2009 TDPRI Giveaway Winners List is available HERE

fenderboy · August 9th, 2007, 12:56 PM

For the last few weeks i've been on the lookout for a half decent audio interface for my laptop.

I've been looking at the tascam US-122/L, 144, Alesis io2, also the Alesis multimix. If one of these turns up at the right price i'll get it but i'm still looking at the moment. I did see a M-Audio Black Box, with the built in effects, but i've heard a few bad things about it so i talked myself out of it.

What i'd like to know is, what do you folks use, any other tips or advice is welcome too. Also if anyone is seling one, i'd be interested to know (I'm in the UK by the way) Cheers.

StuH · August 9th, 2007, 01:01 PM

I've been using a Presonus Firebox.
Has been rock solid for three years now.

StuH · August 9th, 2007, 01:06 PM

TIPS

Never go with the cheapest alternative if the price spread isn't too too wide.

Skully · August 9th, 2007, 01:25 PM

I recently bought an Edirol UA-4FX for my new laptop. It runs Windows Vista, and right now Edirol seem to be the only soundcards that have Vista drivers.

octatonic · August 9th, 2007, 01:33 PM

I'm running Protools HD 3 accel.

Kurt · August 9th, 2007, 01:57 PM

I used to own the Tascam-worked just fine, nothing special, but I did not warm up to Cubase. I got a deal on an Mbox Pro2 with ProTools. Yeah, I know it's all proprietary, but the interface sounds better-maybe Firewire or more likely that it's a more expensive unit. I really like ProTools a lot, at least for me it's much more intuitive. So, once again I learned my lesson-don't go too cheap or you just end up replacing stuff. My recommendation-don't break the bank, but don't go too cheap. Always tough to find that perfect middle-of-the-road piece of equipment.

kmcanney · August 9th, 2007, 06:07 PM

I've had an Echo AudioFire 8 for a couple of years now, and I love it. http://www.echoaudio.com/Products/Fi...ire8/index.php

I've used it with Windows XP and Vista, and it has good mic preamps (to my ears). FWIW, I use it mostly with Sound Forge, Vegas, and ACID.

bherg · August 9th, 2007, 08:12 PM

Hello,

I use a Roland Edirol, dont remember the exakt model number. But i have been happy with it, easy to understand and it sounds ok. And the price was allright.

proffett · August 15th, 2007, 03:09 AM

+1 on the Firebox
It's easy, versatile and reliable.

getbent · August 15th, 2007, 03:57 AM

Alesis Multimix 12

Tedecaster · August 15th, 2007, 09:21 AM

I use an M-Audio Delta 44 with a Mackie 1202 for 4 inputs (simultaneous).

Tdot · August 16th, 2007, 01:59 AM

I got one of these dinosaurs as a hand me down (and it's still too fancy for me).

tjalla · August 16th, 2007, 02:05 AM

A good one is RME's Fireface 400 and 800. I have the 400 (8 channel, 2 mic pres). Only been using it a few months but so far have been very happy.

http://www.rme-audio.de/products_overview_firewire.php

Bonneville Bruce · August 18th, 2007, 12:50 PM

I use the now-discontinued Echo Layla 24/96, that had cards for both laptop and desktop slots. My partner and I have found these to be very good DACs, as we have four of them between us. Echo's newer products look good, I'd buy their new stuff in a heartbeat to replace the old.

beep.click · August 18th, 2007, 12:57 PM

For laptop, I'm using an Edirol UA-101, which is a USB 2.0 interface.

I tried about 4-5 before finding this - mostly firewire, because everyone said that's the way to go. Didn't work for me, though, despite having the right firewire chip, etc.

I've also used an ancient Edirol USB device that was line-level only... required an external preamp or mixer. That worked fine, too.

Skully · August 18th, 2007, 08:25 PM

Quote:

I use the now-discontinued Echo Layla 24/96.

I have one for my old Windows 98 machine, but I never tried installing it on a computer running Windows XP.

4mal · August 22nd, 2007, 12:19 PM

I'm migrating from my old Tascam DAW to Pro Tools and snaged a used Digi 002R. After the upgrade to the latest PT, I'm pretty impressed with the clarity. ...gotta long way to go climbing the learning curve with PT though.

