Is this this a working set up?

Posted: Sun Dec 24, 2006 8:30 am

Hi, I'm a beginner at this, I'm wanting to produce some tracks using vocals, acoustic guitar and samples from Hypersonic 2 using cubase (which I am familiar with using(. Will this set up work? And will there be a zero/low latency when recording?

Interface/Sound Card
Either M-Audio Mobile Pre USB soundcard or M-Audio Fast Track USB Audio Interface (which one would be best?)

Software
Cubase SX3 with Hypersonic 2

PC
I have a Dell Laptop (Inspiron 9400) with an Intel Core 2 Duo 2Ghz processor, 1gig of RAM, 100GB hard drive.

Keyboard
I have a 88 key Roland RD300SX keyboard which I will run into the interface. I also have a SM58 mike with XLR lead. And guitar with lead.

I can't really afford any more than this equipment. Hope this is enough info to get some feedback. Thanks a lot.

Posted: Sun Dec 24, 2006 8:54 am

Also, would a firewire interface produce less latency than a USB interface? Sorry for all the questions!

Posted: Sun Dec 24, 2006 9:21 am

cheap and mucg more channels: presonus firepod

If you're just starting out
I wouldn't advice to buy software,
you'll get a limited version of some recording software with the soundcard, try it out and learn a bit
before you decide which piece of software suites you best and then buy the full version.

Cheers

Posted: Sun Dec 24, 2006 9:28 am

Sorry didn't say- I already have cubase, and I'm really familiar with it. But thanks for the advice anyway.

Posted: Sun Dec 24, 2006 12:35 pm

Before you buy a firewire device, make sure that little laptop of yours actually has firewire. I quickly looked at the general specs at the dell website, and I found no mention of firewire in the Inspiron specs.

Posted: Sun Dec 24, 2006 3:10 pm

Well, my 'little' laptop does have a firewire. I'm not stupid enough post that without knowing!

Posted: Sun Dec 24, 2006 9:11 pm

Also realize that some laptops such as my Hewlett-Packard DV 8000, which has a four pin FireWire port, does not have the ability to bus power a FireWire audio interface that is not already externally powered.

Not knowing that particular laptop intimately and being too lazy to go to the Del web site, you might both be right and wrong?

The problem of latency is one of design. If you cannot monitor your input source directly, chances are it will have latency of some sort. So the included software applet for the audio interface, that dictates the monitoring characteristics in conjunction with physical design, will dictate any latency issues, whether it's USB or FireWire.

I could be wrong?

But I'm not.
Ms. Remy Ann David

Posted: Mon Dec 25, 2006 10:48 am

edblunt wrote:

Well, my 'little' laptop does have a firewire. I'm not stupid enough post that without knowing!

Sorry. I must have been looking at a different Inspiron model.

You should go with Firewire over USB for your interface. Firewire will give you less latency while monitoring tracks and recording at the same time.

There are a number of brands and models to choose from. Find one that suits your budget and requirements, then research that particular unit.

Posted: Tue Dec 26, 2006 6:16 am

RemyRAD, you are right it is only 4pin... are there any M Audio externally powered mixers? Also, will I need a preamp as well as these interfaces? Thanks for your help guys.

Posted: Tue Jan 02, 2007 4:04 pm

Any other advice?

Posted: Mon Jan 22, 2007 10:29 pm

I just ordered a Presonus Inspire, and realized when i got it today that its cable was 6pin, and my laptop only has 4pin, so now i have to wait for a 6pin-4pin cable. Good thing that the inspire does have an external power sounce. Smile

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