Presonus Firebox Vs. Tascam Us-122 Options

[tmadar]

So I am am just getting setup with a Mac Mini (M9687LL/B) and want to do a bit of recording. I picked up a Eridol PCR-M1 and a Shure SM58 to record with. Now I am trying to decide what to get for an interface. I have narrowed it down to these two:
PreSonus Firebox or Tascam US-122.
I am leaning towards the Firebox, as it seems to have gotten better reviews (plus firewire vs USB1), but it is $100 more and I have heard that the Firebox Mic Pre does not have enough gain to work well with the SM58. Anybody using a setup like this. Seems pretty basic, but I just can't figure out which way to go.

Thanks in advace for any suggestions.

Todd

This post has been edited by tmadar: Thu 5 Jan 2006, 18:15

[fixler]

I have the US-122. Here's what I think:

-- The mic inputs sound pretty good. All my mics use power, so I can't comment on the SM58

-- Direct monitoring is really useful

-- Effect insert is useful

-- The RCA audio outputs are noisy. I use them to connect monitors to, and it's OK for normal listening levels, but if you like it LOUD the output gets really hissy.

-- Drivers are OK, a bit flakey, once in a while the US-122 disappears from the Mac's perspective, and I have unplug-replug it. Also, once in a while the sample rate settings get hosed and to make audio sound proper again you have to change the settings a few times, and then everything resyncs. Tascam tech support is completely non-existent.