Firewire interface upgrade from firebox

[Hoyt]

Need some recommendations on an interface.

I recently bit the bullet and decided to try upgrading from my Korg D16XD standalone multitrack.

I bought a Presonus Firebox for about $250 to make sure I could get everything working (I have lost motiviation in the past). I have got it working on a basic level -- so it's a go. I'm using Cubase LE and will probably upgrade to SL or SX at some point if I find it necessary.

I record folk and acoustic rock type stuff -- vocals, mandolins, banjo, guitar, bass, electric guitar and electric mandola. Will also probably go for some kind of softsynth arrangement for some B3 and classic organ sounds.

Now, I want to know if there is an interface say in the $500 - $800 range that would give me a few more inputs, but especially better conversion. Also, what would be a good reverb plug-in -- I'm not too sure about those included in the Cubase LE.

I have a 4 channels of decent external preamps -- Apogee minime (which I would run thru SPDIF), and Peavey VMP2 tube amp. I've got good condensor and dynamic mics. 6 mic preamps would be the most I can see needing.

Not sure about my computer's specs -- but it's working without clicks, pops -- It is Pentium 4, 1G RAM, 200G Hdrive (might add another).

Thanks.

[jackwr]

Originally posted by Hoyt
Need some recommendations on an interface.

I bought a Presonus Firebox for about $250 to make sure I could get everything working (I have lost motiviation in the past). I have got it working on a basic level -- so it's a go. I'm using Cubase LE and will probably upgrade to SL or SX at some point if I find it necessary.

Now, I want to know if there is an interface say in the $500 - $800 range that would give me a few more inputs, but especially better conversion. Also, what would be a good reverb plug-in
Thanks. Are there problems with conversion on the firebox? I was going to suggest firepod 8 ports and should be real familiar. I'm using cubase LE too. It came with my Lecicon Omega. They included Lexicon reverb plugins.

[Hoyt]

Thanks, Jack.

I went out Saturday and bought an EMU 1820M. I'm really happy right now. Of course, I have only recorded and played back some tracks. Haven't mixed, added effects, etc. So those hurdles are ahead.

For my purposes I really like the sound of the EMU and the software it came with went great. The way it loaded, it has you tied in through the EMU software mixer and Cubase. It had a template set up for each and it sounded great without having to know doodlie about Cubase.

I may not have given the Presonus enough of a try, but I'm happy now. I'm going to sell my standalone unit -- since I'm convinced I can now track better and, once I figue it out, mix and maybe even master.

But I have a way to go -- but feel like the interface hurdle is solved.