Audio Interface...

[ChrisMetal]

K guys need some help here, hopefully you'll be able to help.

Need advice on an audio Interface for PC recording. I need it to be versatile, mainly because I'll be using it to record at home, and also shall be using it for full band recording, my drummer has a huige kit, so it needs a lot of inputs. Any advice on the best sound quality/model/make/price.

My budget is £300-£400.

Cheers

¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬
Chris

[Bird]

I would guess Mbox 2 or something from Motu like the 828 or 896

[hunter]

My band just bought a Phonic Helixboard 24 Mixer. 16 Mic ins which can be streamed to computer via Firewire. The sound is quite good. Channels aren't 100% separated but who cares if you get a 24ch 4 sub groups 4 aux inegrated FX 18 CH HD recording unit for 399 GBP?

[ChrisMetal]

hmm the phonic looks good, any other advice guys?

[Fubar]

I can recomend the M-Audio Delta 1010, they're about 260 quid new or you can usually pick them up for under £150 second hand. You get 8 analogue i/o's from each one and can install more than one in a computer (if you have the spare PCI slots). For your budget it's concievable that you could get two or three second hand and have access to 16 or 24 inputs (and that's if you don't start getting flash with digital inputs!). You could record a feckin' orchestra with that!  :)

[ChrisMetal]

yeah my m8 has a M-audio Delta 1010, I have like 3 PCI slots left so finding room won't be a problem :P . I just wan't sure about m-audio, cause I hear reports about software or latency issues... Though I wouldn't be surprised if thats just hearsay

[Fubar]

yeah my m8 has a M-audio Delta 1010, I have like 3 PCI slots left so finding room won't be a problem :P . I just wan't sure about m-audio, cause I hear reports about software or latency issues... Though I wouldn't be surprised if thats just hearsay

In fairness, they aren't the fastest bits of kit available with latency but I also doubt most non-pro users will ever notice. You are talking about such tiny amounts of time that it is really pretty insignificant imo.

[sgmypod]

Terratec phase88 rack is about £319,    
    *  10 Channel Audio System - analog and digital
    * 2 separate MIDI interfaces
    * 24 bit /96 kHz audio resolution for each channel
    * 4 Meter connection link cable to PCI card or FireWire!" interface
    * Alternatively PCI or FireWire!" interface
    * Multi-platform support - MAC and PC
Link here:-
http://audioen.terratec.net/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=9
have used terratec before my dmx6fire 24/96 did what it said on the box without fuss
The m-audio delta 1010 older bit of kit, but can get good results...latency not too bad with newest drivers and a fastish comp

[ChrisMetal]

the terratec is a good looking interface, but it doesn't seem to have audio out to monitors, which is what i need.

I also need the audio interface for a Mac Pro system for anyone who doesn't know.

EDIT: No worries, I've found what I'm after, went with a MOTU 8pre. at least with this i can add to it, and the sound quality will be good.

[sgmypod]

matu stuff is very nice, but didn't think was in your price range

[gingataff]

I really wanted a MOTU interface but sadly its similar here to the UK in that when certain things come from the US their price suddenly doubles (DAW software too!) so I got a Presonus Firebox instead and its great, very punchy and not too digital :D

[ChrisMetal]

matu stuff is very nice, but didn't think was in your price range

you can get the MOTU 8pre for £395 plus £6 postage at dolphin music. Thought it was steal so I went for it!

[JJretroTONEGOD]

I'd get the MOTO 828 mark 2, if I had the money thats the one I'd get. Even though it's cheaper the M Audio Audiophile 192 and the Emu 1212m are both amazing quality for the price, probably just as good as the MOTO, and then you could buy a seperate mixing desk.

I'll be getting the M Audiophile 192 over any other soundcard, I'm getting a custom built PC soon for my music.

from Ben.