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

Presonus Audiobox 22 VSL

Jim Roseberry


Presonus Audiobox 22 VSL

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

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

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_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. 

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)

Dang...well would this be a good one?

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

muy bueno Beagle, I reckon we'll go with that one then...thank you sir