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pedals 4 pv
Platinum Member
Canada
1351 Posts |
 Posted - 02/06/2008 : 07:41:45
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My old laptop has perished after years of stalwart duty. This may have been a little nip in the ass from Kharma for some of my assholish deeds, but in every dark cloud a silver lining. I sent my son shopping, as he is the computer guy, and he came back with a nice PC, a Hewlett Packard, and Guitar Pro 5, which looks pretty cool. Anyway I'll need a USB interface to try it. Are there any lemons to avoid? I don't want a cheap POS, but I don't want to spend a fortune either. I want simple cheap and reliable. |
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Dr. Bob
Moderator
Australia
6593 Posts |
Posted - 02/06/2008 : 08:26:10
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Hi pedals 4 pv
No particular recommendations.
But just remember, that some of the POD's & Dighitech & Roland-Boss multi effects have (audio) USB interfaces as well.
Plus you would get all the extra functionality of the Multi effect.
Also be aware that some USB connections, like on the Pocket POD do not carry audio, they are just used for editing the internal patches.
Behringer make a USB - Audio interface, as well as a faster FireWire<>audio interface.
There is a cool product called the "Stealth Plug" it's sort of a high end version of the Behringer USB-audio interface.
I'm sure Defrag, will pitch in a Help out as well, he seems to have a handle on more up to date items.
He has surprised & informed me a few times, with his hi-Tech findings & recommendations.
Regards Dr. Bob |
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DeFrag
Moderator
USA
3409 Posts |
Posted - 02/06/2008 : 09:09:29
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Here's where I'd start: http://www.sweetwater.com/c695--USB_Audio_Interfaces/low2high
Good:
To fit your bill, I'd particularly be interested & thus recommend the Line6 TonePort UX1 for $129. For the money, it offers many modeling algorithms, mic input, & should be rather fun. I'll only guess it'll work as a generic USB interface to be used with ANY software. If you want cheaper, think about the Line6 TonePort GX for only $69 that sports a smaller feature-set. The IK Stealth looks interesting for $99 too.
For for a bit more quality, PreSonus makes a decent unit called the AudioBox for $149 or the Alesis iO|2 also for $149. I would personally go for the Alesis iO|14 or iO|26 with more ports, but that's me. I always tend to overbuy quality & tech so I can "grow" into the features & I/O. I'll tell ya.. I bought a smaller Mackie mixer, returned it within 30 days & bought the medium, I burned through all the inputs & outputs with a couple months & wished I had gotten the next one up.
I'll skip over the some of the other units like the DigiDesign Mbox series, Tascam, Emu, et al. They're all a bit too much for what I gather your needs to be at this time.
Not good:
I have been watching M-Audio's line including the Fast Track Pro but its limited to recording 1 track at a time (which may be perfect). They have some driver issues that they're STILL working out so I'd say steer clear of low priced M-Audio gear.
Lower Edirol units are not worth a look. A friend at work had GIVEN me a UA-20 that just seemed low-quality for him. Even though he can't tell his ass from a hat sometimes, I didn't verify the unit.
Bottom line:
I must recommend the IK Stealth for the simplest way into a computer. ~$99
Line6 for quick, easy fun. ~$69 or $129
PreSonus or Alesis for higher quality & potential for studio use in case you ever see yourself headed into better recordings. $149
EOL |
Edited by - DeFrag on 02/06/2008 09:36:24 |
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Dr. Bob
Moderator
Australia
6593 Posts |
Posted - 02/06/2008 : 09:17:11
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See I told you Defrag, would be on the ball.
Don't forget that Korg have just released the Pandora PX5D, & it has a USB interface as well.
And search evilbay for S/.hand gear.
DeFrag, do you know anyone using the Stealth Plug?
Regards Dr. Bob |
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DeFrag
Moderator
USA
3409 Posts |
Posted - 02/06/2008 : 09:21:38
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I almost mentioned the new Korg Pandora PX5D but figured it was out of his interest. Another unit that's much too awesome is the Line6 KB37 USB interface/keyboard controller w/transport & control.
I don't personally know someone who uses the Stealth except for the claim of a local sales weenie. I almost bought one before blowing 5x the amount on the TC Electronic Konnekt24D. |
Edited by - DeFrag on 02/06/2008 09:36:52 |
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Dr. Bob
Moderator
Australia
6593 Posts |
Posted - 02/06/2008 : 09:31:21
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Hi
Found this link for the IK Multimedia StealthPlug
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/IK-Multimedia-StealthPlug?sku=240549
There is always something like the dedicated Behringer iAxe USB guitar,
a guy down the road has one & it's lots of fun,
Well hooked upto his Mac-- sorry if it seems like I'm having a dig Defrag...  
