What is better? MobilePre USB or Fast Track USB?

[the_hedonist]

Hi,

I'm trying to buy some sort of recording interface. I want pretty good quality.
I'm just confused because i was goign to get the MobilePre USB, because i was told it was better and it has two guitar inputs, so that my friend and i can record guitar at the same time on seperate tracks... but apparently, via maudio site, the MobilePre only has 16bit recording quality and the fast track has 24bit... AND with fast track you get a selection of effects with the GT audio effects thing... i was looking to do this... BUT the Fast Track USB only has 1 input for 1 track at a time

What would you recommend... any ideas?

Thanks

Jamie

[the_hedonist]

Please Reply

[robertruetz]

You'd need to step up to at least a Fast Track Pro (http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/FastTrackPro) for two instrument inputs and 24-bit recording. There are limits to this based on which drivers you're using, and how many I/Os you want to use simultaneously. Neither of the other two units you've mentioned will do both 24-bit and record two instrument inputs at once.

There is a limit of 48Khz on the sample rate of the Fast Track Pro, but if this doesn't bother you, I wouldn't worry about it.

However, it costs more than these other units. Do you only want to record 2 guitars at once, or are you going to want to add anything else? If so, you'll need more inputs.

Some cheaper options with two instrument ins would be:
Alesis iO|2 (http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/io2/)
Tapco Link.USB (http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/LinkUSB/)

It might pay off for you to spend more for more capability now, than to go cheap and need more later.

Le_Singe
:cool:

[itsplayed]

The E-MU 0202.

http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/0202USB/

http://www.emu.com/products/product.asp?category=610&subcategory=611&product=15186

[burning.empire]

I'm still trying to figure out my Fast Track USB. The Fast track itsself is pretty decent...

But what I can say about the GT express software is, that it is total crap. There is a delay that makes it impossible to play, let alone record anything. And the effects don't sound good at all no matter how much you tweak them.

[the_hedonist]

Thanks, I'm working with a £65 (GBP) budget, so the 16 bit MobilePre seemed essential, The E-MU 0202 looks really good... the only problem is the single line in, when i really need 2

Thanks

Jamie

[robertruetz]

Okay, please outline EVERYTHING that you want your interface to be able to do. So far, you've only mentioned being able to record two Instruments at once at 24-bit. What all do you want to be able to do? Otherwise, we're all just spinning our wheels here.

Le_Singe
:cool:

[the_hedonist]

Well, its all in there for people that want to read it... But Here it is in bold:

-24 bit sound(16 bit may be accpetable for the MobilePre) failing to find any other
-Two channel/track input
-Compatible with some sort of effects app

[itsplayed]

Thanks, I'm working with a £65 (GBP) budget, so the 16 bit MobilePre seemed essential, The E-MU 0202 looks really good... the only problem is the single line in, when i really need 2

Thanks

Jamie

There are 2 ins on the E-MU 0202, not one. It has better specs than the mobile Pre at 24/192 and comes with a better bundle of software.....and it's cheaper!

[robertruetz]

I was confused by your comment earlier about needing two "line" ins. These would be different than Instrument ins. Itsplayed made a great suggestion that I missed in my original list (I too thought the E-Mu didn't have enough inputs). It would be the cheapest option that covers all of your needs, and I can second that it comes with a nice software bundle.

Le_Singe
:cool:

[the_hedonist]

Thankyou everyone =]