Hello--I recently picked up a Mac mini G4, and I want to try recording with GarageBand (first, and go from there). Never done any kind of computer-based recording before (though I have done recording in pro studio with ADATs).
Anybody have an opinion on the best firewire A/D interface for $300 or less? The M-Audio stuff looks chintzy, and from reviews, they seem to have a kind of spotty record. I was leaning toward the PreSonus firebox, which comes with a lite version of Cubase, but that box doesn't seem to get anywhere near to a great rating, either.
I really just want something for doing acoustic guitar/vocal, with the option to go in afterward and put in some guitar and rhythm tracks. So, I'd like to get a decent sound with as few computer hassles as possible, as little latency as possible (though I haven't yet experienced it for myself), and enough preamp quality to make it worth my while with an SM58 (that's the only mic I can afford to use now, since I already own one).
So, am I dreaming, for $300? (That's what I'll pay for the PreSonus firebox or the M-Audio 410).
Another option I've been mulling--find a MOTU 828 or 896 firewire on ebay. Is 44k alright (the 828), or should I be going for the 96K?
Okay, I've spewed out a lot for my first post--my apologies, I'm an absolute newbie!
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budget interface (thanks) Thanks for the advice, Christian and
budget interface (thanks)
Thanks for the advice, Christian and TG. I think the firebox is definitely the best bet. It's off to the Guitar Center I go (they have a "don't pay for fifteen months" credit card offer--a deal with the devil, I know, but it's the only way to clear this with the wife!). Have you guys used Cubase? The firebox comes with a stripped version of it...
Christian, thanks for the advice on the mic, too--I hadn't heard of that one. I did have my eye on one of the lowest-end AKG condensers, which I think lists for about $150. Any thoughts on those entry-level AKG mics?
Jim
Get the Firebox, and I doubt you'll find a really noticable diff
Get the Firebox, and I doubt you'll find a really noticable difference between 44k and 96k, not for your needs anyway. I've got a Mackie Onyx 400f which goes all the way up to 192k and I've yet to set it that high.
A friend of mine owns the Firebox, another friend owns a Firepod, both friends are very happy with how they perform. It's second hand experience, I know, but I have to agree with you, the M-audio stuff does seem a little chintzy.
Can I make a mic suggestion? I recently ordered a Kel Audio HM-1 and I love it on vocals and to get the warmth from an acoustic guitar, I use one coupled with a plain old SM57 and I can get a sound from an acoustic guitar that I really like. The HM-1 is $99 USD including shipping, I'm not sure if you'll find a better deal than that.