Kurt · August 22nd, 2007, 09:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 4mal

I'm migrating from my old Tascam DAW to Pro Tools and snaged a used Digi 002R. After the upgrade to the latest PT, I'm pretty impressed with the clarity. ...gotta long way to go climbing the learning curve with PT though.

I highly recommend Gina Fant-Saez's book. It is very understandable for us guitarists and virtually every exercise works exactly the way it's depicted in the book. I've been doing a few hours each week and I'm almost done. I'm certainly no expert but I feel pretty confident about PT basics.

Brandon Roy · August 28th, 2007, 08:34 AM

I been using the presonus inspire 1394 firewire interface for over a year now. It produces some good crystal clear sounds. and only $199. Perfect for the solo artist.

Flat357 · October 6th, 2007, 01:28 PM

Edirol UA 25

Larry F · October 6th, 2007, 03:44 PM

In my home and in the studios at my university I use Pro Tools, Kyma, and Metric Halo. Pro Tools is rock solid and have given me no trouble for 10 years. Kyma is good for realtime spectral analysis/synthesis. It's box is called the Capybara. If you want to work in the spectral domain, then you need somethng as powerful and dedicated as Kyma. I've used it for 10 years with no probs. Metric Halo is very clean and compact. If you need something portable and high quality, then this is a good choice.

My students also use the Digidesign M-Box and Mark of the Unicorn whatever it's called. They seem to be pretty stable.

I think Metric Halo will become more popular, due to its quality and size.

fezz parka · October 6th, 2007, 03:51 PM

MOTU 2408.

Skully · October 7th, 2007, 01:32 AM

All that digital crap sucks. This here is the only way to go:

Tim Armstrong · October 7th, 2007, 09:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skully

All that digital crap sucks. This here is the only way to go:

Bunch of newfangled CRAP, I say! Look at that fancy string. In my day, we used real TWINE! And neither of those cans are dented. Bah! Talk about sterile-sounding...

Tim

PlankSpanker · October 7th, 2007, 12:51 PM

For good-fast-cheap, the Emu 0404 USB2 has the most stable drivers, lowest latency and best sound. The Tascam and MOTU and MAudio stuff is dicey in my experience.

You didn't mention if you had firewire on your laptop or what your budget is, but if you have the resources, the RME stuff is the best in the business.

Big Tony · November 6th, 2007, 07:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skully

I recently bought an Edirol UA-4FX for my new laptop.

+ 1

So did I.

Easy to use, pretty versatile, and not very expensive.

/ Tony

J-man · November 13th, 2007, 10:06 PM

I've been using a Behringer Eurorack 4-track mixing desk, but I'm considering investing in something simpler and easier, like a USB or Firewire interface.

Pesty · November 14th, 2007, 11:09 AM

I've got a Focusrite Saffire LE, I alternate between Adobe Audition, Audacity, and sometimes Ableton Live.

JStella · November 14th, 2007, 11:14 AM

I've got a rack mount TASCAM with 8 inputs, etc. but these days I find myself using a Line 6 TonePort for most of my recording. It has some nice simulated pre amps for vocals that seem to do a better job than mucking around in Garageband to fix things, plus it's pretty handy for going straight in where appropriate. Also, it has some nice play-along features with their lessons.

- Josh

Ed P · November 14th, 2007, 11:27 AM

I just started using the Line 6 TonePort, and am extremely happy with it.

Reno Sepulveda · November 14th, 2007, 03:01 PM

Not to hijack the thread but I was just given an M-Audio Fast Track USB. My problem is I need a new computer for many reasons.

I'm on a tight budget but what should I be looking for in a Windows PC to record simple guitar, bass, vocals demos. Any specific recommendations? Just go down to best buy and grab the cheapest I can find?

kludge · November 14th, 2007, 05:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reno Sepulveda

I'm on a tight budget but what should I be looking for in a Windows PC to record simple guitar, bass, vocals demos. Any specific recommendations? Just go down to best buy and grab the cheapest I can find?

What you should be looking for is Windows XP. Stay the HECK away from Vista for audio (at least for now), because it has tons of compatibility issues with both soundcard drivers and applications.

If you must get a new one, see if you have a good custom PC builder in your town... most cities do. They can work with you to build a XP-based machine with good hardware for recording. If you need a laptop, I dunno. You might be SOL these days, with Vista plaguing them all.

Is there some reason you MUST use Windows? If you're not platform-committed, seriously consider laying down the extra dough for a Mac.

