Low end USB audio interface recommendations?

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ericlemmons
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2005/12/08 15:40:00 (permalink)

Low end USB audio interface recommendations?

I'm in the market for a low-end USB audio interface. I use Sonar 5 and Project 2, among other software, with an Athlon 64 3700+, HP Pavilion computer, running Windows XP Home Edition.

What are a few recommendations for a low-end USB audio interface. Edirol? M-Audio? Tascam? If possible, tell me some pros and cons of the interface, if you recommend one.

Thanks all for your input.

Eric

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    lmiller1220
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    RE: Low end USB audio interface recommendations? 2005/12/08 16:04:55 (permalink)
    zillions of opinions abound around here; for lower-end, the m-audio stuff is good imho. check out the fasttrack pro, audiophile and the mobile pre usb here:
    http://www.m-audio.com/index.php?do=products.list&ID=mobileinterfaces

    You can find them cheaper than the listed MSRPs with some diligent searching. A lot depends on your use, if you need MIDI as part of the interface, etc. Also depends what you consider "lower end" re: $$. $200? $300?

    You can scour places like Harmony Central for some user reviews on anything you are interested in, and certainly look for other reviews from places like Sound on Sound.

    Good luck!

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    dcastle
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    RE: Low end USB audio interface recommendations? 2005/12/08 17:13:36 (permalink)
    I use Sonar 5 and Project 2, among other software, with an Athlon 64 3700+, HP Pavilion computer, running Windows XP Home Edition

    Such a pity, thousands of dollars for the computer and the sofware and only a few pennies for the audio interface. You know about the concept of the weakest link don't you?

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    j boy
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    RE: Low end USB audio interface recommendations? 2005/12/08 19:47:18 (permalink)
    Don't forget the old scenario... you'll buy the cheapo something or other, then after a couple of months you'll want to upgrade, but when you do you're still stuck with the cheapo sitting there in a drawer reminding you that you could have saved up and bought the better one in the first place and ultimately saved money.
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    sammyp
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    RE: Low end USB audio interface recommendations? 2005/12/08 21:13:38 (permalink)
    Whatever you choose, make sure you're interface has direct hardware monitoring. I had an M-Audio unit that didn't, and when practicing band tunes running my guitar thru a pre amp into the computer i got latency. For my laptop setup i switched to an Edirol UA-20 which is a decent, low cost stereo rig.




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    OffAnAirplane
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    RE: Low end USB audio interface recommendations? 2005/12/08 22:37:25 (permalink)
    Low end USB audio interface recommendations?


    I'd go with the M-Box. It doesn't get any lower than that IMO.

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    bso
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    RE: Low end USB audio interface recommendations? 2005/12/09 01:47:38 (permalink)
    Alesis has a newer low cost USB interface..i think it's model # is 10/2 or something similar.
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    jamsession39
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    RE: Low end USB audio interface recommendations? 2005/12/09 02:43:47 (permalink)
    I have an Edirol UR-80, which is USB. I just upgraded to a Presonus Firepod.
    I like the UR-80, but it's ability to handle plugins is limited. The UR-80 has decent pre-amps and I never had any problems with it, but when you start getting into more and more tracks with lots of plugins and effects the USB interface becomes very weak. (USB 2.0 is better). I just got the Firepod and I noticed a dramatic drop in my CPU usage and will be able to run way more tracks with effects and plugs.

    I might keep my UR-80 as a control surface, but for playback it simply can't keep up to the Firepod. To make a long story short, I've tried both and firewire is better.

    Tascam US-122 is about $199, UA-25 about $239. The Presonus Inspire 1394 is only $199 (firewire) although it lacks Midi i/o that the other two have.

    BTW, the Presonus Firebox (Firewire) sells for only $299 which I think is cheap. You'll like it better than a Tascam US-122 or Edirol UA-25.
    post edited by jamsession39 - 2005/12/09 02:45:56
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