Want to use outboard device - how many ins/outs do I need ?

[timmyo]

Question about no of channels an audio interface requires to do certain things (I’m getting a new PC and will be adding a PCI interface once it has arrived)

I have one piece of outboard gear that I love for Guitar effects (Yamaha UD-Stomp) and I’d like to use it on pre-recorded guitar tracks to I can fiddle with the settings. So what do I need?

Would a basic 2in/2out (eg Audiophile 24/96) be ok? Or do I need additional outs? Or additional ins? (I’ve never had to think about this before as I currently use the ASIO driver from Guitarport but want to get a ‘proper’ card for better latency and CPU performance on the new PC)

If additional ins/outs are required then any suggestions for devices (as inexpensive as possible please ) much appreciated

Tim

[haydxn]

well, here's the crucial thing you need to consider:

1) how many inputs and outputs does your outboard device have?

If it's a guitar effects thing it may well only have 1 input and 1 output, although it may generate a stereo output. You'll need to use one interface output for each input, and one interface input for each output. That should be obvious enough.

2) how will you be monitoring your projects?

If you're doing what most people do, and that's have a stereo output pair connected to your amp/monitors/mixer/pcspeakers/headphones, then you'll need to have two outputs free for that.

If, for any wacky reason, you're just going to be monitoring in mono for all of your projects, and your guitar effects unit only has a mono input, then an audio interface with 2 outs and 2 ins will give you just enough!

if you're going to be using external gear, you really want at least four outputs, and it's good to have an input or two spare because it's quite likely you may want them at some stage. You may be happy with just a stereo input pair. Does the UD-Stomp just output mono? In which case you'll always have one input free; otherwise it will take up all your inputs with just two.

I have a Delta44, which does everything i could wish it to (4 in 4 out) - the delta66 is the same with digital i/o on top, but that's not important for me and certainly won't be necessary for your needs. There are of course many more brands than M-Audio, so have a look around, but you'll really need to dedicate two outputs to your monitoring system. Unless of course you're just going to use an onboard soundcard to listen to everything... but that's really not the best idea!

[timmyo]

Thanks haydxn – I’d almost convinced myself that monitoring would take up 2 outs, then I started trying to get clever in my head and confused myself

(The UD-Stomp is stereo out btw – awesome stereo reverbs/trem/ping pong delay goodness! – it was designed for Alan Holdsworth who did some of the presets)

Delta44 (or equivalent) sounds like it would suit.

I’ve seen a M-audio Delta 410 for sale s/h locally (I think it’s an older card) – anyone know if these are any good?

[ruwaldo]

Also check out the Presonus stuff. The Firebox has nice preamps and is a good price for the features. It's not pci but if you get a good firewire card it will do everything you need it to.

[timmyo]

I have a PCI firewire card in my PC so it's an option, but I really am on a budget so doubt I'd be able to stretch to it - I'm thinking s/h Delta44 ? Although if I saw a 1010LT s/h cheap I'd try to stretch to that I think.

Just thinking aloud - any other ideas do shout

Tim

[SuitcaseOfLizards]

I'll second a vote for the Delta 44.. have one in my rig and it does the job nicely! I have a Behringer V-Amp Pro Bass and V-Amp Pro Guitar I use to nasty up tracks, and the 44 is perfect (Two outs for monitoring, one mono out for the bass v-amp send, one mono out for the guitar v-amp send, stereo pair in for bass v-amp return, stereo pair in for guitar v-amp return).

[ruwaldo]

I have a PCI firewire card in my PC so it's an option, but I really am on a budget so doubt I'd be able to stretch to it - I'm thinking s/h Delta44 ? Although if I saw a 1010LT s/h cheap I'd try to stretch to that I think.

Just thinking aloud - any other ideas do shout

Tim

The firebox is less than $300. I understand the money situation though. I'm poor too.

[timmyo]

In the UK they are £245 = $431

[ruwaldo]

In the UK they are £245 = $431

Is that after the recent price drop?

[timmyo]

In the UK they are £245 = $431

Is that after the recent price drop?

not sure - that's what Turnkey and Dolphin Audio currently have them listed at - same price at UK-based eBay stores too . . .