|
Has anyone tried the FireStudio? I use a FireBox and haven't had any real problems with it other than the preamps being relatively weak. The Studio looks like the same thing with allegedly better preamps and trading some of the outs for ins, which would be fine with me since my main issue is I need more inputs. Plus it sounds like I could daisy chain them an still get some use out of the firebox. The Firestudio Project looks like it might last me longer in terms of my growing needs though. 
|
| # ¿ Mar 17, 2010 07:02 |
|
|
|
| # ¿ May 21, 2013 15:32 |
|
|
Has anyone tried using the Zoom H4n as an interface, and if so how is it? The standalone recording ability makes it really attractive to me and I could always keep using my Firebox for midi. Everything else about the H4n looks like it works exactly as it should, so if the preamps and phantom power are even half decent I'll probably pull the trigger on one soon. The bundles currently being offered on ebay look really reasonably priced and the seller seems legit. Just that niggling question of whether it would be usable as an interface for recording/editing or if the USB connection would be too slow.
|
| # ¿ Jun 30, 2010 04:28 |
|
|
I've been reading a Gearsltz thread about the Firestudio Mobile and it sounds like a pretty good deal. The audio quality seems to be better and the only people with really bad problems are using Windows systems. Except yours, which is a little scary sounding. I've been looking at Echo Audio too now and my main complaint is that I don't like how they're configured physically- I like that all the mic inputs on the Firestudio are on the front. Also am I wrong or does the Firestudio Mobile hive the highest dynamic range (118db) of any of the models? In any case, mobile recording is becoming more of a priority for me so I'll probably spend the big money on an H4n and maybe grab (or build???) a cheap-ish mic preamp to compensate for the weak ones on the Firebox. Then down the line I can look for something with more inputs to use at home. Basically I want to have lots of inputs and nice preamps for home recording, but I also need a mobile recording setup that I can fit into my backpack. Edit: I should have mentioned that the gearslutz thread is actually pretty terrible, I'm just slogging through some of it to see if there are any recurring terribly issues with the Firestudio Mobile. tl;dr version is that there aren't. Ferrous Wheel fucked around with this message at Jul 9, 2010 around 21:16 |
| # ¿ Jul 9, 2010 21:00 |
|
|
RivensBitch posted:Two brand new amazing additions for the entry level market: You're just trying to make me go broke aren't you? <  >
|
| # ¿ Jul 15, 2010 19:32 |
|
|
I'm at the point where it's basically a toss up between the TC Impact Twin and the Focusrite Saffire 24 DSP. They cost the same, I/O capabilities are similar (TC has more ins which I like), and people seem to love the mic preamps in both. Both of them even come with some processing goodies- Focusrite has "virtual monitoring" and TC has nice reverbs and compression. The Impact Twin looks a little more robust to me with the rubberized covering, but that may be purely cosmetic. Also if the Focusrite is tougher internally it may fare better. The big question for me comes from running either of these on bus power from a 13" Macbook pro. I know people have had problems running firewire interfaces purely on bus power from those. It sounds like the Focusrite has no issue with this, I can't find any word on the TC. I'm replacing a Presonus Firebox so I expect either option to be a big improvement. It's mostly a matter of what I trust more to stand up to kicking around in my backpack or suitcase all the time. I mean I try to pack nicely and everything but over time this activity appears to take its toll.
|
| # ¿ Aug 4, 2010 17:49 |
|
|
Of the three you posted I'd recommend the Focusrite because it has probably the nicest preamps. However, for an extra $25 you can get the metalest-loking interface around: http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/ImpactTwin For the additional cash you get slightly better I/O options than the Saffire, some onboard effects that are actually useful (nice reverbs and compression) and controllable from a special knob on the interface with an evil looking glowing red ring. You also get an H.R. Geiger inspired carapace which also serves to protect the fragile inside bits. I like the preamps a lot, YMMV though. I shopped very extensively (I'm not metal though) and this was what I decided on. The only potential drawback is that it's loving huge compared to my old Firebox. Like twice the size. But big things are metal, right? Oh, also the drivers are nice and stable and it even comes with an adapter in case your laptop only has Firewire 800 out. In all seriousness though, if size is not an issue (hurr) I think the Impact Twin is well worth the extra $25. The other main contender was the Saffire Pro 24 DSP, and if the extra effects don't matter then I think the non-DSP version is probably a very good value; people rave about the preamps on both. I have to say though, after thinking I'd never use the onboard effects I find myself reaching for the compression knob surprisingly often. Edit: Yeah, I didn't mean to knock the Firestudio at all. My firebox served me very well for a good long time. I went for the Impact Twin because it has more I/O options and some nice extra features. Plus the protective shell. But for a basic portable interface the Firestudio looks amazing, and at a very attractive price point. I'm actually considering getting one to use as my portable interface for that reason. Just need to find out if they really got the phantom power taken care of because my (admittedly cheap) condensers sound like different mics now that they're running through the TC preamps. Ferrous Wheel fucked around with this message at Sep 13, 2010 around 23:16 |
| # ¿ Sep 13, 2010 16:57 |
|
|
Some people prefer one or the other but they're pretty close. The Saffire has a recognizable sound that a lot of people specifically like. The Impact Twin has a relatively uncolored response that suits me fine- a few scattered reviewers prefer it to the Saffire. I've found the Impact Twin control software to be really useful for controlling routing and settings as well, though I assume the Focusrite comes with something similar. Focusrite has a longer history in the preamp world though so the majority know and like their sound. It sounds like you're leaning toward the Focusrite anyway and really the two are near identical in terms of features and, as far as I know, quality as well. I bet the Saffire Pro suits you fine.
|
| # ¿ Sep 14, 2010 07:24 |
|
|
I use Reaper with a TC Impact Twin. No issues from version 3 until now. The user forums are very well populated. If there's any particular interface that has recurring issues in Reaper, you can find out about it there. My general sense is that people are using a lot of machines and interfaces in various combinations and very few of them have recurring bugs.
|
| # ¿ Dec 3, 2011 01:44 |
|
|
|
| # ¿ May 21, 2013 15:32 |
|
|
havelock posted:How about the AudioBox 22VSL? <snip> My school uses an AudioBox for the iso booth and it gets the job done, though that's running only one mic input. Not sure how it will behave with your particular Windows machine though; definitely do a lot of research about your exact setup first. The best mic depends heavily on what exactly you want to record. The SM58 is the typical choice for speech and singing, 57s are used on various instruments (largely drums), and condensers or other kinds of dynamics are preferred for lots of other applications. Either a 57 or 58 should probably be a fine first mic though. If you're on a super tight budget, you could look at the GLS Audio line. Cosmetically, they're cheap Shure knockoffs. Sonically they're a little different, but not bad as long as you're not expecting the Shure sound. Perfectly usable. I have one of each and like them fine, lots of ML goons have tried them. There's even a few direct A/B comparisons online if you look around. I wouldn't worry too much about mixing through headphones. I do it a lot when I can't access the studio at my school and while the results aren't ideal, once you know your setup you can get serviceable results.* Real monitors will raise the ceiling on how good you can get, but you can get pretty far without them initially. Just develop good listening habits; keep your levels consistent and so on. I'm using Sennheiser HD-280s which I highly recommend. They're pretty flat, pretty loud, and extremely durable. They also have good isolation, which may or may not be important to you. *This does depend on your goals. Will it be radio ready? Probably not. Good enough for your friends to listen to on their earbuds, or to go through a lovely PA at a dance recital? You bet.
|
| # ¿ Sep 20, 2012 15:00 |
|
