Hi,
I'm a bit new here and I wanted to know what you think would be the cheapest/highest quality/best longevity/best upgradability/best reliability or anything you can think of between a sound card (something like an M-Audio audiophile 192 or 2496 or a E-MU 0404 or whatever you could find in the same price range/quality/reliability) combined with a small mixer (like a Yamaha MG102 or Behringer Xenyx 520, 802, 1002, 1202, 1204, or Mackie Onyx 1220 or VLZ3 1202 or whatever you can find) versus an Interface, either USB or Firewire (Focusrite Saffire series, PreSonus Firebox, Firepod, or whatever...).
Please give suggestions about better products in your opinion for any of the categories.
I'm personally in a big dilemma between both and can't choose, for a max 2 mic inputs, considering I have an integrated sound card, and a very small budget.
Comments
Since there are so many variables that one would need to know ab
Since there are so many variables that one would need to know about you and your needs and be able to predict your future needs, there is no clear answer to your question, as well as there is no clear answer as to the "what is best" question. What is best for me may not be best for you or anyone else. At one time it was fairly easy as there was only a handfull of products to choose from, There are now products that fit just about every niche for ones needs.
I can tell you that the E-MU 0404 has about as much quality, flexability, features and overall value that is possible for under a $100. In most cases, a PCI or PCIe audio interface will give you better reliability and performance than firewire or USB.
Upgradability has a lot to do with what time frame and budget you are willing to spend overall. Things like computer hardware and software easily become obsolete in fairly short amont of time.
If you know or expect that you will never need more than two inputs, then the mixer idea may be an unnecessary item.
What I would really want to know is what would come in at the lo
What I would really want to know is what would come in at the lowest price with the best quality possible.
Doesn't really work like that. There is no one best or correct answer to this question. Ask 10-people and get 10 different answers. Even if all 10-people were to agree, that would not make it a hard or solid fact. It is usually futile to spend much time agonizing or comparing cheap stuff amongest other cheap stuff. The best you can do is find a product that meets all your requirements with the features you need. If you don't have any real or direct experience in using such products, you or anybody else won't likely be able to tell any sound quality difference from one to another anyway.
You're right...problem is both ways fit my needs... And I'm awa
You're right...problem is both ways fit my needs...
And I'm aware that there are too many different products on the market to find one that's really better than another... it depends on how you use it.
I'll have to take a ride to the local music shop to see what they can offer me for what price and all.
Poll ends in 4 days... could anybody answer me?
Poll ends in 4 days... could anybody answer me?