New Guy Question

[TStrat]

Wow, this place has a wealth of knowledge from what I've seen so far.
Here's my issue: For the last couple of years I've been using an M-Audio Black Box as my computer interface.
It's a nice tool and fun to use but, it won't let you mic an amp and record without using one if the amp sims in the unit. At least not that I know of.

At this time I have honed my playing and would like to begin using a better source for my recording.

I can get a used Digidesign Mbox2 Mini with Pro Tools for a great price.
Now, I know that PT won't work with Windows Vista 64 Bit.
Which is my OS. (I will be changing to 7 after all software I have has been updated.)
I am at this time using Ableton Live Lite 6.

One of my questions is: Can I use the Mbox2 Mini without using the Pro Tools software and just continue with using Abelton?

Another thing I have been looking at is a stand alone recording unit, i.e. Boss BR 900 or better.
I would like something that can burn it's own CDs' if I go this route.
Only problem is the high learning curve, and I'm already familiar with Abelton.
So, I guess I'm looking for a computer interface, that records well with a mic or two.

I know this is asking for a lot of information, but I don't know of a better place to ask.

Thanks for any help/advice.

[String7th]

I'm not sure if Digi products are compatible with other DAWs. I'm sure a Protools user will chime in.

But, the Stand-alone thing was discussed just the other day, a few good points were made for and against. Starting on either, the learning curve would be the same, but since you already know computer recording with Abbleton, it may be beneficial to you to go computer interface. If you need it to be portable/mobile or in a tiny space, the Boss would be a better choice. But expanding is not possible with a stand alone, you are stuck with that many inputs and mixing tracks.

If you already have a computer and know Abbleton, I'd stick with computer recording and get an interface. M-audio, Presonus, Tascam, and a few others should all be Abbleton compatible.

[willjrockstar]

Hey tsrat you might wanna edit yr third line it doesnt seem to make sense to me.

But i woul def stick with the computer route. The stand a lone unit would be a nice toy but the possibilities are endless on a computer and way cheaper in the long run.
Yr best off getting a interface in the $400 range depending on how many inputs and bells and whistles you want.

I have three of them and there isnt a bigg enough dif in sound quality for me to speak of. (fireface 800,presonus firepod,inspire)Now maybe if i tried all three side by side under very equal circumstances i MIGHT be able to tell but......

Good luck brother

[willjrockstar]

Oh i see "without using one OF the amp sims"

[brandondrury]

Another thing I have been looking at is a stand alone recording unit, i.e. Boss BR 900 or better.
I would like something that can burn it's own CDs' if I go this route.
Only problem is the high learning curve, and I'm already familiar with Abelton.
So, I guess I'm looking for a computer interface, that records well with a mic or two.

What are you trying to gain with a standalone if you are happy with your computer rig?

Brandon

[TStrat]

Originally Posted by String7th

I'm not sure if Digi products are compatible with other DAWs. I'm sure a Protools user will chime in.

But, the Stand-alone thing was discussed just the other day, a few good points were made for and against. Starting on either, the learning curve would be the same, but since you already know computer recording with Abbleton, it may be beneficial to you to go computer interface. If you need it to be portable/mobile or in a tiny space, the Boss would be a better choice. But expanding is not possible with a stand alone, you are stuck with that many inputs and mixing tracks.

If you already have a computer and know Abbleton, I'd stick with computer recording and get an interface. M-audio, Presonus, Tascam, and a few others should all be Abbleton compatible.

Thanks.
I agree, after looking a little more, that a standalone is out.

As well as already being familiar with recording on the laptop.

[TStrat]

Originally Posted by willjrockstar

Hey tsrat you might wanna edit yr third line it doesnt seem to make sense to me.

But i woul def stick with the computer route. The stand a lone unit would be a nice toy but the possibilities are endless on a computer and way cheaper in the long run.
Yr best off getting a interface in the $400 range depending on how many inputs and bells and whistles you want.

I have three of them and there isnt a bigg enough dif in sound quality for me to speak of. (fireface 800,presonus firepod,inspire)Now maybe if i tried all three side by side under very equal circumstances i MIGHT be able to tell but......

Good luck brother

I'm looking at a few on craiglist.
One is a Presonus Inspire GT and an M-Audio Fast Track Pro USB.
Each have boxes and all hardware.
The other is an Alesis Multimix 8 Firewire.
I like the Firewire so far.
Any thoughts?

[String7th]

The presonus and M-audio are good picks. The Alesis was designed for multitracking for drums, or more than 2 mics at a time. If you were going that route, firewire is the better connection choice but there's better brands. Take a look into the Presonus FP10 and M-audio Fastrack Ultra

[willjrockstar]

Yeah and be sure to get enough inputs to handle future endeavors. The day that you pick up a two channel interface will be the day the whole band wants to record.

[TStrat]

Originally Posted by willjrockstar

Yeah and be sure to get enough inputs to handle future endeavors. The day that you pick up a two channel interface will be the day the whole band wants to record.

That's why I'm leaning towards the Multimix.
Just wondering, does it have a line in to connect to line out on amps?