The buy big now or later debate

Posted: Sat Apr 05, 2008 8:18 am

So I am in the market for some new gear (thank you tax return).
What I am having a hard time wrapping my head around is weather or not to go with presonus (high enough quality for a home studio set up) or an RME 800 (with the intention of getting into acoustic performances, every thing from jazz bands to orchestrations).

As it stands right now, the majority of the recording I will be doing will take place in my home. However, I do intend on getting out into the location recording in the future, where higher quality preamps and conversion is desired.

what I want to do is buy the presonus and use it until I need to upgrade. But at the same time it seems like a waist of money, when I know that I want to get my hands on a RME. But I do not have enough money to buy it with out financing it. and I really don't like spending money I don't have to spend. not until my financial situation levels out into a more predictable fashion.

Keep in mind, my mic collection is fairly limited, and I am only getting started out as an engineer.

Posted: Sat Apr 05, 2008 8:59 am

Why not buy a second hand RME Multiface?

Posted: Sat Apr 05, 2008 9:17 am

It would be nice to know where iI could buy one.
Plus I kinda like warranties.

Posted: Sat Apr 05, 2008 9:42 am

Yes, warranty is a good thing, but you can have an RME card for silly money if you find a seller with good feedback on ebay. Lot's of people sell Multiface now because the new version (2) is now available. I have Multiface 2 and I'm happy with it but Presonus is not bad either. Don't spend too much if you are getting started out as an engineer. I think that it doesn't matter if you have Brand A or B right now. Get some experience and than buy what you really need.

Posted: Sat Apr 05, 2008 10:10 am

I think a good general rule is to overbuy on stable technology like preamps, mics, analog compressors, cables. etc. while getting "just enough to get by" on digital gear (almost all of which is still improving at a pretty good clip). Unfortunately, with an interface you are paying for a lot of stable analog gear (preamps obviously, but don't forget the connectors and the box) but a big chunk goes toward the converters. So I guess the question is, "How far away is the future?"

Posted: Sat Apr 05, 2008 12:38 pm

Great point.
As of right now, I just want the ability to record 4 tracks at the same time.
I think i may be better off buying the presonus for now. I means its only $500ish. It is not really THAT big of a loss if I decide to upgrade later.

Plus with the money saved now, I can put it towards some NT5s and some 57s.

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