Usb Audio Inerface Nightmare! Options

[PoetryAnimal]

I was just wondering if anybody could give me some tips on choosing a decent USB audio interface, cause I got an iMic and well, it blows, it really really blows. The most fearsome latency I've ever heard.

[Ben Up the Tree]

One, what set up are you working with? (computer, etc.)
Two, what do you want to record? (vocals, guitar, etc.)
Three, how much are you looking to spend/how pro do you want to get?

That would help us out a lot!

[PoetryAnimal]

heh, sorry. iBook g4, os 10.3 I was trying to record on SOundtrack.

Basicaly I want to be able to record everything, largely guitar though, and I'd like to keep it under or close to $100.

[editbrain]

well. the best usb device in my opinion (i use this) is the tascam us-122. a little over 100 dollars, but is very good at recording guitar and vocals in a project type studio.

[Ben Up the Tree]

I am also a big fan of the Tascam US-122. Solid performance at a great value sells for about $200, but can be found on ebay new for less. it features:

USB power
Two analog inputs and outputs (stereo)
24-bit (44.1 kHz or 48 kHz) input to output path
Separate source selection (MIC/LINE/INST) and gain control per channel
48V phantom power
Hi-Z input for (D.I.) instrument pickup
TRS inserts on each input channel
Balanced/unbalanced connections
Zero-latency direct monitoring
Unbalanced RCA and Headphone outputs with dedicated volume controls
MIDI input and output ports
16-channel MIDI interface

You will only be able to record in two channels, so if you're planning any 4-16 track recording, you should look further up the Tascam line.

[PoetryAnimal]

Hey, thanks a lot. I really like that "zero latency" you speak of...

[Ben Up the Tree]

It is a pretty nice piece of hardware.

[sethjacquay]

I also had issues with the iMic. I mean the latency was poor but the real
problem was a low static rumbling that I got when I recorded. I am guessing
this came from the power running through the usb channel. I tried
disconnecting all other usb devices expect for the iMic and the Keyboard
but still got the static.

If you can't wait to record and don't have money to purchase.
Get close and friendly to the pinhole mic on your iBook.
Seriously, this is the lowest cost alternative.
Freaking try it at least once! I command you!

It isn't better than buying a piece of quality hardware, but it is a cheap
temporary solution. Be sure to plug in headphones as to avoid feedback
and you would be surprised at the relatively low latency and quality of the recording.
Something to make that experience more enjoyable is to download a copy of the free
Playthrough FX software and open it up, use the iBook pinhole mic to record to
a minidisc or just play live into it. You will be amazed at the results.

But if you have the cash save up and get a decent piece of audio input hardware,
you won't regret it. The Tascam seems to be popular, I purchased the M-Audio Firewire 410
about $200 more than the Tascam, but has couple more features. Check out my other
posts for my experience with the 410. Which after a week as been relatively solid and enjoyable.

This post has been edited by sethjacquay: Thu 12 Feb 2004, 16:13

[PoetryAnimal]

Yeah, i use the "pinhole" every now and then, for short vocal samples
i use in reason. I think I'm going to go for the US 122, once my debtors step up and un debt themselves.I may even try the old built in mic for some guitar... with all the fancy Soundtrack plugins, i can probably make it sound cool...

[Ben Up the Tree]

Good choice, the Tascam US-122 is really reliable and easy to use piece of equipment. After about a month of tinkering, recording is far less imposing than it used to be. It's just as easy to record two tracks with my guitar and microphone, than it is to use the built-in apple pinhole mic. I think you'll love it.

This post has been edited by Ben Up the Tree: Thu 12 Feb 2004, 18:26