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  • AudioFanzine : Home Studio, Computer Based Music, Guitars, Basses, Live Sound & DJ

Parent Category : 'Audio Interfaces'   External Audio Interfaces User-reviews
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PreSonus Inspire 1394
By chickenjedi on 06/19/2008 at 06:27 Serious about music, want to make it your profession.

Characteristics  
When selecting this device, I was specifically interested in inexpensive devices using FireWire 1394 only, as I'd max-ed out the native USB ports on my iMac, and I did not wish to run through a USB Hub, because I saw nothing but heartache there.
I use this with an Oktava condenser mic and with a few inexpensive vocal mics to record vocals and acoustic instruments with Garage Band and Ableton Live 7
I am using this device with my Intel iMac Dual Core 2.0 GHz, with 1GB of RAM (which I may just upgrade to 2GB)
It has dual 1/4" and XLR, and LR RCA input. While you can use more than one input at a time, my purposes haven't called for it. Also, you can use several different types of output for monitoring, ranging from an 1/8th" headphone jack and a 1/8" line out to or RCA outputs for powered monitors.
Getting Started  
I purchased the Inspire GT Limited Edition model, as it was more aesthetically appealing to me. The Inspire GT driver did not work properly with my Mac, but when I installed the Inspire 1394 drivers, everything quickly fell in to line. I find it compatible with all of my equipment. I've experimented with different mic setups for acoustic guitars, and even run the stereo outputs on my POD XT Live in the 1/4" inputs, and it's given me some creative flexibility.
Configuration was a breeze, and after installing the correct driver I was working in a flash.
The manual was a bit sparse, but PreSonus online support was sufficient.
Utilisation  
The drivers are stable enough for my needs, and hobbyist/entry level users should find the features in the driver easy to work with. I am getting limited latency with Live and GarageBand, though I'm sure if I add ram, this will get better. At the moment, I'm one track at a time, working as a single musician.
Overall Opinion  
I've been using the Inspire GT for a little over a year. After my initial problems with drivers, I found it to be an adequate replacement for my MBOX that I retired because I hadn't kept my Pro Tools LE licenses up to date. I looked at a few other models, but this was the only full-featured 1394 FireWire device at the price point. I feel it was a good value, however, better quality interfaces have invaded that market since my purchase and I may have been better served by a device with a few external controls, i.e. volume and fader, rather than a device with strictly software driven controls.
[ More info : PreSonus ]
M-Audio Jamlab
By Heavyspender on 04/23/2008 at 22:33

Characteristics  
I wanted to start putting together a small personal computer recording studio at home. So I thought this would be the centerpiece or at least the starting point of my system as it is a computer interface for your guitar to go right into the computer. I bought it with the expectation of being able to use the unit and the included software on both my laptop and my desktop computers. I only have an electric 6-string right now, but I can also put an electric bass guitar through it as well, among other things. Simple single input. Also has a output for either headphones or computer speakers/monitors.
Getting Started  
Installing was pretty easy. Just followed the prompts, and the install went well. I don't believe there were compatibility issues at SETUP. The general configuration of this unit is simple and the manual is clear and sufficient.
Utilisation  
The drivers appear to be stable. I don't have any reason yet to think otherwise. I have never had the drivers updated, so I cannot address that. I use the included gt-express software, which provides virtual floor pedals and effects. The software also has a virtual rackmount function which has built in drum loops that you can design, put together and loop while you play the virtual guitar sounds. You can also load mp3's of your favorite songs, or sample drum loops from pro tools that are included, so you can play along. The latency is not completely horrible, but it's bad enough that this unit is not sufficient to fill my recording needs. There is no recording software included with this package. There is a recording feature on one of the rackmounts, but it's only one track at a time, and you can't record the drum loops or accompaniments with it.
Overall Opinion  
I've only had this unit for a couple of weeks. The virtual effects have some pretty cool settings. Unfortunately, that is where the pros stop. As I said, the latency is bad enough that I would not keep this unit and it's going back to Musician's Friend fairly soon. To top it off, the software kills your sustain, so as soon as you pluck a string, the sound starts to cut out to non-existence almost immediately. When you go to record it on your own recording software, the output comes out completely dry, i.e. none of the effects transfer on to your recording software. And even if you don't mind a track being clean, you can't save the track in a format that you can export to anyone else unless they also have a jamlab interface unit ! Then, the feature that I like best about this unit, which is the drum loop capability, can't be recorded onto my recording software either ! I guess I got what I paid for, which was only $30. Because of the nature of the product, I was not able to test drive alternate models. So I bought a line 6 toneport, which I hope turns out better, and this unit is going back to the store.
[ More info : M-Audio ]
PreSonus FireBox
By goodbyebluesky on 03/28/2008 at 15:08 Music is a hobby.

