Troubles With A 828, Checking Other Interfaces, I Need Help/advice. Options

[deadend228]

I reset my 828 several times. I also went through the uninstall and reinstall procedure over and over again for about 3 months. I couldn't send my model to MOTU because I bought it from a friend and didn't have it registered or under warranty or anything like that. I really wanted it so that once i learned how to use it i could make professional sounding recordings, rather than getting something i would just grow out of. but it just got to the point where it was a huge headache and i was spending all of my time trying to get it to work instead of working on music.

I'm looking to spend under $400.

The interfaces I was looking at were the Presonus Firebox, M-Audio Fast Track Pro, M-Audio Firewire Solo, and the Mackie Spike. I've read good and bad reviews for both. Crack and pops aren't that big of a deal to me because I want to go with a warm, Lo-Fi analog sound rather than a cold crisp clean digital sound. I just want something that won't have too many problems with noise and will pretty much be plug and play. Ease of use is my main concern. I dont want to spend more time trying to get things confired that i do actually working on music. I know that cables are usually an issue as well, and I use mogami silver series cables for everything. So I shouldn't have any problems with those.

[jce44]

Hey Mr. deadend, I empathize (deeply) with you. I'm struggling also to figure out hardware, software, connections, my Mac G4 system, upgrades, digital sound technology, compatibilities,... it can be very "whelming" and frustrating! I have an > average IQ, but struggle to put my music on CD. My home studio has been 2 years in the making, I'm "old" and running out of time. But if I can do it, you can too.

So hang in there! If you've got music to do, it will come. Keep it simple at first, and build step by step.

I “hear” from your post that you’re new to digital recording, you’re frustrated, and you already spent a lot of money on your Mac.
You say that you need to record 3 inputs? (May I assume, at the same time?) Two guitars, (one of which is mic'd), and one mic for vocals? So then! Two microphones and one electric guitar. It IS easier to lay down one stereo track (it may take several tries to get a good "take"), than it is to try to put 3 different tracks together, after recording them separately? It depends on which area of expertise is your STRENGTH or weakness? Software or hardware? If you USE Reason or Ableton, does that mean you're experienced in the software applications?

Firewire interfaces to your computer are the best consideration. Latency or time lag is the reason why. If you research the recording, manufacturer's and music web sites, you'll find many interfaces capable of connecting to your IMac G5 that will allow you to make those 3 instrument/mic connections, and get your sound into your computer. You don't mention your IMac configuration? How much RAM and what OS are you running? If you have 256 MB of RAM, you’ll need to add more.

Some of the software that comes with that firewire interface, (or available separately), will also allow you to tweak the recorded audio signal. Or, if you get a good recording from the start that needs no tweaking, just send it on to a "bounce", or ITunes, and then burn your CD.

There's so many different ways to do this, that most people simply can't reply to your general question. Yes, you can get a firewire mixer to do this. There's many that are compatible with your system. After many months of research, I bought a Mackie 1220 with firewire. I love it, but it’s ex$pensive (to me), and there’s so much to learn along with Tracktion, the software that comes with it,

Or you can get an audio mixer, and a firewire interface, and then to your computer. The opportunities are endless. Do you have moniters? Or a good set of headphones?

My advice? Change your handle. "deadend" is not where you're going. (just kidding!) But please do some more research. Try

http://www.tweakheadz.com/guide.htm

and after reading that guide, (3 or 4 times is what it took me!), you might understand WHY-

1.) Most people won't tell what's the "best" equipment to buy. There's too many choices, depending on what you want to do and what your system is and what your expectations are... It’s kinda like buying a car. If you only need to get back & forth to work and save gas,… you don’t need a Porsche. But if you need to haul lumber, a Volkswagon won’t work either!

2.) You really can make your own choices, based on your level of experience and needs. A friendly salesperson, at a local music store (during off hours), can be a good resource for questions, showing you how to hook up, and if they have computers for sale, they can even show you some of the software apps.

3). If you're considering a PARTICULAR choice, (of hardware or software), ask for opinions from people who have the same setup and expectations or recording needs that you have.

Please don't get frustrated. We don't want to miss out on what you have to offer the musical world.

It's taken me 2 years, upgrades to my ol' PowerMac G4, tons of research and learning... And I only have 5 songs written that I want to record and get copywrited, and a small group of friends and family to record wit & for.

PHHHHT!

What are you complainin' 'bout!

Your Mac will do it. Take some time to find out how.

BTW! What's up with the 440 Forum? Half the time I can't even access it recently>

[aportman]

I have been using an M-Audio Delta 1010 for about 4 years. I guess overall it has been a pretty reliable interface on the audio side, but it has never been stable on the midi side. I have tried every thing in the world in an attempt to stablize the midi capability, but continues to result in very poor conisitency. I finally gave up and use an external midi (M-Audio) inferface, which is stable as rock.

That is very strange that you would have the kinds of problems that you experienced with the Motu 828. I used to have 2 of the units running on a G4 desk top unit and they were rock solid. I ended up selling for because I needed the funds.

Allen

[Mac Daddy]

jce44 we seem to be travelling the same road... You've gotta spend time if you want the results...

[Sancheezy]

M-audio is has great stuff, but the 4x4 interface they have does not work with the macG5. As a bassist 12-er owner, I thought it's quarter inch inputs were great! Sadly, it just so happens that there is a battery on the card you install that doesnt agree (i dont know the mhz specs just check m-audios web) or screws with something ONLY on the G5's port(?). Like I said, I dont know the exact problem with the 4x4 and the G5 or if there are any other programs\hardware m-audio and the g5 has problems with.Just my knickles worth...or tree fiddy.