Hi all! I'm looking at purchasing this board as a front end/sound card all in one for my modest home studio. http://www.zzounds.com/item--PHOHELIX18FW
I've researched Phonic gear in here and elsewhere, and it seems to get pretty high marks, although there are a few bad reviews. Basically, I'm looking at using this as an all-in-one front end for my home setup...a P4 2.9 Ghz PC with a gig of ram, an 80 gig HD (will add another soon). This is a dedicated recording PC. I will have to add a firewire card for this board, but they are pretty cheap.
What I need right now is 4 channels minimum into seperate tracks. Seems like this board will do this and more. I would also like a degree of expandability for the near future...ie 8 simultaneous ins, to be a bit more flexible to record bands and such. I also like the routing flexibilty of this board for monitor and headphone outs, subgrouping, etc.
Does anyone have experience with this board, or other Phonic gear, who could tell me something about their reliability, etc. This particular piece has a 3 year warranty, so I figure that says something at least!
Any info would be helpfull...this purchase will be the core of my setup for a few years, so I don't want to blow money on comlete junk. Keep in mind, this is for recording my own stuff for my own purposes, and maybe helping a few local bands cut a demo and such. Nothing too serious, but I would like decent quality. Thanks bunches! Andy
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My other option for this purchase, which I'm starting to lean to
My other option for this purchase, which I'm starting to lean towards, is a used MOTU 896. I can pick it up for $400 or less locally. I would only have to download the drivers for it from MOTU. I have an email in to their tech support right now regarding that. I'm feeling that overall, that would be a safer bet, and more expandable in the long run. Thanks! ANDY
I have known people to have very mixed feeling's about the Phoni
I have known people to have very mixed feeling's about the Phonics gear. The ones who like it tend to like it a lot, those who dont will be the first to downplay the quality especially. I havent ever personally used this perticular piece, but I do know the Mackie Onyx line is a very safe bet, plus the pre's are really solid. I would maybe play it safe, and go towards the Onyx line and see if there isnt something better suited for you there. In my honset opinion, dont ever buy any recording device with the intent for 2-4 tracks. Reason being, you record your own stuff on a 2-4 track device, and the locals really dig your stuff, and want you to record them for a small fee, you are very limited on your drum capabilaties, and would have to refer cash paying customers to someone more apt for their needs. Thats just another 2 cents for ya though, hope it helps to steer you in the right direction.