audio interface on a budget

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g_randybrown
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2012/12/26 14:46:35 (permalink)

audio interface on a budget

I feel sure this has never been asked before (just kidding) but my son needs a USB interface with 1 or 2 mic pre's...what would you guys suggest these days?
Thanks very much,
Randy

G. Randy Brown 
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Presonus AudioBox 22VSL
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    Jim Roseberry
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    Re:audio interface on a budget 2012/12/26 15:27:56 (permalink)
    Presonus Audiobox 22 VSL

    Best Regards,

    Jim Roseberry
    jim@studiocat.com
    www.studiocat.com
    #2
    g_randybrown
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    Re:audio interface on a budget 2012/12/26 15:35:33 (permalink)
    Jim Roseberry


    Presonus Audiobox 22 VSL
    Coming from you my friend I need look no further...thanks very much Jim!


    G. Randy Brown 
    Windows 10, 64 bit, Platinum
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    Sonico
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    Re:audio interface on a budget 2013/01/03 12:15:46 (permalink)
    HI Randy/Jim,

    Did you buy the AB 22VSL??
    How did you like it??

    I've been very happy with my firestudio project for five years now, but I'd like to buy a compact USB interface.

    I like the XMAX preamps but I noticed that the 22 VSL doesn't have line inputs, how do you connect keyboards or a guitar processor??

    Thanks for your comments

    Desktop: Intel Core i7 3.60Ghz, 16 GB Ram Windows 10 64bit
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    #4
    g_randybrown
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    Re:audio interface on a budget 2013/01/03 12:26:44 (permalink)
    My son will be buying it when he get's his college financial aid...BTW it does have line inputs (same port as the XLR mics)

    G. Randy Brown 
    Windows 10, 64 bit, Platinum
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    Presonus AudioBox 22VSL
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    Brando
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    Re:audio interface on a budget 2013/01/03 12:30:36 (permalink)
    g_randybrown


    My son will be buying it when he get's his college financial aid...BTW it does have line inputs (same port as the XLR mics)

    Nope Sonico is correct - they're Mic/Instrument inputs. Either need a DI box (for a keyboard etc) or spend the extra ~$75 to get the 44vsl which has 2 line inputs in addition to the 2 instrument/mic inputs. 

    Brando
    Cakewalk, Studio One Pro, Reaper
    Presonus Audiobox 1818VSL
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    #6
    Brando
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    Re:audio interface on a budget 2013/01/03 12:43:11 (permalink)
    FYI - This is from the Presonus FAQ - 

    AudioBox 22VSL - Can I use the AudioBox 22VSL's inputs to record a Line Level signal?
    Technical Support August 12, 2011
    The AudioBox 22VSL inputs are designed for passive input signals (microphones, instruments, etc). This means that they have a much higher gain than is necessary for recording a line level source. The AudioBox 22VSL's microphone inputs can be used to record a line level signal if your line level device has a volume control and you have a Direct Box. To begin, first connect your line level device to the input of your Direct Box. Then connect the output of your Direct Box to an XLR input on your AudioBox 22VSL (do not use the 1/4" connection for this). Make sure both the output level of your line level device and the input trim on the AudioBox 22VSL are set to their lowest settings.

    Please note: if you have a Direct Box that also includes a -20dB pad, you can connect a line level device that does not have its own output control.

    To test how hot your Line Level device is, turn its output level to the unity setting (consult the device's documentation to determine this setting) and slowly increase the trim control on the AudioBox 22VSL. If you cannot keep the input from clipping, lower the output level from your line level device or engage the -20dB pad on your Direct Box (if it has one)


    Brando
    Cakewalk, Studio One Pro, Reaper
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    #7
    g_randybrown
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    Re:audio interface on a budget 2013/01/03 12:44:22 (permalink)
    Dang...well would this be a good one?

    G. Randy Brown 
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    Beagle
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    Re:audio interface on a budget 2013/01/03 12:57:36 (permalink)
    personally I would never buy a tascam audio interface.  there are some who will disagree with me whole-heartedly, and that's OK.  but the drivers are always "iffy" for some people.

    the lexicon lambda usb has 2 mic inputs and 2 line inputs.
    http://www.musiciansfriend.com/pro-audio/lexicon-lambda-usb-desktop-studio

    http://soundcloud.com/beaglesound/sets/featured-songs-1
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    #9
    g_randybrown
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    Re:audio interface on a budget 2013/01/03 13:06:05 (permalink)
    muy bueno Beagle, I reckon we'll go with that one then...thank you sir

    G. Randy Brown 
    Windows 10, 64 bit, Platinum
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    timidi
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    Re:audio interface on a budget 2013/01/03 13:13:39 (permalink)
    Jim Roseberry


    Presonus Audiobox 22 VSL

    Gave one of these to my nephew. No issues with it so far.

    ASUS P8P67, i7-2600K, CORSAIR 16GB, HIS 5450, 3 Samsung SSD 850, Win7 64, RME AIO.
     
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    Brando
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    Re:audio interface on a budget 2013/01/03 13:16:26 (permalink)
    g_randybrown


    Dang...well would this be a good one?

    How about the Roland Tri-Capture - $129, fast ASIO drivers, includes SONAR X1 LE?

    http://www.amazon.com/Roland-TRI-CAPTURE-Audio-Interface/dp/B004KCNJR0/ref=sr_1_31?ie=UTF8&qid=1357236608&sr=8-31&keywords=audio+interface+usb


    BTW for the record, you may be able to plug in a line source to the instrument in of the 22vsl, but you would have to keep the volume low - definitely some risk, depending on the source. I have the 1818 and like it a lot - 

    Brando
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    #12
    Sonico
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    Re:audio interface on a budget 2013/01/03 13:33:20 (permalink)

    As much as I like presonus I don't want to go thru that hassle in order to record a line level signal.
     
    Another unit I'am considering is the Focusrite Scarlett2i2, can anyone share comments on this one?? How are the preamps, latency, etc.......

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    fwrend
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    Re:audio interface on a budget 2013/01/03 14:12:52 (permalink)
    B&H Photo Video has a good price on the Tri-Capture $104.99

    http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/751409-REG/Roland_UA_33_TRI_CAPTURE_USB_Audio.html
     
    Bought one for my son - works well but not built "like a tank" as they say.
    #14
    g_randybrown
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    Re:audio interface on a budget 2013/01/03 14:31:40 (permalink)
    fwrend


    B&H Photo Video has a good price on the Tri-Capture $104.99

    http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/751409-REG/Roland_UA_33_TRI_CAPTURE_USB_Audio.html
     
    Bought one for my son - works well but not built "like a tank" as they say.
    That is indeed a good price but I'm leaning toward the Lexicon since it has 2 mic preamps


    G. Randy Brown 
    Windows 10, 64 bit, Platinum
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    Presonus AudioBox 22VSL
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    #15
    Bristol_Jonesey
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    Re:audio interface on a budget 2013/01/03 14:47:37 (permalink)
    Focusrite Saffire 6 USB?


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