Audio Interface Question!

[Bugsy]

So I was planning of dipping my feet on recording vocals and sampling/scoring, and was looking for an audio interface good enough to handle this. Mostly for Vocals.

So I saw a couple of online ads of the Digidesign Mbox, the Mbox2, and the Mbox2 mini and the Mbox3 mini.
Also a Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 and Presonus Audiobox 2i2

Was particularly interested with the Digidesign Mbox or the Mbox mini cause of their cheap prices.

Do you guys have any experience using any of these?
which would you recommend?

Any help would be appreciated!

Peace!

 

[thedreampolice]

Well the old mboxes sucked real bad, but the latest one is actually great. Out of the list you gave the focusrite is going to be the best option with presonus as a close second. I have actually used pretty much every interface on the market so feel free to ask away

 

[Bugsy]

@thedreampolice
thanks for the input, also saw a komplete audio, which looks really good.
how does it compare to focusrite?
saw a couple of reviews on the focusrite and it seems to be better than komplete audio?

Side note, if i were to record Vocals what would be the best cheapest mic you could recommend?
I was also planning on trying to record a couple of noises to sample.
Would you recommend a mixer for this?

Thanks again!

 

[Bugsy]

Saw an Audio Technica AT2020, I think its at good price since its on a studio pack..just wondering what your 2 cents are...

Side Side Note...

Have you ever purchased from amazon? are they selling authentic products?

Peace!

 

[thedreampolice]

Well I'm a former sweetwater employee so I would recommend them

No you do not need a mixer at all. Hmm as far as a mic what type of vocals? Just an emcee? Personally I'm not a big fan of AT mic's but that's pretty subjective as some very well respected people swear by them. To my ears they are to clinical. For a first real mic that will be versatile and last forever look at a sennheiser md421 or a sure sm7 (not a sm57) both are good starter mic's but are built like tanks and you will use them on every session you will ever do.

And yea between the Native Instruments interface and focusrite I would pick the focusrite.

 

[Fade]

Saw an Audio Technica AT2020, I think its at good price since its on a studio pack..just wondering what your 2 cents are...

I use the Audio Technica 4040 and love it. Very solid mic. I'm sure the 2020 is equally nice.

 

[Bugsy]

@thedreampolice thanks again, youve been a great help.
@Fade is it the same mic you use for the shows?

was also planning on recording some stuff with the mic
im not sure how to put it....
lets just say instruments...
so if you guys could recommend a cheap but good one, that does it for me...

just wanted to make sure... so amazon sells authentic stuff?..

 

[Fade]

Ya that's the mic I use. It's really nice and sounds clean. Picks up all the frequencies well.

 

[Bugsy]

@Fade, thanks boss! will put that into consideration! and yes they sound really nice!

 

[thedreampolice]

Well amazon it sell sells authentic stuff but you can buy from other sellers on amazon so make sure that seller is legit. Whats your budget for a mic?

 

[Bugsy]

right, I could probably go as high as $150 for my first mic. ill upgrade as soon as i get the hang of it i guess.. hehe

 

[thedreampolice]

hmm man if I only had $150 I would get a mic like an SM57 and save the $50 for a nicer $300 mic. The 57 you will use all the time, will last and is decent quality. Those low end condenser mics just suck. Unless you can save another $100 and get a studio projects C1 for $250 those are amazing for $250

 

[Bugsy]

yeah, had the sm57 and 58 on my list too...hmm I actually saw a studio projects B1, for $60, what do you think of those?

 

[thedreampolice]

DONT GET A 58!!! So much better stuff for the price these days. The B1 is ok, but I would probably pick a 57 over it. Personally I like to get quality gear that will hold its resell value and last a long long time. So many of those cheap condenser mics are all built in the same factory it doesnt even matter the brand, but the C1 is a bit different.

 

[Bugsy]

haha, okay, thats off my list.
Id probably cop the B1 for now, its the cheapest one that got your approval, haha

how is the c1 diffrent tho?

 

[thedreampolice]

The C1 has a better diaphragm and is better built. You can hear it the second you try a C1. IDK Man I still think the good old SM57 is the best first mic choice.

 

[Bugsy]

Ill see what happens after copping the focusrite, if I get a bit more budget after the purchase.
I will consider the 57 as they cost $150-170, and thats a second hand unit..hehe

thanks for all the help tho, really appreciate it.

PEACE!!

 

[thedreampolice]

No an SM57 only costs $100 new
an SM7 (an even better choice) will cost $170 ish used. They are TOTALLY different mics.

If you have no money I am saying get an SM57, if you have some money get the SM7. I know its confusing.

 

[Bugsy]

yeah, I did get what you were trying to say.

I shouldve cleared that up....haha
SM57 brand new would cost me $170 Australian Dollars...
the second hand ones would cost me $150.

So i pretty much reached the end of my dilemma,

the cheapest and best out of all the choices I got is the Studio Projects B1.

 

[thedreampolice]

ahh I see, I didnt know you where in Oz. Cool! Let me know how you like the mic when you get it