Reno Sepulveda · November 17th, 2007, 04:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kludge

Is there some reason you MUST use Windows? If you're not platform-committed, seriously consider laying down the extra dough for a Mac.

It's funny you mention that. For my needs one of those little mini macs might be perfect. I had no idea such a thing existed until one of our IT guys mentioned they recently bought one for testing software for our video people. A neat little machine at a good price.

beexter · November 27th, 2007, 08:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ed P

I just started using the Line 6 TonePort, and am extremely happy with it.

+1. Real easy to use and very versatile. Cheap too. I'm using mine into a G5 iMac.

Ice9 · November 27th, 2007, 12:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by beexter

+1. Real easy to use and very versatile. Cheap too. I'm using mine into a G5 iMac.

++1 on the Toneport.

Using it with Vista.No issues.But on my sons super whoopee top of the heap gaming machine,it had issues with the USB ports.

Mike

abraxas · November 27th, 2007, 04:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tjalla

A good one is RME's Fireface 400 and 800. I have the 400 (8 channel, 2 mic pres). Only been using it a few months but so far have been very happy.

http://www.rme-audio.de/products_overview_firewire.php

One more happy Fireface 400 user here.

winny pooh · November 28th, 2007, 11:15 AM

Digi 002 rack

jawjatek · November 28th, 2007, 04:16 PM

I have an RME Fireface 800. Works great and has what I need. I'm using it with a core duo laptop and Reaper. Currently tracking a new demo with it, and so far so good.

ramblinmike · December 11th, 2007, 05:47 AM

MOTU ultralite. Only had it for about 6 months, but so far so good.

JohnSS · December 11th, 2007, 01:13 PM

I use the Lexicon Omega. Bought it after reading how Roger McGuinn was raving about the sound quality of a record he cut on his laptop with it. No problems thus far, can record (4) separate audio channels concurrently, mic pres sound great, and you get Lexicon reverb plug-in included, along w/Cubase LE. Street price is now $200.

August 9th, 2007, 12:56 PM	#1 (permalink)
fenderboy TDPRI Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Wales, UK Posts: 81	What audio interface do you use. For the last few weeks i've been on the lookout for a half decent audio interface for my laptop. I've been looking at the tascam US-122/L, 144, Alesis io2, also the Alesis multimix. If one of these turns up at the right price i'll get it but i'm still looking at the moment. I did see a M-Audio Black Box, with the built in effects, but i've heard a few bad things about it so i talked myself out of it. What i'd like to know is, what do you folks use, any other tips or advice is welcome too. Also if anyone is seling one, i'd be interested to know (I'm in the UK by the way) Cheers.

August 9th, 2007, 01:25 PM	#4 (permalink)
Skully Friend of Leo's Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Glamorous NoHo Posts: 4,868	I recently bought an Edirol UA-4FX for my new laptop. It runs Windows Vista, and right now Edirol seem to be the only soundcards that have Vista drivers. __________________ Myspace.com/skullysounds

August 9th, 2007, 01:57 PM	#6 (permalink)
Kurt Tele-Meister Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: MA Posts: 363	Tascam is fine, now using Mbox I used to own the Tascam-worked just fine, nothing special, but I did not warm up to Cubase. I got a deal on an Mbox Pro2 with ProTools. Yeah, I know it's all proprietary, but the interface sounds better-maybe Firewire or more likely that it's a more expensive unit. I really like ProTools a lot, at least for me it's much more intuitive. So, once again I learned my lesson-don't go too cheap or you just end up replacing stuff. My recommendation-don't break the bank, but don't go too cheap. Always tough to find that perfect middle-of-the-road piece of equipment.

August 9th, 2007, 06:07 PM	#7 (permalink)
kmcanney TDPRI Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 71	I use an Echo AudioFire 8 I've had an Echo AudioFire 8 for a couple of years now, and I love it. http://www.echoaudio.com/Products/Fi...ire8/index.php I've used it with Windows XP and Vista, and it has good mic preamps (to my ears). FWIW, I use it mostly with Sound Forge, Vegas, and ACID.

