Pilu Skifte Grønvold, post: 420583, member: 48566 wrote: but I'm not sure if it the sound will be in a professional level.

Well, yeah, it'll do the job. As to the quality, it is what it is... a lower budget pre - I/O. I suppose it's all relative to what you consider "professional level" to be.

Personally speaking, I wouldn't consider it to be "professional" grade.

That doesn't mean that you can't use it.

You didn't mention if you were going to record using the Roland I/O as a DI, and then use a guitar amp sim to process the signal, or if you were going to set up an actual amp and mic it.

What I wouldn't do is use the built-in limiter function. Set your levels for a nice, clean, healthy signal - without clipping - input into your DAW tracks at around -15db to -12 db RMS, with peaks around -8 to -6db, and if you determine that it requires gain reduction, then add this during the mix. Once you record with GR, ( or any processing for that matter) it's there for good. You can't put the toothpaste back into the tube.

Good luck.

Professional sound quality is much more than what audio interface I use.
Of course, the preamps and converters of the Edirol aren't consider professional level.
But you also need to consider the room, choice of instrument, choice of cab and settings, the mic choice(s) and placement and the monitoring to hear if you are on the right path.

You need to decide what professional level meens to you.

I had many customers that came to me to record some tracks and went home to finish their projects and most had average results.
Every step counts to get it right!

You can compromise for saving money or time, but it will still be a compromise.
In the end you have to decide how much the quality is important to you and your band.

If it's a demo to get gigs in bars, I would go ahead without hesitation.
If it is for internationnal sells.... well, you get the point. ;)

Thanks for both answers. Very informative! appreciated.

A bit more info: I will be recording with a Gibson ES-137 and a Stratocaster Am. Std. Pedal-wise I will be limiting to only overdrive effect, the rest of the effects will be done in the mixing process by our producer. No mic/amp setup, recording direct input.

I'm wondering, is there a USB soundcard you can recommend if we choose to not use the Edirol? I'm thinking I might do it again in the future, so I might as well get a good soundcard (only) for recording el-guitars (I used the Edirol for recording demos).

I did a lot of direct recording of electric guitars, I was always disapointed with amp-simulators until I tried it with a high-end preamp/DI.
The Focusrite ISA preamp, the UA 710 and the UA LA-610 give me different textures but they are always nice sounding.

As for using just a USB interface, you should check those with Instrument inputs.
2 Acceptable ones are the Presonus audiobox and the Focusrite 2i2 and they will be a good step up from the edirol.

While upgrading the edirol, you could question yourself if more inputs will be needed someday.
On thing to consider is to have an audio interface with a digital input in case you want to add something like the ISA one someday.
Anyway, what I'm trying to say is; do not spend your money for nothing (either on a too limited unit or over equiped one) ;)

Will you use amp simulators in studio or re-amp the signal ?

Thanks. I looked into the PreSonus and Focusrite, they seem about the same price range as the Edirol? Is it the Instrument input that makes the difference?

Time will tell how we are going to amp the guitars....probably amp sim, but we will be experimenting. But the high-end preamp sure looks interesting tbh.

Yes, the instrument input is adapted to the signal of a guitar or a bass. It is the ideal way to record them.

The instrument input does make a difference, as PC said, the DI on the Presonus or Focusrite is adapted for that purpose.

This isn't the only thing that makes a difference though. The quality of the preamps matters a lot, as does the quality of the internal converters. Having used the Edirol a time or two in the past at client's home studios, I can say with confidence that either the Presonus or the Focusrite will be a big step up for you in terms of quality in both build and overall sound.

For the price range, nothing really beats either one. Both brands offer very nice - and beefy - pre amps that can accommodate any mic/line situation, including ribbon mics, which are notorious for needing a lot of gain.
Both also have very good internal converters.

Of course, there are better pres and converters available. It all depends on what you want to spend. Generally speaking, the pro grade gear starts out at around a grand (or so) per channel, and goes up from there, depending on the model and its relative features and components. There is a substantial difference in fidelity between lower priced preamp-I/O's and the high end gear. If you can afford something like a Millennia or a Neve, then go for it... you won't be sorry... but, be prepared to pay accordingly for that level of quality.

If your pockets aren't that deep, then either model that PC mentioned should be fine. Either one will work well for what you are doing. Just pay attention to your gain structure, and don't overdrive/clip the channel(s).