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Guys, I'd like to upgrade my interface. I currently have a M-Audio MobilePre USB and it's ok, but I'd really like to bump up the quality.

I'd love to say I had the money for something extravagant, but alas, I do not.

I'd love to have the best conversion quality I can get for the money. My signal chain presently is as follows:
RODE K2-->Joemeek threeQ-->insert point to FMR RNC1773--> TSR Line in to MobilePre USB-->DAW with Cool Edit Pro and/or Sound Forge 8.

I only need something like the MobilePre, preferably 2In/2Out, and great conversion, but I'm probably going to need an insert point, since I know I'm getting a GT Brick or a Grace 101, and neither have one.

Thank you all,
Brad Venable

Comments

Calgary Tue, 12/06/2005 - 20:46

Look no further:
http://www.zzounds.com/item--EMU1212M

Here's a recent voiceover I did using that card via an AT 4033a through a Tube MP preamp and a RNC1173. (I've since dropped the Tube MP and bought an Onyx 1220 and the quality has improved)
http://autoplaystudio.com/images/1.avi

Some folks prefer these:
http://www.zzounds.com/item--LYNLYNXONE

Here's Tweaks picks, he likes the 1212m too but he prefers the M-audio a bit. 8-)
http://www.tweakheadz.com/soundcards_for_the_home_studio.htm

anonymous Fri, 12/09/2005 - 08:59

Hey Cal? How would you rate the E-mu M cards against the RME cards?

I am running an 0404 for sh*ts and giggles, and obviously I got what I paid for by not having the M grade card.

The sound is OK but not noteworthy. The biggest gripe is the butt ugly Patchmix GUI with terrrible control and kind of cheesy effects. How are you getting along with it? How did the install and drivers go?

I am a c*nthair away from getting a Fireface, so it is probably a moot point anyways. Just curious about your experience.

Calgary Fri, 12/09/2005 - 14:25

I don't know much about the RMEs but FWIW the 404 doesn't have the same converters as the 1212m. My only beef with the 1212m is that when you go to 96kHz to record, the system audio stops working until you go back to 48kHz or lower. So when I record I have to jump up ot 96 kHz and then when I'm done I have to go back. But other than that I'm extremely happy with it. I just ordered in the 1820m Audiodock, should be here any day. 8-)

My next step will likely be the Apogee Rosetta somewhere down the line.

FWIW the installation on the 1212m was great and I don't mind patchmix, to me it's actually a good thing. I like the flexibility, particluarly it's nice ot be able to monitor your guitar through the card or ASIO when recording in real time. (monitoring through the card is zero latency)