Recording Equipment?

[Gilks]

Hey. So I've got about $800 USD to spend on recording equipment, and I know some of what I'll be getting.

I'm getting a couple of those Rokit Monitors for sure, some acoustic foam, a new mic and a stand. Here's what I need help with...

I need an audio interface that's better than the one I have. I have an M-Audio Fast Track USB interface which... well it works. Just not that well. As far as channels needed I'd like to have at least enough for 2 microphones (2 channels, one for each mic in case I do recordings of my amp with two mics.) and that's really it. It has to have good mic pre's. The one I have now doesn't.

So I've got $800 bucks. The Monitors and the mic would be around $550. Let's see what we can get as far as an interface goes shall we?

[Glassy]

Don't get foam. You're better off without it in most cases (your case falls into that case if you don't have broadband absorption).

I'll get back to you on an interface. But, what's the computer you'll be using?

[Apopholis]

I am very interested in this topic, I need to get at least a basic studio up within the next year. My budget is slightly less, but nevertheless, this should be intriguing.

Sorry for the lack of any actual contribution to the thread, just had to say it.

[FC]

I have a basic setup and the M-Audio Fast Track Pro does everything I need and does it well. I was also considering the TC and Lexicon Interfaces.

Fast Track Pro:



I got the M-Audio because it came highly recommended by a few folks in this forum.

TC Desktop Connekt:



Main drawback is firewire only.

Lexicon Ionix U22:



There are other versions of this one with more I/Os. Main drawback is USB power only, I was skeptical about how it would handle ghost power for the mic.

[Glassy]

Alright. I'm gonna come right out and say it. Any interface going for $250 is not gonna have great preamps in it. Good stand alone dual channel preamps start at about $500 (USD). You can get a Golden Age-Pre-73 at $300 (I've heard decent things about them), but it's only one channel.

Does your fast-track function and run well? If it does the job for recording, you could save some more money and buy an FMR RNP. Then run the 1/4" outs of the RNP into your fast track 1/4" ins. Viola! New preamps.

The RNP has gotten good reviews by professionals, and I've heard of some of them using it alongside their $2000+ preamps.

[Gilks]

I may just go by Tweakz and see what he suggests, just thought I'd ask since this place has people that know their stuff. Thanks for the ideas guys, cheers!

Glassy: I've got a MacBook.

[Glassy]

Glassy: I've got a MacBook.

Ah, yeah. That limits you from FireWire interfaces.