Renovation Project Stress, Hardware help needed Options

[emgcarra]

Hi all:

I have been recording at home for a while using the "normal" stuff: Mackie 24.8, interface and Mac.....Now I have this new Mac Pro w/Logic Pro 8 in it and still have my FW4410 M-Audio interface....I do have a bunch of synth modules and outboard as well, but I think it is time to update my set up.
I guess I´ll give all the old and bulky stuff away (Mackie, synth, outboard, adat, dat, etc) and will keep just the most beloved:
a couple fo modules, a rev and maybe a compressor....But I am going to need a mixer, but a small one. I guess I´ll need one that could act as an interface and as a small mixer...But this search is not an easy task.
I´ve been looking in the web for such a piece but with not success. Here´s where I need some of your help.
Any idea of how could I put this set up together ?
There´s a mini-mixer-interface waiting for me ?
If so, are their pre good enough to make a more than decent recording ?
I would like to make it a better looking space too, so I think I could move to a "better" interface and do some cosmetic changes but I can´t sell the house to do that........for obvious reasons.... So, I need help and I also know that this could be the place.
I´ll look forward to read your ideas....if any
Thanks a lot in advance

[ironhead]

you can try this TASCAM FW-1082 10-Channel FireWire Audio/MIDI
Interfacehttp://www.gordonlasalle.com/servlet/the-1724/TASCAM-FW-dsh-1082-10-dsh-Channel-FireWire/Detail
it is compatible with logic
or try getting a digital mixer that is compatible logic 8 maybe a yamaha or a tascam

[johnaudio]

Have you concidered MIO's Mobile I/O 2882?
It's one of the best sounding fire wire interfaces around. It isn't a hardwaremixer. but it has 80 bit peace of software-mixer that's awesome. 18 inputs and 20 out. Check there website

Best regards

John

[houstonmusic]

MOTU 828 MKIII has software mixer chops, as well as significant built in dsp. only two mic pres, and not great ones, unfortunately. i use a combination of 828 and a Mackie mixer, taking signal right off the pres to analog ins on the 828.

renovation is a good thing. take it all down, clean everything, rethink the ergonomics. don't buy a solution, think a solution. is the impulse to change coming from an unconscious dissatisfaction? act from an awareness of the highest goal. spring cleaning, baby.

[DANO10]

How about the MACKIE ONYX 1220? 12 channels, excelent mic pres and a 24 bit/96kHz
FireWire I?O. Find it at mackie.com

[emgcarra]

Well, Thank you all guys....!! Yes, it is a matter of thinking and doing it at ease ....
The vacuum cleaner is first thing.... Then I must admit, it is some kind of unconformity with the actual shape of thinks...
I guess I will go for a shure thing, may be an Ensemble or a TC Electronic Konnekt 48..Any of them still keep my good old
modules and reverb out of the set up...A friend told me about buying a good Pre + an interface card, in order to get a good sound into the cpu....but nothing about the XX century devices...!
I have also saw an Alesis mixer-interface, an M-Audio and even a Roland.....But all they give me that toy look or a sense of going back...somehow.

Well thanks again for your input, I promise to post some material made with the new stuff, whenever I could get it going...

Mac Music is still a good start point

[mortalengines]

I hear the Alesis is plagued with problems....Korg is supposed to be coming out with something soon but, it ain't cheap, I understand. I really liked my Onyx. You know, there is no real need to get rid of your old gear if you get something like a midi interface in addition to a multichannel interface. If you really want to get rid of your stuff you should check prices on Ebay. Some things may get more money than you would expect. If you are here in the US there is www.craigslist.org where you can post your stuff for free and sell it locally. I have had pretty good luck selling some of my gear on it.

www.myspace.com/mortal_engines

This post has been edited by mortalengines: Thu 28 Aug 2008, 23:51

[DANO10]

emgcarra

I have been using the Apogee Ensemble for about six months. Sounds fantastic! No problems. I really recomend it.
Also. before I bought the Ensemble, I looked at the t.c. Konnekt 48. Also, a fine product. In my opinion, either piece would be a great choice. :cool:

[emgcarra]

Thanks again....I ´ve been considering a new chair too...Seems silly but it isn´t.
What´s really keeping me asleep is that feeling of waste, looking to all that turned off "analog" modules...So when I decided to "think of a solution", I was trying to find out a way to put things right and gain a little more space in the process...
I am also thinking about finishing a new record, mostly by my own (which is something I have never though...). Dealing with a group of virtual instruments, playing guitar and bass and calling a real drummer only when I see that I really can´t make it w/Addictive Drum or Ultrabeat.........Sound familiar...?
And like a kid, I wonder that if I could change something around, in order to find some motivation...(working alone in a tiny space could be frustrating) I´ll be able to happily finish the such call "record".....I´m also considering painting as part of the
renovation.
You´ve been great with advice and cosideration.....The blog is useful too....Thanks

www.myspace.com/carrascoguillermo (no obligation...)