arexjay

Seems like everyone's pretty undecided on USB vs. Firewire. So far I like the US-122, because it comes with it's own software. I like the M-Audio units better, but I'm not 100% sure they'll run in conjunction with Audacity.

So I'm gonna try and set everything straight. A digital 8-track is good for ease of use, can export to computer, cost from $300 to $400. USB Audio Interfaces are cheaper than digital 8-tracks, but are harder to use/get the hang of And firewire is similar to USB. What I still don't understand is the whole process for the Audio Interfaces. Do they keep tracks within themselves? Where does it record onto? I'd like to stick with the USB or Firewire stuff because its cheaper, and I'm on a limited budget. And I wanna get a ZIM.

Originally posted by HMCMedic I got one of these: http://www.zzounds.com/item--MDOMOBILEPRE How do you like it?!?! That's the exact USB interface I was going to get, especially because it has the built in pre-amp. Any clips?

Originally posted by GCDEF I answered in the recording thread. I got the DP-01FX and it is mind-numbingly easy to use and sounds great. I found the learning curve on the USB DAW and Cubase software to require more effort than I really wanted to spend. I guess you can do more with it, but the DP-01 is a great unit for basic multi-track recording. And I'm under the impression that I can get WAV files from there to the computer to tweak them on Audacity. Is this correct?

Okay wait a minute, I think I need some clarification on the whole computer recording process. My understanding is that: A digital 8-track (or any 4+ track recorder, for that matter) will record tracks within itself. With some, I can then export via USB to a computer, and from there to software to work with the tracks. USB or Firewire Audio Interfaces will allow me to record tracks through itself and onto the computer? Will it let me record within editing software like Audacity?

Yeah, the Tascam DP-01 is on sale at MF for $299. What you said about the Firewire ones makes sense though. It'll probably last me longer than a USB one, especially if I want better quality later on, or use higher quiality software. Thanks for all the help.

I use Audacity (or I will use), I'd like to spend around $300 or less, and I just need to be able to record guitar and vocal tracks down to the computer so I can work with them on Audacity. Would it be smarter to just get a digital 8-track or something and use that?

Like what?

Anyone have any experience with computer recording using USB audio interfaces? Anyone have an recommendations?