DAW / Interface / Plugins and other Magic
- Thread starter ibmorjamn
- Start date
In the same vein….
You would probably do well with either, depending upon system compatibilities.
The SSL has the capability for expansion, with an ADAT in. That bumps its input count by 4-8 channels (up to 12 channels of input) with the purchase of a compatible ADAT device. That may be important if you ever want to record a live drum kit, or band.
Sapient
Ambassador of Vocal Inspiration
If you really only need to record guitar then technically you only need 1 channel. Then there is a stereo factor of a possible acoustic to consider.
I think a 2 channel interface for someone that uses virtual instruments is on the button. Also, since you need only 2 channels you can put more into a top of the line product with sufficient digital conversion at a lower cost because of less channels that are needed.
If you get the Universal Audio with 2 channels you still get the mic pres and converters that are the in the $4K unit. Get it? So, with that I would get this:
Less channels saves big bucks on the best gear out there, remember.
Also, the plugs it comes with are top-shelf processors.
I think a 2 channel interface for someone that uses virtual instruments is on the button. Also, since you need only 2 channels you can put more into a top of the line product with sufficient digital conversion at a lower cost because of less channels that are needed.
If you get the Universal Audio with 2 channels you still get the mic pres and converters that are the in the $4K unit. Get it? So, with that I would get this:
Less channels saves big bucks on the best gear out there, remember.
Also, the plugs it comes with are top-shelf processors.
But.:..you do not get the compressors with that unit. The Compressors are not software..:they are built in hardware on the interface I posted.
Please don’t get me wrong, I’m working…and stuck with a phone for reply….it’s all about the fit really. The converters of today are not like they used to be(in a good way).
Everything i have recorded at home was done on a $149.00 Focusrite 2i2 USB Interface onto Audacity.
There's nobody doing it cheaper...or, not by much anyways.
There's nobody doing it cheaper...or, not by much anyways.
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I respectfully beg to differ….there’s cheaper out there…I’ve posted the song I did with only an Apogee Jam as an interface(for guitars, bass, and vocals)…$99
OP
ibmorjamn
Ambassador of Moar Jammin
Those are all great options. I am interface pour at the moment but had I not posted this I would not know all the options UA's different models have. That makes it worth posting. I am a sucker for deals it seams. Higher tech the better.
Of course I would like hardware vs plugins. The problem is they get more expensive. It is however nice to have choices and better gear.
Of course I would like hardware vs plugins. The problem is they get more expensive. It is however nice to have choices and better gear.
There are always higher levels to go…RME, Apogee etc…depends on what you want/need to get the job done. Again, the fit needed.
OP
ibmorjamn
Ambassador of Moar Jammin
Here is another one I never heard of but looks like it is high end.
www.zzounds.com
Black Lion Audio Revolution 2X2
With premium converters, Macro-MMC clocking, and high-end analog circuits, the Black Lion Revolution 2X2 interface delivers pro-quality sound at a low price.
www.zzounds.com
Sapient
Ambassador of Vocal Inspiration
I guess it depends if he wants noticibly lower quality to save $200. I'd pay it knowing I got a top of the line interface for an interface by chance that I didn't need all the pres the 4K unit comes with. In a sense he is getting a $4000 unit for $500.
If he gets the Volt he is not getting the benefits of a 4K interface; instead he's only getting exactly what he's paying.
Sapient
Ambassador of Vocal Inspiration
I'm out.Here is another one I never heard of but looks like it is high end.
Black Lion Audio Revolution 2X2
With premium converters, Macro-MMC clocking, and high-end analog circuits, the Black Lion Revolution 2X2 interface delivers pro-quality sound at a low price.
Everything i have recorded at home was done on a $149.00 Focusrite 2i2 USB Interface onto Audacity.
There's nobody doing it cheaper...
Well, you beat me by a few dollars.
My music buddies all have crazy home studios, but i just cant justify the expense.
There's nobody doing it cheaper...
Well, you beat me by a few dollars.
My music buddies all have crazy home studios, but i just cant justify the expense.
The less than 4 channel Volt units do not have all of the same features IIRC.
As I’ve stated elsewhere on the forum, the onboard preamps on most interfaces simply do not compare to good outboard.(your Focusrite ISA rack is likely higher fidelity than these interfaces, for example)
So, the X series has better preamps. Excellent. And good for most people to learn the value of quality preamps. I have no issue with that. Having an 1176 style compressor placed in front of each of four good converters is pretty tasty sounding to me. That’s the reason I like the Volt 4 channel, because I’d likely bypass the preamps anyway. Running a good pre into an 1176 style compressor, and then converting to digital is something that I do regularly for vocals and bass. It was a huge step in the right direction for me. The vocal chain for the song you were so kind as to take a stab at making better was: handheld Shure SM7b to UA 6176(a UA 610 pre and 1176 style compressor in a 2 space rack unit) to a line in(bypassing the pre) on my Soundcraft mixer interface. That type of compression use is not easily emulated in software, as it takes place before digital conversion, and takes full advantage of available bit depth/headroom. I have done it both ways, and find that I like that approach over plugins for vocals, bass, and drums(especially kick and snare). I’m not saying “crush everything“, but just enough of the spice needed for the task at hand. This is something that I wish I had learned long ago.
That said, I also like the SSL unit, posted by the OP @ibmorjamn , because of the good rep of SSL, and the additional option of using outboard converters and preamps via ADAT. Although the SSL only has ADAT in. As a UA fanboy of late, I would likely save up, add one of these to the cart before checking out….
..or find a mint used one, or whatever. It has an ADAT interface, and UA conversion onboard for four more external preamp channels.
steveb63
Ambassador of the Capacitor
I have the two in four out version of the Volt, love it.
No driver issues, booted right up when I brought it home. Gotta love U.A. gear.
I like the fact that you are looking around. Though a two channel unit may well work for you, we tend to outgrow things quickly in the studio. What works on paper often comes up short in practice. I use 3 mic’s(or channels) to record electric, and acoustic, guitars often. I do have a 2 channel interface though….a super cheap one….but it does okay for what I want to use it for. I would be sad if it was my only option though.Here is another one I never heard of but looks like it is high end.
Black Lion Audio Revolution 2X2
With premium converters, Macro-MMC clocking, and high-end analog circuits, the Black Lion Revolution 2X2 interface delivers pro-quality sound at a low price.
Weigh your options carefully. If you enjoy what you’re doing, you may want room to grow.