Really Nice Preamp to USB interface?

[beaubrummie]

Well, I'm really not knowledgeable at all when it comes to this stuff. But I think I've decided on the RNP, as friends of mine have had only good experiences with it. I just want to know how can I get it into my laptop since it has no USB in. What interface can I use to plug the RNP through, then USB into my laptop? I have a really nice condenser mic that just needs a good preamp to give it the full flavor. My new Martin is ready to sing but it just needs the right conditions!

Any and all advice is welcomed!

[muscmp]

you probably have a stereo 1/8" audio input on the computer so you may have to get an adapter that allows you to go from 1/4" cable from the RNP to the 1/8" input on the computer.
note that someone was selling the RNP(which i have and love) on the AGF or the UMGF.

[moon]

You'll need decent AD conversion to get the most out of the FMR (and a good monitoring chain to hear it). Onboard audio isn't in the same ballpark.

An RME ADI-2 could be a good match to the FMR RNP in terms of audio quality. You'd also need a soundcard with digital in. Something inexpensive from M-Audio or Emu would do since you'll be bypassing the inferior converters (they're not bad exactly just not quite so good as the ADI). An RME card might squeeze out a slightly lower latency. Not sure.

[Rick Shepherd]

I would consider the Apogee Duet, which is small, portable, USB interfaced, great preamps and conversion, and highly rated! Take a look at it.

[beaubrummie]

Thanks for the recommendations. But it seems this converters are REALLY expensive. Most of them cost three times as much as the Really Nice Preamp--which is already $475.

Are there any cheaper options? $200 to $300? Or is that a pipedream? BTW, I'm just doing barebones recording too. Just voice and guitar, some other instruments too such as mandolin, banjo, cello etc. But those get their own mics. I'm feeling awfully discouraged!

[Sage97]

Originally Posted by Rick Shepherd

I would consider the Apogee Duet, which is small, portable, USB interfaced, great preamps and conversion, and highly rated! Take a look at it.

I agree. The duet is fantastic and Apogee has a new Duet that just came out. Looks even better.

I did sell my RNP and RNC when the Duet came along. Didn't need them anymore.

[moon]

Originally Posted by beaubrummie

Are there any cheaper options?

Another vote for the Duet which packs some very good pres and converters in one little package. Pro-quality separates are the ultimate, if you can afford it, but at that level you start paying more and more for smaller and smaller increases in sound quality. By comparison, a Duet takes you a long, long way for very little outlay.

[theotigno]

In your price range, I'd consider the Echo AudioFire 2 (well, that is if you have firewire on your computer).

[Rick Shepherd]

QUOTE=beaubrummie;2642405]Thanks for the recommendations. But it seems this converters are REALLY expensive. Most of them cost three times as much as the Really Nice Preamp--which is already $475.

Are there any cheaper options? $200 to $300? Or is that a pipedream? BTW, I'm just doing barebones recording too. Just voice and guitar, some other instruments too such as mandolin, banjo, cello etc. But those get their own mics. I'm feeling awfully discouraged![/QUOTE]

Again, the Apogee Duet has the preamps and the converters built into a small package that is high quality, which gives you everything you need so you are good to go. It will only cost you a little more than just the RNP alone, which doesn't give the converters or the USB interface. You won't be disappointed! Here is the link:

Duet 2

[muscmp]

if you really want the rnp, it is still listed in the marketplace section.

[flagstaffcharli]

Sorry, if that was mine it's no longer for sale. I've got the compressors for sale but not the pre. However, I'd recommend the RNP as well. It's a great two channel pre for the money.

[beaubrummie]

You can only use the apogee duet for Macs though, right? That's what it seems like. I have a PC. So I don't think that could work.

I don't have a firewire port either. I'm between a rock and a hard place right now.

[Rick Shepherd]

What microphone will you be using?

Another option, but you have to up your budget, the RME Babyface. How old is your laptop?

[theotigno]

If you're not completely sold on the RNP, I'd suggest looking at the Sound Devices USBPre 2:

Sound Devices Information
YouTube Demo Video (demo to hear the sound quality)

I have the original USBPre and it works solid for me. It can bypass the mic-pre altogether, just in case you wanted to get the RNP in the future.

One cool thing that I read about the USBPre2 is that it can work as a standalone mic-pre as well.

Price wise, it ends up being the same price as an RNP + your target range for a USB converter.

[wthurman]

Or... you could invest in real recording software and interfaces. Worth it, even if you have to save, IMO.