buy a synth with usb.

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Originally posted by cryophonik BTW, Geoff, I know that you do some live recording - do you need/want something with built-in preamps for recording live with microphones, or just line inputs for synths? If you already have your own standalone preamp(s) or channel strip(s), you'll need to factor those into your input equation.

I was looking at something with useable pre-amps to start with. I've heard good things about the Saffire 40 and much better things about the MR816 at that sort of pricepoint.

They'll be used for vocal and synthwork and maybe some acoustic percussion in the near future but i'm in the middle of speccing a major studio revamp so I have to prioritise in a few different areas.

I think go for the MR816 as the preamps and AD/DA are universally glowing at anywhere near the pricepoint, and then look at quality pre-amps later this year. Something like the FMR RNP couple with the MR816 should give me a pretty decent and budget concious setup.

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Originally posted by 19503 buy a synth with usb.

Been there, done that and then sold the Virus.

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wait for something better. i tell u. midi is a bitch. (imo).

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Originally posted by tehlord I was looking at something with useable pre-amps to start with. I've heard good things about the Saffire 40 and much better things about the MR816 at that sort of pricepoint.

In that price range, I'd definitely give the MOTU 828mkIII or 896mkIII a lot of consideration - it's got a much longer track record, excellent pres and converters, onboard DSP effects, etc.

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Sonar Platinum | Ableton Live 9 | Logic Pro X | Access Virus TI2 Keyboard | Kurzweil PC3X | Nord Lead 4R | NI Maschine

Personally, I'd go for a Motu or a Echo Audiofire at that price range.

I haven't used that exact model but all the Steinberg interfaces I've used in the past have just been ball ache and crap quality. Remember they don't manufacture the stuff themselves - it's all (at least the older hardware) was outsourced.

The motu's and are damn solid and second hand can be a good bet as they're pretty abundant and last well. Don't get any of the MK1 stuff as it's just too outdated and not up to par these days in terms of sonic quality. Get the 828 mkIII if you can - quite flexible and very decent (not amazing) conversion. You could go down the route of the ad8000 (which actually don't sound that bad at all) for extra track count.

The echo audiofires punch way above their price braket in terms of quality and are solid as hell. If i were buying new, I'd buy these at that price range but they don't come up often second hand so you'll probably be more likely to find a motu 828 cheap. I'd take the pre's on the Echo over the motu (just) but they're both still usable.

I've always liked the look of the 828mk3 and it is in my budget.

I'd agree about the Steinberg hardware except maybe in this instance as I have had some very high recommendations for it from some astounding gear snobs. Apparently the pre's etc are from some very high end Yamaha stuff.

Tough choice tbh, the MR816 gets good praise all over the Slutz too.

At least I seem to have narrowed it down to 2..........


And no bloody mixing desk thank gawd

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I've just bought an 828 mk2 off Ebay.

I've decided that the quality will be plenty good enough until I get hold of a decent pre-amp, and i'm spending the saving on a better mic and monitors anyway.

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