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Here's the deal. I now have two audio interfaces, and am pondering selling one of them to help fund other items on the ever growing GAS list.

My need currently is pretty simple. I am just fiddling about in my "studio". Not really trying to make great sounding recordings, just laying down basic ideas and possibly recording a jam session with a mate. I currently use a mic and 1 instrument in (could be nice to have two instrument ins I suppose). I use a MIDI controller at times, but it goes straight into the PC via USB.

I used to work with the Edirol FA-66. I believe this is a pretty decent interface, but somehow I feel that I'm not really using it to it's full potential, and not even sure what it's full potential is exactly.

I bought Guitar Rig Session a while back and got the code to unlock the full version. GR3 Session comes with an audio interface called Session IO. I have been using this interface for the last week or two. Works great so far, and I somehow feel it is better suited to my needs. One thing I like about it is that it has two separate output volume knobs, one for headphones and one for my monitors.

I am currently leaning towards selling the Edirol but have a nagging feeling that I'm going to regret it. I suppose my question is this, what do you guys think is the main differences between the two apart from the obvious difference in number of inputs and outputs?

    I would keep both in case one tanks in a session.

    At least you will have a backup.
      I suppose... But then I can't get the other toys I want! ?

      Thing is, my sessions are purely for fun, so if it tanks out, I could easily just throw my hands in the air and say "Oh well another night then" without any major consequence.

      On the other side of the coin, I really "need" a bass amp / sub so I can play that bass I bought a while ago. Bass is always an issue when I have a jam session, as I only have an electric one and no means to amplify it.

      I am starting to lean towards letting go of the Edirol in order to get the bass amplification sorted out but yea, will need to think this one through carefully!

      Thanks for your input though ?

        Yup. GAS is a bad itch to scratch...... ?
          12 days later
          Another noob question. Would there be any difference in "sound" between these two interfaces? I have heard about things called pre-amps and have no idea what they do, but I assume the edirol's would be better, and if so, will my recordings sound better?

          I'm just trying to figure out the differences between these cards apart from number of inputs...
            Can't speak for the NI hardware, but the Edirol preamps and A/D converters are always quite nice. Never had any problems with Edirol/Roland drivers either. Compare specs and pay attention to dynamic range specs and S/N ratio - that's usually the best way to tell.
              Mmmm Ok so you are saying there is a difference...

              Alan (or anyone else that understand these things) could I ask you to have a look at these two spec sheets and let me know if you think there are major differences? I have had a look but I don't know what the numbers mean or even whether a higher or a lower number is better...

              NI Session IO
              http://www.native-instruments.com/index.php?id=sessionspecs&L=1

              Edirol FA-66
              http://www.rolandus.com/products/productdetails.aspx?ObjectId=731
              (Click on the specs tab)
                From a feature set, it's the Edirol hands down. Two mic pres, digital ins and outs, limiter, balanced ins and outs. About the only advantage the Session I/O has is both inputs can be Hi-Z if needed (rare requirement though).

                The specs are a bit too minimalist to get meaningful comparisons and some important specs are not given (weighting). Better S/N on the Edirol, flatter frequency response on the Session (difficult to compare without weighting and graphs though).

                If it were me, I'd keep the Edirol.
                  Ok thanks man, that helps a lot ?
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