this simple production effort going on here…
In addition I am interested in the firewire option since I have heard good things about it, and some of the devices mentioned offer that as well…
keep shinin’
jerm 
Early this year I replaced my studio computer. The problem for the past year has been my operating system, Vista Home Premium. Trying to find drives and software that want to work together under Vista is a pain!
N-Track has never been a problem. Many of my older VST & DX plugins didn’t work, my older version of WaveLab, Acid, & Fruity Loops crashed Vista. My Echo Audio Darla doesn’t work with it, resorted to recording with the on board sound card and had to replace the original driver with one from a different computer maker to get full duplex…AAAAHHHH
If your new computer comes with Vista be prepared for many sessions of hair pulling. Thankfully many vendors are starting to get Vista compatible hard/software out.
M-Audio just released a Vista driver for thier Delta 1010…my next purchase.
Very good advise above about Vista. Don’t record on a computer with Vista as the operating system. You’ll be sorry. You can still buy Dell computers with XP or you could build your own if you’re so inclined.
Many people seem to be using the Presonus firewire interfaces with good success. I can’t say anything bad about them. I have 3 Presonus peamps and they all perform well and have been an excellent value.
I have a Delta 1010 and a Delta 66 which have been rock solid stable. They also sound as close to perfect as I think I’ll ever need and have virtually zero latency. I just love these interfaces. They don’t come with preamps but that has been a good thing for me because I’ve bought a few outboard pres that have been pretty low cost and have performed very well. I’m not particularly trying to steer you in this direction but I’m so glad I went this route that I just have to say so. N-Track and the Delta interfaces have been a teriffic combo.
the Presonus Preamps are first rate. My problem is with the Presonus 26x26 firewire. The update for the drivers has been in the “anyday now” mode for over a year and many people (inclucing me) have found that it just does not work properly with their computer. I would Love the 26x26 if the drivers worked properly. My suggestion is that you try it out with a clear understanding that it is returnable if it does not work well with your computer. Other firewire interface units may have the same problems . . .
Quote: (8th_note @ Dec. 25 2007, 8:43 PM)
Very good advise above about Vista. Don't record on a computer with Vista as the operating system. You'll be sorry. You can still buy Dell computers with XP or you could build your own if you're so inclined.
Many people seem to be using the Presonus firewire interfaces with good success. I can't say anything bad about them. I have 3 Presonus peamps and they all perform well and have been an excellent value.
I have a Delta 1010 and a Delta 66 which have been rock solid stable. They also sound as close to perfect as I think I'll ever need and have virtually zero latency. I just love these interfaces. They don't come with preamps but that has been a good thing for me because I've bought a few outboard pres that have been pretty low cost and have performed very well. I'm not particularly trying to steer you in this direction but I'm so glad I went this route that I just have to say so. N-Track and the Delta interfaces have been a teriffic combo.
I am a bit confused,
if you have the Presonus firewire box why would you need a Delta 1010 or any sound card for that matter?
Do these boxes not get the sound into the computer by themselves?
Oh and do they have one of those that works with Windows98SE?
Another question if anyone has time.
I see all these "firewire" devices...but looking at the pictures of the back of them see nothing that looks like a computer "firewire" chord.....
keep shinin'
jerm
Having been on a Hercules 16/12fw for a couple of years now and encountering the same sort of support they gave the ISIS all those years go I’d do it differently if I was to do it again most likely. It hasn’t been 100% glitch free with Ntrack, Reaper seems smooth but I haven’t done any serious work with it yet - just a couple of jokey things to try and learn it’s ropes.
I’d probably go a firewire mixer as that would completely replace my current set up of Berry desk into the herc, although it’s a pretty flexible setup.
You asked about chipsets in another post, TomS - just make sure your FW interface card or MB is using a Texas Instruments firewire controller chipset.
Sorry guys I haven’t been around if you’ve missed me, but I just haven’t been doing enough recording to necessitate rocking on in. Been playing the cover band and teaching guitar full time over the last year, so there you go.
Willy.
Hello Willy, nice to see you back here again.