Nowadays is better to have a good interface and a computer in my opinion, is more plastic, fast and it has more potential... And if you have a computer is cheaper! Some people will say hardware (like a digital mixer) is better because they dont like computers (for example... Madlib, Kev Brown) but my advice to you is to get a good audio interface with midi ins and out, hook to your computer and know what you have. If you have money you can pick a midi controller like the mackie for example with monotorized faders and shyt to avoid picking the mouse.
The first thing you have too decide when you look after an interface is:
1. Which DAW (software) are you going to use... If you go to protools, then you have to pick a digidesign product or an m-audio product, there are plenty of the second ones. If you want to use logic, there are a lot of options but the more proffesional are RME and Apogee. If you want Cubase there are other options... check the dealers and inform yourself.
2. How many outputs and inputs do you need? If you have a 2000XL maybe you want an interface with 8 inputs in order to record different tracks at the same time or if you´re a cheapo kind of guy and dont have too many bucks you can pick just an interface with 2 ins and record track by track, is not a bad idea and you can save money.
3. Pick a firewire interface or Usb2 over a usb interface, they are faster
4. If you need a mic check if the interface have fantom power
I dont think you need a mixer. A mixer is worthy if it´s good and good mixers cost too much money. Do yourself a favor and pick the best monitors you can, it´s the most important thing. In a low-mid range of prices, I personally love the Dynaudio BM5A, they are about 1000 dolars (900 euros).
Peace and luck
www.myspace.com/granmah
so what do you think about the PreSonus Firebox 6x10 FireWire Recording Interface?? i think this would be allright for my needs, what dou you think about this toy?