It starts out at about $199au and there are now a couple of lightly
dearer ones with spank sticks & humbuckers.
Regards Dr. Bob |
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DeFrag
Moderator
USA
3409 Posts |
Posted - 02/06/2008 : 09:39:55
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Tks for coverin' my back Bob-o. I had made a mistake regarding the Stealth by referring it from M-Audio instead of IK. I was thinking for some reason of the MidiSport. Anyway, I fixed my couple links above. The Stealth looks good as a recommendation but nothing beats the higher end stuff if one can justify it. Check the specs & try to buy the right thing the first time eh?
'night all. |
Edited by - DeFrag on 02/06/2008 09:40:30 |
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FRANZONI
Double Platinum Member
Ireland
3543 Posts |
Posted - 02/06/2008 : 10:48:04
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i have the pod xt pro as some of you may already know....and even though i don't use it much for live work it is very good for hooking up to the computer or if you want to do some home recording without the hassle and problems(most of my recording only happens when kids are in bed)of miking an amp.... also i like the 'real time' control of the pod as you can just grab a knob like an amp to change something on the fly.....i have gotten some good results with it and not to sound too big headed but i was going through some old recordings from previous bands recorded in studios with amps miked etc... and i would honestly say that the results i can get with the pod and my tascam 8 track are much better...and this is by a person as most of you know loves analog..tube/valve technology.... |
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pedals 4 pv
Platinum Member
Canada
1351 Posts |
Posted - 02/06/2008 : 12:58:25
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| Thanks for the replies and links guys, and sorry again for the misunderstanding, DeFrag. I can get a Tone port UX2 in like new condition at the pawnshop for $125. It has analog Vu meters which do appeal to my Luddite nature. I sounds like line 6 stuff is okay, but I can't afford a Pod, especially now that I have had to get a new computer. If my health issues would only improve so I could get back to work, I could be a little more selective about buying gear. I am on a fixed income so I usually try for quality used gear when I can get it. I have to count my blessings though, my company has a good insurance plan, and some days I don't feel too bad, and I can be "Johnny on the spot" if something comes up on craigslist or in the local rag. |
Edited by - pedals 4 pv on 02/06/2008 13:19:23 |
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DeFrag
Moderator
USA
3409 Posts |
Posted - 02/06/2008 : 16:21:58
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| Man of you to say PV. No worries mate. It & you are appreciated. Here's to ya |
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FRANZONI
Double Platinum Member
Ireland
3543 Posts |
Posted - 02/06/2008 : 17:49:37
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sory to hear your not too well bro'.....look after yourself and wrap up warm if your out on the hog.... ..... |
Edited by - FRANZONI on 02/06/2008 17:50:28 |
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pedals 4 pv
Platinum Member
Canada
1351 Posts |
Posted - 02/06/2008 : 22:35:46
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quote:
Originally posted by FRANZONI
sory to hear your not too well bro'.....look after yourself and wrap up warm if your out on the hog.........
Not that I want to snivel, Franzoni, but it's pugotry to look at her and know that I wont be able to ride very far. I should have had it on the road five years ago, but this god damn cyst has has big effect on what happens around here. I should be able to finally get her going this year, as I can get a little done somedays and there isn't much left to do now. But the worst of it all is the doc says no booze and it has been five years since I had a cold one, he says even a spoonfull of cough medicine with alcohol in it could kill me, so I have to really watch. The upside is that I am on the mend slowly, and playing the guitar takes my mind off the pain and stuff.
Back on the topic it's pretty complicated this guitar/computer thing.
I think I'll bide my time before I buy an interface because I looks like the program will do quite a bit without one. Now I have to go, I need to watch the tutorial. |
Edited by - pedals 4 pv on 02/06/2008 23:03:37 |
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Dr. Bob
Moderator
Australia
6593 Posts |
Posted - 02/07/2008 : 08:41:01
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quote:
Originally posted by DeFrag
I almost mentioned the new Korg Pandora PX5D but figured it was out of his interest. Another unit that's much too awesome is the Line6 KB37 USB interface/keyboard controller w/transport & control.
I don't personally know someone who uses the Stealth except for the claim of a local sales weenie. I almost bought one before blowing 5x the amount on the TC Electronic Konnekt24D.
Hi DeFrag
That's some serious money you spent on the TC Electronic Konnekt24D.
But worth it.
We now have to hear some of your home project/studio recordings.
Regards Dr. Bob
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USB Interfaces
