It looks like the USB cable on my interface got yanked (probably by a playful kitten) and the input was bent. Now, it is not working, so I cannot record anything. I got this little Alesis MultiMix 4 USB as a temporary interface until I got a better PC and such. Doesn't look like the little guy made it

I really really am trying to avoid having to save up for a new PC. This laptop does just fine for what I need to do, or at least has so far. The only thing is it has no firewire input ...

Soooo considering I have slimmed down my setup considerably, and now only really foresee using two mics at once, I am wondering if this little guy wouldn't be such a bad option: http://www.americanmusical.com/Item--i-FOC-SAF6USB-LIST

It isn't outrageously priced, and I can use it in conjunction with the laptop for a more mobile setup. It seems solid, and wouldn't require me dropping $600 on a new PC. If I do want to upgrade to a bigger setup in the future, I could still see myself using this guy for quick setups or for mobile recording of jam sessions.

I am just doing my solo thing with programmed drums, so I think it will be enough for me for the time being. My real question is, is it that bad to go with a USB interface? I am currently using one, and it hasn't given me any noticeable (by my noob ass) issues. It is also the difference between dropping $200 on a new recording setup, or ~$900 ... Other options, besides getting the Alesis fixed (looking into it) ...

You sure it is the mixer and not the cable itself that is toast?

Anyhoo, that Focusrite looks pretty slick to me. I was actually looking at that a while back for having a quick and dirty two mic option, so i could leave my mixer in the basement hooked up to the mechanical spider that is my drum mic'ing web. Usually up here i just need maximum two mics and phantom power, and that Saffire USB deally actually looks quite nice for that.

Yeah I have tried it with another cable and it is pooped. The actual input it bent and partly jammed into the box, definitely not a good sign. I figure it might not be too expensive of a repair, but honestly I was kind of looking to upgrade my interface a bit anyway. It still works as a four channel mixer

"The affordable Saffire 6 USB interface comes with Ableton Live Lite 7, Novation's Bass Station synthesizer and over a gigabyte of samples. In addition to all this, you get the Focusrite FX Suite, which includes a compressor, gate, reverb and EQ to upgrade your standard AU/VST effects. "

I've heard good things about their VSTs as well.

I hated Ableton, and as for the VSTs, just be mindful that updating your OS or firmware might just fuck up the way they work, as snaxo and newholland have both found with their focusrite gears.

The hardware itself is high quality though. That, IMO is the main selling point.

Had one of those, was pretty awesome until that same problem happened to me, the USB thing. Was amazing for when i had it tho, and was reliable as shit. the only reason the usb thing broke i suspect was from me being a dumbass. i actually plan to get another one next month. so yes i recommend it. but fuck, what do i know ;P

Sacrifice the kitteh

Novation synths are awesome sounding, and there should be patch compatibility between the software version like there is with the hardware, I'd suspect. I can load patches from the other Novation synths onto mine- the engine is the same. Also, the preamps (and hopefully the A/D) should be decent. Myself, Dan (newholland) and Geoff manage to eek some decent quality recordings out of ours. Admittedly we have the bigger rack versions, but unless they really skimped somewhere, that should be a useable tool.

From what I understand, all the Saffires have the same preamps. The only software that I was planning on using was the Focusrite EQs and such, even then I still like the Reaper stuff so it will be hard to pull me away from those. The Novation synths should be nifty barring any issues.

Order placed, already received the call from Sweetwater confirming it and it should be shipped out today.

Included in the order:

Focusrite 2x4 USB Interface
CabGrabber - Audix Mic Clamp for Amps
DiMarzio ClipLock Nylon Strap, Blue
Vox Vintage Coiled Cable 29.5', Blu
6" Pop Filter w/Gooseneck

"The Focusrite Saffire 6 USB is a 2 in / 4 out USB audio interface. It uses the same award-winning Focusrite mic preamps as the rest of the Saffire range. This makes it the best value, and best sounding interface in its class. "

Assuming it functions properly, this is probably true. The pres on mine can overload on loud sources with hot condenser mics, even with the gain at 0- Rode NT5s on overhead duty, I'm talking about you- so I'll use outboard for that. I think they're a damn sight better than my old Mackie 1604 VLZ Pro, which always sounded small and congested. They are clean and clear, and to my ears have a bit of a forward upper mid thing I might describe as "metallic" if I'm really being an audiogeek? They sound good, at any rate.

Yeah I'm pretty excited. I was going to save up for the big PRO 40 rack one, but my current PC doesn't have a firewire port, and I am fucking broke. Plus, I am not in a band situation or using live drums where I would need more than two mics. I think this will do just fine until I am in a situation to upgrade practically.

Agreed. When I don't need the inputs for a tracking session (and I do dumb shit like take five inputs on a bass guitar, or track a deathmetal guitar session with four amps running at once, so it's not just drums, but admittedly I work on weird records) and it's living at home, I just use all the extra inputs so I don't have to repatch shit when I want to demo something. Two synths, Pod, bass DI, vocal mic, mic for hand percussion or acoustic. Nice to have, but don't need.

You'll do well, methinks. The Focusrite interfaces seem to be well-liked here.

Hopefully I will get it this week