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.

[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