an affordable Audio Interface

hann · #1 03-07-2010, 11:42 AM

My DAC crashed on me and I thought it could be time to get an audio interface..

after some reading.. I'm thinking a Presonus firebox or an EMU 0404 USB.

I listen to music alot and I record every once awhile so recording quality and listening quality are both important to me.

I'm trying to look at used prices so that'd be about 100+ for either...

any other suggestions? or comments on the above 2?

thanks folks =)

biggs2 · #2 03-07-2010, 12:41 PM

Check out the Echo AudioFire 4. It's a nice little interface with a reasonable price tag for home recording. I've had my AudioFire 8 now for almost 3 years and it has been installed on a PC running XP, one running Vista and now on my Mac. The drivers on all three have been stable and installed without problem although, my least favorite OS was Vista. The unit has very useable pre's and the converters are top notch.

Fran Guidry · #3 03-07-2010, 02:48 PM

I've had a Presonus Firebox, M-Audio Profire 2626, and Echo Audiofire 8. The first two were gone within a very short time. The Echo stayed.

Fran

hann · #4 03-07-2010, 06:11 PM

echoe audiofire.. cool.. i'll look it up!

hann · #5 03-09-2010, 08:02 AM

wow the audiofire 4 looks impressive.. does look a lil outta my budget though... i'd be very happy with something in the 100+ range and I've seen some fireboxes and EMU 0404 in that range..

perhaps if i could find a used echo in that range.. but few people let go of it i guess heh

jacothedog · #6 03-09-2010, 08:47 AM

I use the Tascam US-122. It's been reliable. Have had it for 3 years.

http://www.tascam.com/products/us-122.html

hann · #7 03-10-2010, 06:11 AM

i've read about that is that the mkll or some other 122 that u have?

heard it's quite good value for money.

theotigno · #8 03-10-2010, 07:39 AM

If you're interested in the Audiofire 4 but it's a bit out of your price range, have you considered the Audiofire 2? (view prices for the Audiofire 2) It's a bit closer to the price you're considering.

BTW, I have the Audiofire 4 and I'm very happy with it

hann · #9 03-10-2010, 08:10 AM

hmmm I think i'd appreciate the XLR inputs on the audiofire 4..

man these are hard to find used...

hann · #10 03-10-2010, 08:55 AM

managed to read up more about it and it does sound impressive..

but do u all find it a chore to have to balance all ur levels via software?

For simple listening of music i'd have to open the software to adjust levels? Isn't that abit frustrating over time?

biggs2 · #11 03-10-2010, 07:23 PM

Hann, there is desk-top console mixer (software) that comes with the unit or, you can use your recording software to set levels. I never record much beyond my acoustic guitar and voice and have used Audacity, Tracktion (comes with the Echo) and I'm currently learning Garageband. I don't find it too difficult using the software for tracking and mixing, but I'm still a novice.

Fran Guidry · #12 03-10-2010, 08:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hann

managed to read up more about it and it does sound impressive..

but do u all find it a chore to have to balance all ur levels via software?

For simple listening of music i'd have to open the software to adjust levels? Isn't that abit frustrating over time?

I keep the mixer open in the background all the time so it's a snap to adjust levels. And every playback application I use has a level control on it somewhere.

Where is the volume knob on a soundcard?

Fran

hann · #13 03-10-2010, 08:44 PM

vol knob on a soundcard? shrugs don't ask me.. haha i have no idea of such things.
When I had my prior DAC (USB), once I connected it to my mac, my soundcard I think was bypassed and the vol buttons on my mac also then became useless. I had to control it via my speakers themselves.

Oh well, found a used audiofire 4 and since u guys say such good things about it, i took the jump! heh

jacothedog · #14 03-10-2010, 09:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hann

i've read about that is that the mkll or some other 122 that u have?

heard it's quite good value for money.

Sorru for the late response. Mine just says US-122 on it, no mkll. It does have xlr inputs, though.

hann · #15 03-21-2010, 07:52 AM

so i did get a used audiofire for a great price! woohoo!!

i'm bummed to learn that the firewire port doesn't supply power to my firewire HDD though... and I only have 1 firewire 400 port on my macbook..

slightly disappointed that it's not bus powered to other FW devices cos then it's not a very smart design.