New Interface Considerations

Guys,

I'm considering this; http://www.guitarcenter.com/Yamaha-MG166CXUSB-16-Channel-USB-Mixer-With-Compression-and-Effects-104614698-i1322411.gc actually the one without effects built-in -100 cheaper.

As a replacement to my EMU-0404. Primarily because the EMU has a really crappy gain structure. I've been using an ART Studio V3 into the EMU to get a warmer feel. It works. But I've got to turn it down so low as not to clip on louder type music. Also my vocal monitoring situation is non-existant. I basically plug-in on ear phone and sing with my other ear uncovered because I can't seem to bring up my vocals over the entire mix without a bunch of maneuvering. 

What do you guys think?

mmmmm that would not be what I want! Thanks!

You might wish to look at a new external interface. I use a Focusrite Saffire interface. I do not have any mixer at all.  I run my guitar from the POD2 or with a mic straight into the Saffire. It has a really nice set of preamps that totally eliminates the need for any external mixer/preamps.

When I first started using it like this it seemed a bit strange but my main concern was what did it sound like, and that was not a problem since the sound is clean.

On my input levels on the Saffire, I have the knob about 50% and rarely feel the need to adjust it regardless of the source...mic or Pod2.

As I understand it, the 0404 doesn't have preamps so you do need to have something to get the levels up.  Before you look at anything else, check out the Focusrite line and the other interfaces that have preamps built in. 

Have a look at Beagle's site and ask him for more interface models that fit this criteria.

The Saffire cost $250 at the time..... but by the time you buy a mixer and a soundcard.... you have that spent easily.   Actually, a quick search of the Focusrite site shows the new Saffire 6 USB seem to be the current replacement for the model I have... it is USB not firewire which is good either way...... USB seems to be the standard now..... and the price in the search page was showing $200 average for this unit, and it has the famous Focusrite preamps.....

Saffire 6 review

Pretty good deal. If my Saffire ever dies, as I suspect that one day it might, I would be at the music store same day, or next, buying another Saffire. No doubt, no hesitation. And the sales geeks would have a very difficult job convincing me to buy anything else. Saffire rules as far as I'm concerned.

Did I say I like the Saffire?

One more thing: the Saffire comes with a software mixer that has a few FX... reverb, EQ and compression, built in. These are pretty sweet. I set them by the basic presets and let them be. I never go in to adjust them. Very light, and transparent is how I like them to be. You also set the overall levels for input and out put in this mixer. Again, I have them set, adjusted to my liking, and never touch them. Any levels are adjusted in the DAW.

By all means do your research and ask questions if you have any. I use the Saffire and so does Gregy57. We both love it.

AT brought back some bad memories about the 0404. I used to have a PCI 0404 in an earlier computer and version of Cakewalk..... when it used to be called Cakewalk. The patchmix was a PITA big time. Almost every time I recorded I needed to call the tech support guys to help me set it up.... to me it was nothing short of frustrating and confusing.

I sold the 0404 on Ebay and went in a different direction for a few years. THen I decided to get back into recording and got my current rigs.

I take the signal going in to the DAW, and from the output of the Saffire (one of the 8 outputs) I send it to a stereo amp where I monitor the headphones and all my levels are sweet. I have no problems hearing anything. All those levels are set in the saffire software mixer.