A friend needs an interface

[kylendm]

Basically as the title says, my friend needs an interface because his died.

He wants to record drums so having more inputs is necessary. His old interface was a Tascam US-1800 but he has a bigger budget now. He said max his budget is $600 but anything cheaper would be great and he is unsure about the Saffire Pro40 because he doesn't want to buy a firewire card. (I know..)

I have the Pro 24 and told him how great it is but he won't budge from USB. So if anyone can help me out I'd appreciate it.

 

[MatrixClaw]

Steinberg UR824 has a $200 rebate right now, which puts it at $600.

 

[The StabbinCabin]

Ew how do you have $600 for an interface but you can't drop $50 on a firewire card......

 

[kylendm]

^Yeah, I know..

And yeah the Steinberg seems interesting but I don't think they have the $800 to put down. Its gotta be under $600.

 

[superfreak]

There are A LOT of options in that price range and your friend's USB requirement. Here are just a few...

M-Audio Fast Track Ultra 8R
http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/FastTrackU8R/

Focusrite Scarlett 18i20
http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/Scarlett18i20/

Roland Octa-Capture
http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/OctaCapture/

Mackie ProFX22
http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/ProFX22/

Take your pick.

 

[kylendm]

I keep hearing issues about the Scarlett with clipping but the fast track 8 looks interesting too. Thanks man.

 

[deLuther]

I keep hearing issues about the Scarlett with clipping but the fast track 8 looks interesting too. Thanks man.

Actually input level of 18i20 comparable to Pro24, specification mentions +8 dbu for both interfaces without Pad, but 18i20 has Pad button (additional -10 db), while Pro24 does not have it, i.e. 18i20 comparable to Pro40 in terms of input levels.

 

[MotherEel]

And if you were to get a firewire card, what would be the recommendation?

 

[MatrixClaw]

I've only ever heard of clipping issues on the low end Scarlett 2i2.

 

[deLuther]

I've only ever heard of clipping issues on the low end Scarlett 2i2.

Not only 2i2, some gyus reported issues with level on Pro 14 or 24, +8 dbu not much, EMGs have greater peak level, blackouts have even greater output and also many passive humbuckers.

 

[bryan_kilco]

And if you were to get a firewire card, what would be the recommendation?

the M-Audio Profire 2626 is around that, used.

 

[deLuther]

the M-Audio Profire 2626 is around that, used.

Excellent choice, good preamps with large levels (+13.7 dbV/+15.9 dbu without PAD, Pad -20, much better that Focusrite stuff), good converters, similar class to Focusrite, but from AKM.
TI FW controller mandatory, with other FW controllers can be problems (dropouts).

 

[MotherEel]

Thank you both chaps.

 

[cfh11]

i have the steinberg and highly recommend it if you want to stick with usb