bobsbarricades Posted September 1, 2012 Share Posted September 1, 2012 from what I read it's a programmed +20db for line in on the presonus; I can't find out on their forums but lots of user reviews around the web talk about it. I have, but it's at that 250$ mark. If he was able to do that he would be able to move into much wider options =/ On focusrite - I lOVE...ed my Saffire LE. It does sound great and only has S/N issues when the dials is around 3-4 o'clock. My problem is that of the 2 pre-amps...one died. I contacted support as it was only about 2-3 years after purchase but they weren't any help. THEY told me it's more expensive to fix which is nuts because I didn't misuse it...it just...died. also I edited my previous post - am reeditting =/ "On this topic, I've been thinking about recommending to my friend the Blue Microhpnes Icicle. It would give him an XLR with a good pre-amp for about 50$ My only question is if he were to get an xlr-to-1/4" adapter if that would then work for him to plug in his guitar. I realize this is using different impedences (which if anybody wants to take the time to explain to me I would GREATLY appreciate it) but I think so long as it doesn't damage the Icicle... it's cheap and works ^_^ People said you can't plug your guitar into your mic-in on a mac but I've seen youtube videos with people doing. Also - on power. My friend's usiing my old G4 iBook. It only has one USB port that works. I'm giving him my m-audio MIDI-to-USB adaptor which will take up his USB slot. I was thinking if I gave him my old USB mac keyboard that has two USB slots he could then plug in a mouse + Midi adaptor to keyboard and keyboard to computer. Then he could just switch out the Icicle/MIDI as needed." Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David Nahmani Posted September 1, 2012 Share Posted September 1, 2012 from what I read it's a programmed +20db for line in on the presonus; I can't find out on their forums but lots of user reviews around the web talk about it. The MAXIMUM input level on the Firebox is +20dBu. There's no programmed +20dB gain (that wouldn't make any sense). Anyway you're not using a line in when recording a guitar, so that should be irrelevant for your situation. PS: I see the Firebox was discontinued, so you should consider the Presonus AudioBox. Instrument Inputs Gain Control Range -30 dB to +50 dB Microphone Inputs Gain Control Range -15 dB to +65 dB Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eric Cardenas Posted September 1, 2012 Share Posted September 1, 2012 @bobsbarricades Which interface are you looking at? I can not find a Firebox USB. Du you mean AudioBox™USB? The AudioBox does not have Line In. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David Nahmani Posted September 1, 2012 Share Posted September 1, 2012 I can not find a Firebox USB. Good point. The "Fire" in Firebox stands for Firewire - so no USB there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bobsbarricades Posted September 1, 2012 Share Posted September 1, 2012 I'm looking at a bunch for my friend. Mainly Blue Icicle (if it can take guitar using an xlr->1/4" adapter) and the Presonus Audiobox USB. I'm confused that you say it doesn't have line in because it has neutric connectors that are XLR+1/4". Instrument=line yea? Maybe it's just my thinking because of my Saffire which has it's 1/4" connection as "Line" and the XLR as "Instr" - I always hated that labeling, but the audiobox does allow me to plug my guitar into it...right? Why do I read all these people online talking about the presonus AudioBox USB not being good for plugging a guitar directly in? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David Nahmani Posted September 1, 2012 Share Posted September 1, 2012 Instrument=line yea? No, completely different inputs. Different levels, different impedances. A connector is just that, a piece of metal to connect cables. It doesn't mean anything about the type of signal that input is capable of handling. Why do I read all these people online talking about the presonus AudioBox USB not being good for plugging a guitar directly in? What people? Where have you read that? Links? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bobsbarricades Posted September 2, 2012 Share Posted September 2, 2012 This guy - http://www.amazon.com/review/RNYO8TV2YS1SO/ref=cm_cr_pr_viewpnt#RNYO8TV2YS1SO who copy and pasted this review on a ton of sites, but then this guy talks about it too http://www.amazon.com/PreSonus-AudioBox-USB-Recording-Interface/product-reviews/B00154KSA2/ref=cm_cr_pr_hist_4?ie=UTF8&filterBy=addFourStar&showViewpoints=0 though I can't find anything about it on the forums =/ Can you explain what the difference is in line vs instrument? Again, my focusrite has "Instr" for the XLR and "Line" for the 1/4" - It is my understanding that in the audio domain "line level" is referred to as the signal coming straight from a guitar or a microphone that has to go to a pre-amp to get boosted for leveling. An mp3 player/cell phone/tape deck has a small amplifier built in before it goes to the headphones or "out." For guitar amp's that have line out isn't the signal then taken back down to "line level" so that the pre-amps of the interface it's jacked into don't explode? Anyway now I'm totally confused about line and instrument on these interfaces and curious what the heck I have to look for in the future when buying one so I can just plug my guitar into it and not have to deal with what those guys on amazon talk about. