Conguero
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TECHNICAL ADVICE FOR FUTURE UPGRADES
Hey guys, I was wondering if you all could help me based on your experiences.
I am currently using MC2 just using a small mixer going into my Soundmax card.
Next year, I would like to buy MC3 for the 24 bit feature, but I am not sure about which hardware philosophy to subscribe to.
My options are:
(1) USB interface that will output 24 bit
(2) Better quality preamps going into Soundmax (16 bit).
My question is this: I know 24 bit sounds better, but most of these interfaces I see are sure to have cheap Mic pre's....which leads me to wonder am I better off using a better quality mic pre still going in at 16 bit????
I'm sure I could get a good combination of both great mic pre and 24 bit USB, but this will be costly.
Any thoughts?
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Beagle
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RE: TECHNICAL ADVICE FOR FUTURE UPGRADES
2006/11/20 22:35:15
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I have always subscribed to the philosophy that the sound device is the most important link in the signal chain for DAWs. Besides, if you get MC3 to be able to use the 24bit conversion, then you HAVE to have a card that's capable of 24bit or you are still no better off (with respect to the A/D conversion) than you were because MC3 will not use 24bit conversion if the sound card can't use it. If your sound card is only capable of 16bit, then that's what you're stuck with.
I would definitely go with the sound card first, then worry about the pre when you get more money.
Also - if you're on a laptop and USB is all you have/can afford, that's one thing, but if you're using a desktop then I would advise getting a PCI card instead of a USB. USB has limitations and PCI is a much better interface.
Firewire and PCMCIA would be my next choices, but those solutions are definitely more expensive than the USB.
USB will work, and if you can get a USB 2.0 device, but consider the others if youcan.
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Conguero
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RE: TECHNICAL ADVICE FOR FUTURE UPGRADES
2006/11/20 23:26:58
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Thanks Beagle,
You know, I had not really considered a PCI card, but that makes sense. I wonder if the Emu
ones have decent converters? I can always upgrade to a better mic pre later (right now I have a cheapie Nady mixer with 2 mic pre's).
I had a question about MC3 itself. Does it come with the Edirol soft synth?
That will be really important for me. I do worship music like you, but I only play drums and percussion. I actually download midi files and remix/rearrange them...put the nice Edirol instruments in and add efx, etc. Works out pretty good for us.
thanks!
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Conguero
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RE: TECHNICAL ADVICE FOR FUTURE UPGRADES
2006/11/20 23:36:06
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I just checked out the M-Audio Audiophile, and the Emu 0404 both for $99
Does anybody have any input on these?
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scook
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RE: TECHNICAL ADVICE FOR FUTURE UPGRADES
2006/11/21 08:24:12
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They are both decent entry level solutions and will certainly outperform the SoundMax.
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airmeki
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RE: TECHNICAL ADVICE FOR FUTURE UPGRADES
2006/11/21 08:50:20
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I own and use the Audiophile and I am more than happy! Just my two cents.
Heinz
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Beagle
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RE: TECHNICAL ADVICE FOR FUTURE UPGRADES
2006/11/21 09:31:07
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ORIGINAL: Conguero
I just checked out the M-Audio Audiophile, and the Emu 0404 both for $99
Does anybody have any input on these?
Those two are the ones I recommend for entry level. If you can afford just a little more, one other I recommend for entry level is the m-audio audiophile 192. It's retail $180, and it's almost exactly like the 2496, but it has balanced I/O, which, for a lot of folks won't make any difference, but if you know the difference it makes, you might want it. I have an M-audio Delta 44. It has 4/4 balanced I/O, no MIDI, no ditigal, but it suits my needs - my MIDI is connected via USB and I don't have a need for SPDIF. It has a break out box where the 1/4" TRS plugs go into, and I really like that because it's not just a cable hanging off the card coming out of the back of the computer. the 44 is also retail $180, just incase you're interested but back to your question, the 2496 and the 0404 are excellent starter cards and have very good, reliable A/D - D/A converters and very stable drivers.
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RobertB
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RE: TECHNICAL ADVICE FOR FUTURE UPGRADES
2006/11/21 09:55:01
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I think it's six of one, half a dozen of the other. Been using the E-MU0404 with a Yamaha MG10/2 mixer for the pre's. It's been a solid unit. Either way, I think you'll be happy. And, yes MC3 does come with the Edirol VSC. You can also download VST softsynths for a wider range of sound.
post edited by RobertB - 2006/11/21 21:13:34
My Soundclick Page SONAR Professional, X3eStudio,W7 64bit, AMD Athlon IIx4 2.8Ghz, 4GB RAM, 64bit, AKAI EIE Pro, Nektar Impact LX61,Alesis DM6,Alesis ControlPad,Yamaha MG10/2,Alesis M1Mk2 monitors,Samson Servo300,assorted guitars,Lava Lamp Shimozu-Kushiari or Bob
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Beagle
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RE: TECHNICAL ADVICE FOR FUTURE UPGRADES
2006/11/21 20:32:15
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Oh! And for the record, the 0404 is also balanced I/O AND has MIDI AND is only ~$100 AND Guitar Center was selling them with a rebate for about $70 recently. sweet deal!
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Conguero
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RE: TECHNICAL ADVICE FOR FUTURE UPGRADES
2006/11/21 22:13:44
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wow. so many choices. I guess I need to make a chart and figure out which one will work best for me.
I am also concerned if these devices will convert down to 16/44.1 until I get software that will handle 24 bit. Can you select which resolution and sample rate you want to use?
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RobertB
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RE: TECHNICAL ADVICE FOR FUTURE UPGRADES
2006/11/21 23:24:57
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The world is yours. 16/44.1 is an industry standard, and they all suppot it. You can choose with the E-MU, and I'm sure with the M-Audio as well.
I work with 24/48 and export to 16/44.1 with no problem for the final CD tracks.
My Soundclick Page SONAR Professional, X3eStudio,W7 64bit, AMD Athlon IIx4 2.8Ghz, 4GB RAM, 64bit, AKAI EIE Pro, Nektar Impact LX61,Alesis DM6,Alesis ControlPad,Yamaha MG10/2,Alesis M1Mk2 monitors,Samson Servo300,assorted guitars,Lava Lamp Shimozu-Kushiari or Bob
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Robomusic
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RE: TECHNICAL ADVICE FOR FUTURE UPGRADES
2006/11/23 19:33:48
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the EMU 1212M have the best convertors around but lakes the pres that it's big brother the 1820M and 1616M have in the interface box, the presonus inspire is a great choice as is the firebox from the same folks. USB is fine if you have USB 2.0 ports not 1.0, and also if you are not running other USB devices at the same time. Also with USB what matters is the speed of the computer, as USB pulls power from the CPU speed, so a slower system with struggle. PCI is the most simple and stable, but some suffer from computer noise, PC MCIA is a great options even on a desktop, just get a PC MCIA adapter card. Firewire is fast and stable, but takes some setup. all will work if you take the time to do the proper setup and config.
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