Recording hardware synths

Hello,

I am using the PreSonus Inspire 1394 FireWire Audio Interface to record my synths. A picture of this card can be seen here:

http://www.zzounds.com/item--PRSINSPIRE

The interface has two 1/4" instruments inputs in the front and two RCA inputs in the back.

My question is: which inputs are best suited to be fed by the audio outputs of a synthesizer: 1/4" or RCA?

Thank you very much!

The quarter inchers given that most synths have quarter inch output jacks. Of course if you use more than one synth at a time you're likely to be running into some sort of external mixer first in any case.

the rca inputs are line level and phono switchable.

the specs do not mention that the hi-z 1/4" inputs on the front switch to unbalanced line level. if the product documentation that comes with the unit doesn't state that they will switch from hi-z then the cleanest sound will come from the rear panel rca jacks for keyboard usage. the front panel if they are hi-z guitar only inputs will add lots of noise and distortion to your signal coming from the keyboard.

all in all this is not a sound card designed for keyboard use but more for vocalist/guitar players. you'd be much better served with an m-audio firewire 410 or e-mu 1616m (if your on a laptop) or e-mu 1212m or m-audio 1010 series (if you have a desktop with pci slots). as these are geared more for keyboard use. the firewire 410 has line level and mic inputs and will work off firewire and has similar specs to the presonus with more outputs.

Thanks Tim,

I asked that question because a diagram in the Presonus manual shows a keyboard connected to the RCA inputs, not the 1/4" inputs. The latter are for instruments such as guitar, bass, and microphone [these inputs are a combo 1/4"-XLR].

I always used the 1/4" inputs on a previous audio interface, but this new interface has me confused.

I am currently using 2 sound modules. One connected to the RCA inputs, the other to the 1/4" inputs.

Thanks wetwater,

That's what I was thinking. There is no mention in the manual about what you said.

Here's exactly the only mention about the 1/4" in the entire manual:

"Your INSPIRE 1394 is equipped with two custom designed, digitally controlled, solid state preamplifiers that can accept XLR microphone or 1/4" instrument inputs. For each preamplifier, either the XLR or 1/4" input may be used at a given time.

a. XLR Microphone Input. The XLR connector on channels 1 and 2 are for use with most condenser and dynamic microphones.

b. 1/4" Instrument Inputs (Channels 1 and 2): The 1/4" TRS connector on channels 1 and 2 are for use with an instrument (guitar, bass, etc.)"

And this:

"RCA Line Inputs (3 and 4). Unbalanced line level / phono inputs. This stereo input is used to connect a turntable, keyboard, etc."

As for a an audio interface that would be more suitable for synths, I never found anything that suits my setup as I use synths only.

I never understood why most audio interfaces come with a couple of inputs and a million outputs. What I need is exactly the opposite: as many inputs as possible and only 2 outputs for monitoring through speakers [and ideally a headphone output].

Thanks again.