Characteristics  
In this price range, there were only a couple interfaces to choose from and presonus has a good reputation and from reviews I read the Firebox produced less latency due to the high speed firewire connection as opposed to USB.
I used this interface with a homebuilt 1.3ghz PC with a gig of ram, and Cubase LE which was free with the Firebox, and my wharfedale 8.1 monitors. I was mostly using it (and its phantom power) to record acoustic and electric guitar with a large diaphram condensor mic, I rarely went direct through it except for bass which it handled nicely. Having 2 quality XLR inputs right on the front is nice so I'm not groping around back. It would have been nice to have all the inputs on the front, but.... I only use 1 or 2 anyway.
I have to say, this thing is pretty beefy with its metal case and metal knobs. As small and portable as it is (a huge plus for those of us on the go with our gear) it would have been nice to get a dedicated carrying case instead of a foam lined package it comes in.
Getting Started  
The software installed no problem, compatible from the get go which is great because I am NOT a techhead. Cubease LE was a bit of a challenge getting the settings on the Firebox ready to record, but the manual helped.
Utilisation  
Once I got it rolling, I never had a problem with the software. I only got noticeable latency when I was using my Drumkit From Hell which hogs up the ram on my computer, and it was bad. I only recorded one track at a time so I guess I've never really put it through its paces, it can record 4 simultaneously.
Overall Opinion  
What I like most about it is its simplicity, I would think its ideal for an informed beginner like myself. I dig the way its small and sits right up on top of my wharfedale monitors easily within reach.
It was pretty comparable to a few other manufacturer's interfaces, so I feel like I got a good deal. I wish we had affordable technology like this and the FirePod back in my band recording days, decent quality preamps and 24 bit digital converters all in one package.

Knowing what I know now, I might fork out a little extra money for a more dedicated field type recording unit and do without computer software for an even more portable setup, but for PC/Mac I would still use Presonus, either Firebox or Firepod. Most definitely.
[ More info : PreSonus ]
Digidesign Mbox 2 Micro
By moosers on 03/25/2008 at 19:57 Music is your Profession.

Characteristics  
The Mbox 2 Micro is great for anyone who has a laptop and likes to do work on the go. It allows you to run Pro Tools without having the burden of carrying around a big interface. I use it all the time to do edits and mixing on the go with my Macbook Pro (2.2 Ghz, 2 GB Ram).
Getting Started  
I have had no problems at all with installing or setting up my Mbox 2 micro, although I do sometimes have some issues with the Pro Tools software. It was really easy to set up and get going so I didn't need to use the manual at all. All I really had to do was plug it in and run Pro Tools because I already had Pro Tools installed. However, just running the Pro Tools installation disc will run you through the easy steps of installing Pro Tools.
Utilisation  
I've had no latency with the Mbox 2 Micro, but it really depends on what machine you are running it with. There are no inputs, so you must have some sort of other interface, like an Mbox or a Digi 002 or 003 if you wish to track with Pro Tools.
Overall Opinion  
My only problem with this is that there is no way to use my laptop speakers with it, you must use the mini-plug jack built into it. This is the first unit that Digidesign has introduced that can run Pro Tools without a full interface. I would recommend this to anyone who has a laptop and would like the convenience of editing and mixing on the go.
[ More info : Digidesign ]
Digidesign 002 Rack
By moosers on 03/23/2008 at 20:43 Music is your Profession.

Characteristics  
Basically, I bought the 002 rack so that I could run Pro Tools. I use it with Pro Tools 7.4 with a Macbook Pro (2.2 Ghz Processor, 2 Ghz Ram) and use the ADAT feature to send it to a Behringer ADA8000 for more inputs. I used to have a MOTU 896HD and while I liked that more as an interface, I needed to start using Pro Tools.
Getting Started  
It's pretty easy to set up depending on what other things you are using it with. I haven't had any compatibility issues with the interface, although I do have occasional issues with the Pro Tools software. The interface layout really couldn't be easier, plenty of monitoring options. I haven't had a need to ever look at the manual as it was easy enough to figure out.
Utilisation  
Using the 002, I've had no issues with latency, but it depends what kind of machine you are running it with. I have heard it doesn't work as well with a PC, but I have no experience with that. As the 002 only runs with Pro Tools, I have had no option of trying it with another type of software. I can run 16 tracks at once, using the 4 built in preamps, the 4 1/4'' inserts and my ADAT external 8 channel preamp.
Overall Opinion  
I've had this for about a year and a half and there is no going back from it. Although I wish it had more built in pre-amps, it does everything I really need it to do (most of which is to run Pro Tools with). The 002 is a bit pricey but since Pro Tools is the industry standard theres nothing that can really be done to control the price of it. All in all, I'm very happy with my 002 and I would recommend it to anyone looking to do multi-track recording with Pro Tools.
[ More info : Digidesign ]
Tascam US-122
By EyeLWait4U on 03/08/2008 at 10:16

Characteristics  
The TASCAM brand US-122 interface quite simply allows you to use two line level inputs and two line level outputs to record professional sounding audio into your personal computer be it a PC or MAC brand. It's simple to use, easy to install (literally about 20-30 minutes) and it is really affordable. We purchased it on sale for about $185.00 at a local music shop shortly after it was released on the market.
Getting Started  
Here are the facts: Most any computer has a crappy sound card. I don't care if you bought yours for 200.00 or more dollars. It is still crappy and produces good audio for your playback on the computer but not professional for professional audio recording. Now, I know, I know...you don't want to buy anything else. I get that. You've already spent too much money now to create you home studio. I did too. But, imagine a professional CD you produce that sounds great the first time, no pops, no clicks, no hisses and is CLEAN sound.
Utilisation  
Note: This also instantly accepts non-powered microphones and it powers them with built in trinkle power (phantom power) and it also accepts guitar levels instantly. It features headphone and separate volume control and also full MIDI for your audio recording/keyboard and sequencing. It's not cheap plastic but steel. Buy you. You'll be glad you did.
Overall Opinion  
Buy it! You'll be glad you did.
[ More info : Tascam ]