At 7:49 AM -0600 12/9/10, Kenton Brede wrote:
>
>
>On Wed, Dec 8, 2010 at 9:40 PM, Paul Jacobson
><<pj%40cutlerco.com.au>> wrote:
>>
>>
>>
>> On 08/12/2010, at 4:05 AM, Kenton Brede wrote:
>>
>> > I've decided to purchase either a windows or mac laptop for post
>> > processing my audio
>>
>> Hi Kenton,
>>
> > If you don't need mic preamps on the interface, I'd suggest
>taking a look at the Echo Audio Audiofire 2. The AF2 is a very small
>interface > that has balanced line-in and line-out, with support for
>midi and spdif in/out on a plug in "dongle". While it looks pretty
>basic the AF2
>> uses the same converter chips as the RME FireFace 400 and has very
>>good sound quality for the price. Basically you're not paying for
>> 2 or 4 channels of preamps you may never use.
>
>Thanks all for the feedback. :)
>
>I wasn't very clear in my message. I'm not going to be recording with
>the laptop, just post processing audio. The audio card I was
>referring to would be used to interface with the monitor speakers.
>Kent
Hi Kent--
Audio interfaces usually provide both inputs and outputs. Paul points
out that the AF2 does not have a mic level input and this lowers the
cost without sacrificing quality. I've been happy with my first
generation Echo card, the AF2 sounds like it could be even better.
However, I want to reiterate that its not mandatory to have an audio
interface to pursue your goals as I understand them-- to make a first
CD and in the process learn what is involved and what investments
will help you the most. For example, I seriously doubt that you would
be able to hear any difference between the two equipment chains below
unless you have the space and time to set-up a dedicated listening
environment and address room acoustics.
(A) Mac Latop/Speaker Jack output -> ~$100 each reference monitor
speakers (Behringer was one example suggested)
(B) Mac Latop/Firewire -> Echo Audio Audiofire 2 -> ~$100 each
reference monitor speakers.
There's a "world" of difference between putting your laptop and
speakers on a table next to a wall and addressing placement and room
acoustics. If you can run a screw-shooter and a staple gun, you can
make major improvements in your listening environment for $200.
Here's a crazy research idea: Is there a friend with a mixing studio
you can visit and take over some recordings to play with? If not,
maybe someone who follows this list lives near you who has a
dedicated space. Rob D.
--
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