think i've got it all wrong. how about you?

domhatch

all this time, i've been thinking about my line 6 kb37 as a recording interface. which, to a certain extent, it may be. but only to a certain extent. i've just been introduced to avid's m-box line, which is by no means the only option out there, but certainly seems to me to make more sense as a dedicated interface.

in short, i guess what i'm asking is, surely it makes more sense to have a dedicated recording interface than to have a device you use for recording as well as something else? or am i talking shizzel here? anyone have an m-box? performance and happiness opinions?

thoughts please. random thoughts welcomed too
dh|

V8

This is your current piece of kit- http://line6.com/podstudiokb37/specifications.html?

Aside from quality (construction, preamps) the spec of the kb37 is (imho) pretty good for recording? (Plenty inputs, mic pre's). Perhaps I don't understand your question - this seems like a dedicated unit for recording - it's not a keyboard you could record with.

The only thing I thought might be nice is a midi in, aside from that (and quality of unit itself) I don't see much benefit from another interface aside from form factor (size/layout).

Hmmm, a question on recording gear where the answer isn't...Focusrite 2i4 ?

AlanRatcliffe

There's nothing really wrong with your KB37, is there?

Is a dedicated interface better? Sure... But then again, take that train of though to it's logical conclusion and you end up with separate preamps, D/A converters, MIDI interfaces and a real hefty price tag. The question should be: "is it good enough for me?" And the answer for most people is "Probably, yes".

Then again, Line 6 has had problems with drivers for some of their interfaces - to the point of abandoning them (and the users).

Personally, I'd say Avid isn't the solution either - I use their Eleven Rack for guitar and I won't ever buy another Avid product if I can help it. There's nothing wrong with the product, but the company attitude sucks: "Buy this! It comes with the INDUSTRY STANDARD, ProTools. If you want to edit from a computer install ProTools. What? You don't want to install and run an entire DAW just to have access to a software editor? But it's ProTools, the INDUSTRY STANDARD. What? ProTools doesn't run on your machine anyway? Is it a ProTools certified machine bought from a ProTools authorised supplier? No? Shame. Someone else wants to write a freeware standalone editor? We'll sue 'em! Anyway, we're writing one for it. Ha! No we're not... Yes we are... No, we're not... Fooled you ...again! Oh, BTW - we've discontinued it now and all support for it has ended. Sucks to be you, doesn't it? By the way, don't you want to buy ProTools? Why not? It's the INDUSTRY STANDARD!"

I feel much better now... :-[

AlanRatcliffe

V8 wrote: Hmmm, a question on recording gear where the answer isn't...Focusrite 2i4 ?

Actually, now you mention it...

Neps

hahaha.. That was an awesome rant Alan!!

Dom, I use to have a mbox (before Avid changed the name, and it was still digidesign) and it worked well, but then again Im a Pro Tools boy. Alan was right though, there are many other options out there that actualy suit the pocket better and dont require PT at all.. Presonus is a good one that jumps to mind!!! Great company and some great gear..

domhatch

Alan Ratcliffe wrote: There's nothing really wrong with your KB37, is there?

well, no. was just asking the question. youse guys is the experts. me, i'm just little. the kb37 seems to work fine, but i was in a session this morning with an engineer who mentioned that protools seems to be less system-intensive (and i just assumed this would relate to it using the sound card more efficiently).

Alan Ratcliffe wrote: I feel much better now... :-[

glad i could be of assistance.

Alan Ratcliffe wrote:
V8 wrote: Hmmm, a question on recording gear where the answer isn't...Focusrite 2i4 ?
Actually, now you mention it...

eh? this does look like an awesome little box.

Neps wrote: hahaha.. That was an awesome rant Alan!!

Dom, I use to have a mbox (before Avid changed the name, and it was still digidesign) and it worked well, but then again Im a Pro Tools boy. Alan was right though, there are many other options out there that actualy suit the pocket better and dont require PT at all.. Presonus is a good one that jumps to mind!!! Great company and some great gear..

awesome neps, i'll check all this stuff out.

muchos graçias amigos. as per usual, much thinking to be done
dh|

Neps

one word on Pro Tools though, as Alan said there are many problems with Avid when it comes to support. Im a die hard user but sometimes they drive even me nuts. Thats why if you are using another software package then you dont have to get use to the PT package.
Depending how you run PT it can be very light on recources but, it can also be a hog... When you start getting into more inserts than your normal comps and eqs then it takes a bit of juice. On an old G5 I could almost manage 24 tracks with some effects and then it would die bu I also like seeing how far I can push a system.
In all honesty as well, if you are going the Mac route.... (dont tell anyone I said this) but Garageband is not a bad piece of equipment at all.. If you are going the PC route well then Reaper wins hands down (thats only because thats the only programImanaged to figure out... hahahaha)

Audible-Anarchy

the presonus a/d converters are fantastic value for money.

In general as long as you can record 24 bit ,the interface has enough ins/outs for what you want to track and uses good up to date ASIO drivers / Core Audio you can't really go wrong

AlanRatcliffe

&^@%@$@#(!* - Avid have just announced download of a free 11R editor (again). Then said they announced too early and will release at NAMM (Friday IINM). Wonder if this means they are reviving it.

Sorry for the hijack Dom.