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redlogic Posted September 2, 2012 Share Posted September 2, 2012 The AudioBox USB has 2 combo XLR/¼” mic/instrument inputs. This will work fine for mics or direct guitar. It has no line level inputs. If your friend is serious, he should save up for something better. For $150, the AudioBox can only be so good. Your homework: Google "line level vs instrument level" Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bobsbarricades Posted September 2, 2012 Share Posted September 2, 2012 ok, so I read this: http://www.thegearpage.net/board/showthread.php?t=632772 then this: http://www.ovnilab.com/articles/linelevel.shtml end result: education. And an embarrassment I haven't felt in a long time. And this is the internet. jeez. =,( So turns out I knew the button on my SaffireLE that turned it from "Line" to "Instr" had to do with the gain settings - but I thought it was for mic's XLR(that I already knew were much quieter than anything coming from and instrument like gtr or bass) versus the 1/4" inputs. I've always switched them from "Line" to "Instr" since "Instr" was a higher gain setting. Man...my guitar sounds a lot better now.... [edit] - gucamole these pickups are loud as anything 0.o I hear EVERYTHING. And I'm terrible =,( I'm all for learning something new but I bought this guy in '08? ... What am I doing with my life. Anyway - thanks. back to what my friend needs. He WOULD like to be more serious like us all, but he doesn't even have money for a laptop, he's using my old G4 iBook. So cheap is key. I'd give him mine if I had the money for a new unit but a new unit comes behind studio monitors+roomEQ material...and I'm broker than him =3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Macavity224 Posted September 2, 2012 Author Share Posted September 2, 2012 just got a focusrite... balls Hey, maybe it will work just great for you. I don't recommend them, not because I've had bad experiences with them, but rather because there are a few brands I've trusted for years, who have been doing that stuff for years, way before Focusrite decided to get into the audio interface market. Hmm...I was actually leaning towards a Focusrite to be honest with you, but I'm beginning to change my mind based on what you're saying. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Macavity224 Posted September 2, 2012 Author Share Posted September 2, 2012 I would scrap Tascam, AKAI and Mackie from your potential choices. All sorts of issues (some I've seen first hand like Tascam and Mackie, as for the AKAI... getting a 16 bit interface today is the equivalent of getting a computer with a floppy disk drive today). Focus less on the features, more on the reliability is what I'd recommend. Tried and true reliable interfaces include Presonus, MOTU, RME and Metric Halo. You want to spend time making music, not troubleshooting your system. That was my 4 cents (since I see I already made the same kind of recommendations earlier in this thread). Alright, so I've got two potentials based on your preferred brands: - Presonus Firestudio mobile 10x6: http://www.musiciansfriend.com/pro-audio/presonus-firestudio-mobile-10x6-firewire-recording-system OR - MOTU Audio express 6x6 http://www.musiciansfriend.com/pro-audio/motu-audio-express-6-x-6-firewire-usb-2.0-audio-interface The Presonus has 8 outputs and they both have Firewire which is what I was looking for (should have specified earlier. My limit is probably $400, if I were to get the MOTU. Any ideas as to which one I should choose? RME and Metric Halo are out of my price range Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David Nahmani Posted September 2, 2012 Share Posted September 2, 2012 Both of those choices look pretty even - I would compare the features and buy the one that gives you what you need, and if they both do, then pick one or the other. I wouldn't have a preference either way, both are good products. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
triplets Posted September 2, 2012 Share Posted September 2, 2012 Presonus is a little cheaper than Motu. But you can get a first generation Motu Ultralite for 300 bucks or less on ebay. I have one of those and they have 2 firewire ports for daisy-chaining. The new generation has one firewire and one USB. Daisy-chaining only if the Ultralite is the last one in the chain. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eric Cardenas Posted September 2, 2012 Share Posted September 2, 2012 You wanted more outputs if I recall correctly? The Presonus only has 1 pair of outputs wile the MOTU has 2 analog pairs + 1 digital. You also get a MIDI interface with the MOTU. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Macavity224 Posted September 3, 2012 Author Share Posted September 3, 2012 You wanted more outputs if I recall correctly?The Presonus only has 1 pair of outputs wile the MOTU has 2 analog pairs + 1 digital. You also get a MIDI interface with the MOTU. Yes, the outputs were my main concern...I thought the Presonus had an additional six outputs, not inputs...woops. I think I pretty much have my mind made up on the MOTU. Thanks for everyone's input! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
