zepsun Posted March 31, 2009 Share Posted March 31, 2009 I'm starting to feel like my system is lacking a preamp. My vocals sound blah and my guitars are a little noisy (especially amp sims) I'm using a macbook. So my only options for audio input are Firewire, USB or the built-in input. I'm being conservative with my money right now so is there something worth getting in the $100-$200 range? I have these already, but I don't think they work very well for my system: 1. Behringer Mini Mic - http://www.studica.com/products/product_detail.cfm?productid=51304 2. I also have this: http://www.zzounds.com/item--BEHDI100 I want something that incorporates Mic and instrument inputs and firewire or USB connection. I have only one firewire port on the macbook which is used for my external hardrive Logic projects. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
burley Posted March 31, 2009 Share Posted March 31, 2009 It's not exactly your price range but take a look at these units: http://www.zzounds.com/item--PRSFIREBOX or http://www.zzounds.com/item--APODUET I guess you're not gonna find much firewire interfaces for under 200$. The Apogee Duet is a real great unit. I'd suggest you save up another 200 if possible and go for it. You won't regret it. Cheers Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
triplets Posted March 31, 2009 Share Posted March 31, 2009 Get the Presonus Firebox. It has 2 Firewire ports in the back so you can daisy-chain your external HD. It has MIDI too. The Apogee doesn't have Midi and only one FW port in the back. It's a better interface but costs 500 bucks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
deltonfoster Posted March 31, 2009 Share Posted March 31, 2009 Hi, you could also try the Echo AudioFire4, I think they go for around $280.00 or so. I have used one a couple of times, I was very impressed with the sound quality, price and features. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
timjam74 Posted March 31, 2009 Share Posted March 31, 2009 i have had no complaints with the tascam us-1641, until now when i upgraded. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ploki Posted March 31, 2009 Share Posted March 31, 2009 have you thought you need a better mike too? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zepsun Posted March 31, 2009 Author Share Posted March 31, 2009 have you thought you need a better mike too? Not really. I have a shure 57 and a 58. I think they're adequate enough, for now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
triplets Posted March 31, 2009 Share Posted March 31, 2009 If you have some money to spare, look into condenser microphones for vocals. Definitely better than a 58. Tight budget? Try MXL mics. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David Nahmani Posted March 31, 2009 Share Posted March 31, 2009 I'm being conservative with my money right now so is there something worth getting in the $100-$200 range? No. Keep your money.. until you've saved a little more. Any of the suggestions in this thread won't take you a step up from what you already have. At this point a different mic as suggested by triplets would make more of a difference in sound, but still you shouldn't get noisy recordings with what you have now. I would spend some time making what you have work, and only spend more money when you can buy something that will truly make a difference. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zepsun Posted March 31, 2009 Author Share Posted March 31, 2009 Thanks for the advice people. What about this: http://ixbtlabs.com/articles2/proaudio/emu-0404-usb.html What exactly am I looking for when it comes to a preamp? What is essential? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
triplets Posted March 31, 2009 Share Posted March 31, 2009 E-mu used to be PC only. I don't know how good their drivers are. Drivers is one thing that can drive you crazy if they are mediocre. M-Audio and Digidesign are famous for crappy drivers. Presonus and Motu have good drivers and good mic pres. Price is always a very attractive factor but remember: You get what you pay for. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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