Any chance I could control the interface with my alpha track until I could afford the real thing?
If I can control it inside of Sonar then I'm guessing that I can use the Alpha Track to adjust the gains and etc in the interface.
Also, I currently adjust the sends to the mains by controlling the global out volume within Sonar. Wouldn't this still work?
I'm struggling with my choice of interface. I have a budget of $2000. This is my first inteface for the computer. I previously used the Akai DPS12 and the the Tascam 2488. Once I was using the Tascam, I started copying the wav files to the computer and mixing with Sonar. This works fairly well for me, but I find I don't set the gains very well when I'm playing with my friends (because I'm playing, not watching meters). I have mixed a couple of 2 hour jams a month for the last three years, and I know I would like to be able to see the track levels on the computer screen during the recording.
The cheapest interface I'm considering is... $1000
http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/SaffireLQ56 The next is
http://www.rme-audio.de/en_products_fireface_uc.php $1350
which I would need to get a four pre to accompany, maybe this one...
http://www.rme-audio.com/english/micpreamps/quadmic.htm $550
Or the Roland...
http://pro-audio.musiciansfriend.com/product/Cakewalk-SONAR-VStudio-700-Rack?sku=580887 $2000
So far, I really don't do much of anything midi, so the Synth is kinda lost on me. I would like to get a keyboard and learn to play it, but to do that, I would need to get a cheaper interface if I'm going to stay in budget.
I'm a little timid about getting a firewire interface since future devices may not have firewire. Still, for now, I have a 4 pin firewire plug in my laptop.
This is a huge choice for me, so any thoughts you may be having would be welcome. I must be able to record 6 tracks at a time and monitor it with the computer. I should also mention that I expect it will be a couple of years before I will be able to buy the controller.
I currently have an AlphaTrack, and this will have to do for a while.
I am also not hugely disappointed that there are no headphone outs on the vs-700r v-studio i/o. I can get along without them. I can use the laptops sound card for mixing with headphones if I'm in bed, and when I'm really working, I will use the monitors. When I play music, I usually don't monitor anything (watch the levels for clips is about all).
Thanks,
Geoff
post edited by gswitz - 2009/04/24 22:10:44