triplets Posted September 3, 2012 Share Posted September 3, 2012 Did you read this? But you can get a first generation Motu Ultralite for 300 bucks or less on ebay. I have one of those and they have 2 firewire ports for daisy-chaining. The new generation has one firewire and one USB. Daisy-chaining only if the Ultralite is the last one in the chain. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eric Cardenas Posted September 3, 2012 Share Posted September 3, 2012 Thanks for everyone's input! You're welcome. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Macavity224 Posted September 3, 2012 Author Share Posted September 3, 2012 Two more quick questions, even though I've already made up my mind: 1.) The presonus has 10 total inputs...what would someone hypothetically need that many inputs for? Obviously it makes sense to have multiple inputs for mics, if you're recording drums or a whole band, but I don't understand the advantages of having that many Line in slots. 2.) How is it a good idea to put the XLR inputs on the FRONT of an interface? Random, inconsequential, and not that significant in the grand scheme of the world of audio engineering, but I'm just wondering why some interfaces are like that. Seems infinitely inconvenient. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
triplets Posted September 3, 2012 Share Posted September 3, 2012 Additional line ins is cool when you want to use other mic pres and not have it go thru the mic pre of the interface. People that record with better mic pres than the interface like to do that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David Nahmani Posted September 3, 2012 Share Posted September 3, 2012 1.) The presonus has 10 total inputs...what would someone hypothetically need that many inputs for? Obviously it makes sense to have multiple inputs for mics, if you're recording drums or a whole band, but I don't understand the advantages of having that many Line in slots. You could for example use external mic preamps: those have a line output, that you then connect to a line input on your audio interface. {edit: I see triplet already addressed that} 2.) How is it a good idea to put the XLR inputs on the FRONT of an interface? You find it easier to crawl around the piece of furniture, grab a flashlight and extend your arm all the way inside the back of the rack hoping to plug the cable in the right XLR input, then not be able to read whether it's input 5 or input 6? Or have it in the front where you can access it from your seat, clearly read the label and have the corresponding gain knob right next to it? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Macavity224 Posted September 3, 2012 Author Share Posted September 3, 2012 You find it easier to crawl around the piece of furniture, grab a flashlight and extend your arm all the way inside the back of the rack hoping to plug the cable in the right XLR input, then not be able to read whether it's input 5 or input 6? Or have it in the front where you can access it from your seat, clearly read the label and have the corresponding gain knob right next to it? Haha, touche. I guess I just didn't consider that too much of an issue with an interface that small. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rainstick Posted September 6, 2012 Share Posted September 6, 2012 im going to be returning my focusrite i think.... if thats relevant to this thread or not. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Macavity224 Posted September 6, 2012 Author Share Posted September 6, 2012 im going to be returning my focusrite i think.... if thats relevant to this thread or not. Why's that? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bobsbarricades Posted September 6, 2012 Share Posted September 6, 2012 Indeed. Why rainstick? are there any things that would take a line level down to instrument level besides expensive DI boxes? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rainstick Posted September 6, 2012 Share Posted September 6, 2012 Well - i brought the focusrite to replace my maudio firewire 410 because i was having issues with the 410 and my new external firewire wire hard drive. The audio would cut out when i had the HD and the interface plugged in. But the focusrite doesn't feel great - there's no on / off switch, and the softwares made the system crash a few times. Also i've found a work around with my maudio (turn it on after the system has booted) so theres not much point me having the focusrite anymore, especially if it seems a bit iffy.... I haven't really run any tests on it, so i can't tell you any audio values and stuff... also my systems probably a bit older than some of your's, so maybe that's a factor... But my impression wasn't that great. sorry i can't be more specific for you! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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