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Hi all, this is a question I'm sure has been asked before (a similar one by ME) but I'll go ahead and ask it anyway. I posted it in the pro audio section but I guess this forum is more correct.

I'm a drummer/guitarist/songwriter. I'm setting up a 'portable' studio as I can't record drums where I live.

I'm buying a Macbook Pro with Logic Studio 8 in the next few weeks. I own some fair mics and have access to many more.

I will predominantly be recording acoustic/electric instruments and of course full drum kit. So 6-8 preamps would be necessary.

I'm looking at three interfaces at the moment:

- MOTU 896HD
- RME Fireface 800
- Focusrite 10 i/o

I own a Roland MMP-2 preamp. Don't know if you've heard of it but it's nice and I picked it up at a great price.

I've heard conflicting reports about the 'sound' of the MOTU products.
The Fireface looks amazing but I would like more preamps.
The Focusrite looks nearly perfect as it has 8 preamps and sp/dif. My roland MMP-2 has sp/dif (and aes/ebu). That means 10 preamps.

I've done as much research as I can and I'm looking for any push in the right direction. I've heard the Focusrite preamps are good but unfortunately, living in Ireland means I can't get my hands on any of these interfaces to try them out.

Any advice or suggestions would be greatly appreciated, and sorry for the length of the post. I just want to get the right interface for the job.

Thanks,

Brian.

Comments

droc8705 Tue, 02/05/2008 - 10:40

i have not used any of those units, but i have heard great things about the RME fireface 800...enough to make me want to save up and buy it's little brother, the fireface 400. i know cucco has the 800 and loves it, so if it's good enough for him, i'm pretty sure it'll be good enough for me.

anyway, since i haven't used it i can't tell you what's good or bad. all i wanted to say was to not rule it out because it only has 4 pres...with your already existing 2 channes, you'll have 6 pres altogether, which is more than enough to record your drums. then save up and add more pres when money allows.

-dave

will predominantly be recording acoustic/electric instruments and of course full drum kit. So 6-8 preamps would be necessary.

anonymous Tue, 02/05/2008 - 13:46

I would consider Presonus but the last product I bought (Blue Tube DP) gave me a lot of problems with hum. So I would tend to shy away from them.

The Fireface is looking good, and as you said Dave, I could always add on or get a loan of some preamps.

So it looks like it's between The Focusrite and The Fireface, hmmm. Has anyone actually used the Focusrite 10 i/o?

It's less than half the price of the Fireface but the money isn't my main worry. In fact if it's too cheap I get suspicious. Call me old fashioned.