8ch Input Interface Under $400?

[guitarguru777]

I am trying to convince my significant other that the PreSonus is the only way to go on this but she is arguing that its too much money to spend on "something for the computer" and that I just bought a new Bass for recording purposes.

Thoughts opinions?

I have tried explaining the expansion features and quality of the pre's, and still no no go ...lol

She is very tight with cash cause shes trying to get us to save for a 7 day cruise. I need to justify the purchase in a way other then " I want / need" in order for her to give in. (freaking woman ...lol)

I am just wondering if there is something decent out there that's cheaper then $400 that you would go with. I am pretty firm myself on the presonus based on everything I have read here on the forum.

The issue has come up cause I just bought a new bass for recording and now shes bitching that I just want to spend the money we have in the bank ...lol

 

[cloy26]

Well, I wouldn't argue that the quality of the pre's in presonus gear is worth the extra money... 'cause they aren't. lol.

What interface are you using right now? If it has ADAT in/out, you can score a behringer ada800 and add that to run 8 additional mics. I'm not 100% sure, maybe someone can help me out. Also, I found my fp10s for 250 a piece used... You may want to look that route.

 

[guitarguru777]

Right now I am using an MBox but I really want 8ch minimum to be doing some live drums in the home studio. What I have been doing is renting time at a local studio when having to do live drums and its starting to get silly having to do this. I looked for used FirePods and other interfaces and havent found anything really worth while at least I dont think.

 

[dmmi]

Try this:
http://www.rolandus.com/products/productdetails.php?ProductId=860&tab=support

You can argue that it's a mixer too...then I believe you can software route your mbox to have a total of 6 pres. Plus any outboards you have.....the ART tube pres are pretty cheap too

 

[cloy26]

Assuming you are using PT? You obviously won't get 8 channels in PT for under 400. haha

 

[guitarguru777]

Was Using LE and just moved to Reaper I prefer the way it works actually. I know im weird ...lol

 

[alan1990]

focusrite pro 40 goes on ebay all day in bstock condition but with full warranty for 359$

 

[XnaySaturo]

I can only think of the Tascam US-1461 (under 300, especially if you get it used) and the M-Audio Fast Track Ultra 8R as the cheapest ones with 8 inputs. I can't really vouch for quality other than I have the 4input version of the Fast Track and I like it so far.

 

[guitarguru777]

Thanks for the input guys!

And here I thought I was just gonna get the good ol "USE THE SEARCH FEATURE" reply ...lol

 

[dmmi]

The Edirol M-16DX is $273.98 CAD from here:
http://www.axemusic.com/product.asp?P_ID=17618&strPageHistory=search&strKeywords=edirol&numPageStartPosition=1&strSearchCriteria=any&PT_ID=all

As compared to $829.95 CAD here:
http://www.vistek.ca/store/ProVideoAudioMixersSoftware/229717/edirol-m16dx-16ch-digital-mixer.aspx

So I picked this up from the first link obviously.....and can't be happier. It even has room correction with a built in room correction mic that actually works. My mixes are translating better in my truck.....home theater stereo etc.

I have an M-Audio fast track ultra (not the 8R) which I now use as a midi interface and software route the mic pres to the outputs as line level, then into the M-16DX....so that gives me 8 mic pres for recording drums (7 for drums) 1 extra pre for vox, I use an external ART tube pre for additional vox mic....then have guitar input from my processor stereo, stereo input from Roland TD-3, Bass DI, and stereo from midi guitar interface......all with no patch bay, just pick up your poisen and hit record.

ASIO round trip latency at 10ms...no hiccups, pops, or timing issues. Then when ready to mix....turn on the "control surface button" and all the mixer control are mapped to your DAW.

I feel like I stole it for $275 approx (CAD)

 

[Matthias King]

Right now I am using an MBox but I really want 8ch minimum to be doing some live drums in the home studio. What I have been doing is renting time at a local studio when having to do live drums and its starting to get silly having to do this. I looked for used FirePods and other interfaces and havent found anything really worth while at least I dont think.

If you ask me, there's your angle right there. With one puchase, you'll no longer need to spend money on studio time somewhere else. One purchase will save you a lot of time and money in the future, in studio fees and gas and etc...

Maybe she'll go for that? Best of all, it's actually true.

 

[sprack]

Used Digi002R. See them in the $400 range all the time.

 

[Seth Munson]

I see M-audio fast track ultra 8Rs going for 400 on ebay all the time.

 

[Auroras]

ART tubefire, Used motu 896mk I-III Ones i liked the art is fairly good peopleunderestimate it

 

[Charlie E.]

Do you already have preamps? I have an extra m-audio 1010 I'm not using I'd sell for $100 + packaging and shipping. 10 ins 10 outs, midi in/out and works with pro tools m powered.

 

[mburton21]

Spend the extra money and go with something that doesn't suck and will last.

IE Profire 2626. I couldn't be happier hehe.