Usb/firewire Vs. 1/8" Input, Which is Higher Quality Recording? Options

[Isomer]

I am setting up my recording studio and
have gotten mixed messages from people. All I want to do is have at least 2 mic inputs with phantom power and volume control going into my computer. I have found the Duo by Midiman which gives you this and has a USB connection going to the computer. But there is also the option of buying a small mixing board and having its output connect to the small 1/8" input on the computer. What is considered the optimum quality recording? How are other people connecting their recording hardware to their computer? Thanks for any help.

[Synthetic]

first, there should only be 1/8" input for an apple mic with the only other 1/8" opening being for headphones output... I really don't think you can connect anything other than a powered computer mic into the 1/8" input with good results.

you should really consider the audio interface such as the Duo you mentioned. Mbox would be another good interface with preamps. I would check on the drivers for any device you do choose though to determine if ii will work with OSX. You could also look at the interfaces without mic preamps if you have mixing board with mic preamps.

[Presto]

If you like ProTools LE and don't mind waiting a bit for the OSX version, Mbox is great quality (specially if you want it portable).

Do a search for Mbox on here. (I hope its not all in French)

(Don't know about Duo)

Then you need to look for good mics and monitors $$$

What Mac have you got and what do you want to do with it?

[Myerzman]

What about the audio in the comes with the IMAC? I don't believe that's just for a microphone, but how would THAT compare to a USB/Firewire device.

2nd thought - If you had say, an MBOX, do you plug that direct into USB only?

[aladinsane]

yes, the Mbox is plugged directly into the USB port. have a look at the digidesign website.
http://www.digidesign.com/

about the computer's audio in, well, it's an 1/8" to start with (not much), and if your going to record anything you'll need a preamp. you really can't compare usb/firewire audio to an 1/8".

[garysome1]

Generally, unless these is something lousy with the USB or Firewire device, the USB/Firewire device will sound better as it will likely have higher quality components like A/D and D/A converters and preamps.

However, I have used the 1/8" inputs to my B&W G3 for years and had no problems or concerns with the sound quality. I recently bought a Tascam US-428 because I got it cheap and will admit the sound is better but it is not exposing something that had been crippling my music. It sounds fine either way.

If you are trying to build the best system possible, don't use the 1/8" audio. If you are recording your $175 guitar/DOD FX-50B distortion accompanied by a Korg DDD-5 drum machine then the 1/8" should be fine. (Said as an owner of the FX-50B and past owner of the others!). If you are recording a concert grand then spend a lot of money on interfaces, preamps, and mics.

In the end, I suggest trying the 1/8" I/O and if you aren't happy, spend up.

[kaboombahchuck]

I'm gonna agree with garysome1 on this one.

It all depends on what you are going to be recording, and how much you want to spend.

I'm running a 20 track behringer mixer into the 1/8 sound in on my iMac, and it works like a charm They do make a 2 chanel for about $50. You will be able to do stereo recordings doing it this way. Also the behringers come with 48 volt fantom power built in, so there is no need for any pre amping. Anyway that's about the biggest bang for the buck. If you have the money a firewire/multi audio in would be sweet! I'm jelouse of folks who can blow big bucks on such neet toys.....

[Levon River]

I just want to say briefly that I've recorded on some of the highest-end state-of-the-art recording equipment around in many different locations, and I've also in a pinch strung together adapters that probably should never have even been introduced to each other, plugged them into a Mac mini-plug input, recorded away, mixed down, slapped a label on it, sent it out the door, put me boots up on the desk and smoked with a smile.

If you've got something you can plug into the mini-plug and start recording, then...START RECORDING!

I'd say snobbism accounts for about 80% or better of equipment sales for audio differences that not 1% of the listening audience will ever have a clue about.

It gets down to, "Who are you trying to please?"

Don't let audio-snobbism get in yer road! Record! Have fun! Play! Some of the biggest hits ever recorded were recorded on equipment that wouldn't hold a CANDLE to the audio quality of the Mac sitting on your desk right this very minute with its lowly mini-plug.

When you can afford something better, then buy it, and maybe you'll like the sound a whole lot better, and maybe you won't. So what have you lost by recording with what you've got? Nothing! So go for it NOW!

This unsolicited editorial is entirely free of charge, and cheap at twice the price.



This post has been edited by Levon River: Tue 11 Feb 2003, 10:42