August 16th, 2007, 01:59 AM	#12 (permalink)
Tdot Poster Extraordinaire Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Back of the Wasatch, UT Posts: 5,020 55 Photos	I got one of these dinosaurs as a hand me down (and it's still too fancy for me). __________________ And now for some feedback: EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE

August 9th, 2007, 01:01 PM	#2 (permalink)
StuH Friend of Leo's Join Date: May 2006 Location: Yukon, Canada Age: 39 Posts: 2,188 19 Photos	I've been using a Presonus Firebox. Has been rock solid for three years now.

August 9th, 2007, 01:06 PM	#3 (permalink)
StuH Friend of Leo's Join Date: May 2006 Location: Yukon, Canada Age: 39 Posts: 2,188 19 Photos	TIPS Never go with the cheapest alternative if the price spread isn't too too wide.

August 9th, 2007, 01:33 PM	#5 (permalink)
octatonic Friend of Leo's Join Date: May 2007 Location: An Australian in London. Age: 37 Posts: 2,734	I'm running Protools HD 3 accel.

August 9th, 2007, 08:12 PM	#8 (permalink)
bherg TDPRI Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: sweden Posts: 33	Hello, I use a Roland Edirol, dont remember the exakt model number. But i have been happy with it, easy to understand and it sounds ok. And the price was allright.

August 15th, 2007, 03:09 AM	#9 (permalink)
proffett TDPRI Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Denver Age: 39 Posts: 87	+1 on the Firebox It's easy, versatile and reliable.

August 15th, 2007, 03:57 AM	#10 (permalink)
getbent Moderator Doctor of Teleocity Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: San Benito County, California Posts: 13,671 37 Photos	Alesis Multimix 12

August 15th, 2007, 09:21 AM	#11 (permalink)
Tedecaster Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Greensboro, Vermont Posts: 1,018 26 Photos	I use an M-Audio Delta 44 with a Mackie 1202 for 4 inputs (simultaneous).

August 16th, 2007, 02:05 AM	#13 (permalink)
tjalla Friend of Leo's Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Perth, Western Australia Posts: 2,466 7 Photos	A good one is RME's Fireface 400 and 800. I have the 400 (8 channel, 2 mic pres). Only been using it a few months but so far have been very happy. http://www.rme-audio.de/products_overview_firewire.php

August 18th, 2007, 12:50 PM	#14 (permalink)
Bonneville Bruce Tele-Holic Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Caldwell, Idaho Posts: 639 3 Photos	I use the now-discontinued Echo Layla 24/96, that had cards for both laptop and desktop slots. My partner and I have found these to be very good DACs, as we have four of them between us. Echo's newer products look good, I'd buy their new stuff in a heartbeat to replace the old. __________________ "Let us issue, 'Live Music is Better' bumper stickers."

August 18th, 2007, 12:57 PM	#15 (permalink)
beep.click Friend of Leo's Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: California Age: 50 Posts: 3,208	For laptop, I'm using an Edirol UA-101, which is a USB 2.0 interface. I tried about 4-5 before finding this - mostly firewire, because everyone said that's the way to go. Didn't work for me, though, despite having the right firewire chip, etc. I've also used an ancient Edirol USB device that was line-level only... required an external preamp or mixer. That worked fine, too.

October 6th, 2007, 03:51 PM	#22 (permalink)
fezz parka Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: A town south of Bakersfield... Posts: 1,676 47 Photos	MOTU 2408.

August 22nd, 2007, 12:19 PM	#17 (permalink)
4mal Friend of Leo's Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: The Gorge Posts: 2,510	I'm migrating from my old Tascam DAW to Pro Tools and snaged a used Digi 002R. After the upgrade to the latest PT, I'm pretty impressed with the clarity. ...gotta long way to go climbing the learning curve with PT though.

August 28th, 2007, 08:34 AM	#19 (permalink)
Brandon Roy Banned Tele-Meister Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Louisiana Age: 22 Posts: 108	I been using the presonus inspire 1394 firewire interface for over a year now. It produces some good crystal clear sounds. and only $199. Perfect for the solo artist.

