recomended inteface < 500$?

stonee · Post by **stonee** » Fri Dec 14, 2007 8:27 pm

well, since ableton or tascam don't really seem to be working out the compatibility issue between them, it looks like I'm going to have to return my us 1641 before my return runs out

my set up is macbook running ableton, guitar, microphone, a synth, and LTO mixer.

so basically I need:
direct monitoring
at least 6 ins (microphone, guitar, synth/mixer)
ability to cue to headphones
good quality recording.

I have heard to stay away from M-audio and the NI kontrol.
suggestions?

stonee · Post by **stonee** » Fri Dec 14, 2007 10:11 pm

i have 3 days to decide!

RandomBeat · Post by **RandomBeat** » Fri Dec 14, 2007 10:29 pm

if you do some haggling, you may be able to find a motu ultralite under 500, has done well by me for several months now, under vista.

10 ins, 10 outs, spdif, midi in out, phantom power, pads, sounds great.

t1mp · Post by **t1mp** » Fri Dec 14, 2007 10:39 pm

firestudio project

the Fearsome Fearful · Post by **the Fearsome Fearful** » Sat Dec 15, 2007 6:44 am

I got a Presonus Firepod back when they were $600 and love it, now you can find it for $400, I'd buy another (and chain them) if I had the $$$. I think there was a thread questioning the headphone cuing recently, FYI.

ARDJ · Post by **ARDJ** » Sat Dec 15, 2007 7:21 am

motu ultralite

Machinesworking · Post by **Machinesworking** » Sat Dec 15, 2007 8:16 am

Original MOTU 828 with a Blacklion mod later is what I would do.
The 828 will cost you nothing. For some reason people are stupid about new things, this interface has 8X ADAT, SPDIF two OK pre amps/ line ins, and six more line ins. So a total of 18 in and 18 out.
I see these things selling for $150 and under which is just stupid. I've had mine for 6 years with no problems. For probably less than $500 you would have a firewire audio interface with sound as good as RME or Metric Halo. better than any new interface you could buy for that price. I've heard nothing but raves about the mod.

Here's a quick ebay search for the 828

Black Lion Audio Mod

leedsquietman · Post by **leedsquietman** » Sat Dec 15, 2007 9:18 am

I would happily take a MOTU 828 (original) at 150 dollars.

I have seen TWO of them go in excess of 300 dollars on ebay recently, just plain crazy, one of them went for 375 (was in pristine condition according to the blurb), the other one went for 300 even and it was smashed up.

Plain crazyness to pay that sort of money for trashed 2nd hand old gear.

Noel · Post by **Noel** » Sat Dec 15, 2007 10:51 am

I think people can sometimes get into a bidding frenzy on ebay. I saw a Presonus Firepod sell for £250 + shipping. Good condition but no guarantee. I got a brand new one form DV247 for £269 including shipping.

stonee · Post by **stonee** » Sat Dec 15, 2007 4:49 pm

thanks guys!

any opinions on the emu stuff?

leedsquietman · Post by **leedsquietman** » Sat Dec 15, 2007 5:33 pm

the 1616m is great if you have a pcmcia interface (the old cardbus).

man ovaboardz · Post by **man ovaboardz** » Sat Dec 15, 2007 5:54 pm

my partner has an 828...he loves the damn thing....he wants to get an ultralite for his laptop setup...im about to dump my mackie mixer and get an interface instead as well...

e.maynard · Post by **e.maynard** » Sun Dec 16, 2007 3:40 am

Best bang for buck..... Echo Audio - Audiofire

Atomikat · Post by **Atomikat** » Sun Dec 16, 2007 3:50 am

On ebay you can find a RME Multiface (original) including the cardbuss for only $ 360-400 dollars...you'll be happy with it.