October 6th, 2007, 01:28 PM	#20 (permalink)
Flat357 Friend of Leo's Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Cheshire Age: 41 Posts: 3,068	Edirol UA 25

October 6th, 2007, 03:44 PM	#21 (permalink)
Larry F Friend of Leo's Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Iowa City, IA Age: 56 Posts: 3,432	In my home and in the studios at my university I use Pro Tools, Kyma, and Metric Halo. Pro Tools is rock solid and have given me no trouble for 10 years. Kyma is good for realtime spectral analysis/synthesis. It's box is called the Capybara. If you want to work in the spectral domain, then you need somethng as powerful and dedicated as Kyma. I've used it for 10 years with no probs. Metric Halo is very clean and compact. If you need something portable and high quality, then this is a good choice. My students also use the Digidesign M-Box and Mark of the Unicorn whatever it's called. They seem to be pretty stable. I think Metric Halo will become more popular, due to its quality and size. __________________ larry

October 7th, 2007, 01:32 AM	#23 (permalink)
Skully Friend of Leo's Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Glamorous NoHo Posts: 4,868	All that digital crap sucks. This here is the only way to go: __________________ Myspace.com/skullysounds

October 7th, 2007, 12:51 PM	#25 (permalink)
PlankSpanker TDPRI Member Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 49 1 Photos	For good-fast-cheap, the Emu 0404 USB2 has the most stable drivers, lowest latency and best sound. The Tascam and MOTU and MAudio stuff is dicey in my experience. You didn't mention if you had firewire on your laptop or what your budget is, but if you have the resources, the RME stuff is the best in the business.

November 13th, 2007, 10:06 PM	#27 (permalink)
J-man Moderator Poster Extraordinaire Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: North Wales/Scarborough Age: 21 Posts: 7,382 19 Photos	I've been using a Behringer Eurorack 4-track mixing desk, but I'm considering investing in something simpler and easier, like a USB or Firewire interface. __________________ "Man is least himself when he talks in his own person. Give him a mask, and he will tell you the truth." - Oscar Wilde

November 14th, 2007, 11:09 AM	#28 (permalink)
Pesty Tele-Meister Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Manitoba Canada Posts: 328	I've got a Focusrite Saffire LE, I alternate between Adobe Audition, Audacity, and sometimes Ableton Live.

November 14th, 2007, 11:14 AM	#29 (permalink)
JStella Tele-Meister Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Shepherdstown, WV Age: 39 Posts: 490 14 Photos	I've got a rack mount TASCAM with 8 inputs, etc. but these days I find myself using a Line 6 TonePort for most of my recording. It has some nice simulated pre amps for vocals that seem to do a better job than mucking around in Garageband to fix things, plus it's pretty handy for going straight in where appropriate. Also, it has some nice play-along features with their lessons. - Josh

November 14th, 2007, 11:27 AM	#30 (permalink)
Ed P Tele-Holic Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Southern California Age: 52 Posts: 757 6 Photos	I just started using the Line 6 TonePort, and am extremely happy with it. __________________ Ed

2009 TDPRI Giveaway Winners List is available HERE

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November 14th, 2007, 03:01 PM	#31 (permalink)
Reno Sepulveda Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Nowhere man Posts: 1,393	Not to hijack the thread but I was just given an M-Audio Fast Track USB. My problem is I need a new computer for many reasons. I'm on a tight budget but what should I be looking for in a Windows PC to record simple guitar, bass, vocals demos. Any specific recommendations? Just go down to best buy and grab the cheapest I can find? __________________ "I'm just kidding about that really."

November 28th, 2007, 11:15 AM	#37 (permalink)
winny pooh Friend of Leo's Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: South London Posts: 2,131 7 Photos	Digi 002 rack __________________ my afro ambient side project: http://www.myspace.com/theswyambusessions I play dancy bass here: http://www.myspace.com/casabellamusic

November 28th, 2007, 04:16 PM	#38 (permalink)
jawjatek TDPRI Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: GA Posts: 53	I have an RME Fireface 800. Works great and has what I need. I'm using it with a core duo laptop and Reaper. Currently tracking a new demo with it, and so far so good.

December 11th, 2007, 05:47 AM	#39 (permalink)
ramblinmike Tele-Afflicted Join Date: May 2003 Location: Long Island NY Age: 24 Posts: 1,109	MOTU ultralite. Only had it for about 6 months, but so far so good.

December 11th, 2007, 01:13 PM	#40 (permalink)
JohnSS Tele-Meister Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: NYC Posts: 284	I use the Lexicon Omega. Bought it after reading how Roger McGuinn was raving about the sound quality of a record he cut on his laptop with it. No problems thus far, can record (4) separate audio channels concurrently, mic pres sound great, and you get Lexicon reverb plug-in included, along w/Cubase LE. Street price is now $200.