|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 12,808
Veteran
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 12,808 |
Almost 10 years with my MAudio Audiophile 192 PCI card. Time to move on. Need more than two inputs for flexibility. So many USB/Firewire interfaces to choose from. But I don't want to go backwards in quality sound. So I have studied the market and have selected the: MOTU Audio Express What do you think??
BIAB – 2026, Reaper (current), i7-12700F Processor, 32GB DDR4-3200MHz RAM, Motu Audio Express 6x6 - My SoundCloud.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,869
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,869 |
Its obviously a decent bit of kit.
I have firewire Focusrite stuff. The firewire on my PC eventually went down, see firewire likes to be treated like a lady and does not like its plugs yanks out and shoved back in without power down - eventually it screams and feints. Had to buy a firecard.
USb2 is old tech but may be absolutely fine for data flow, I do not have the intelligence ot understand the bandwitdth signal flow stuff.
A general point, I find the silence on all cards to be different, some are fireside warm and others cold and clinical like a operating theatre. I suppose I have upgraded my sound card 10 times or so since 1951, it has not been necessarily true that the more money I paid the 'better' the silence. When I say silence I really mean the general character that imbues a card - aurally. The character that is present both in the silinece and in the way it serves up the sounds.
JMD you did not say what requirements you have for inputs and outputs, maybe you wish to plan for a few extra inputs, just in case? It's just a consideration.
One thing I have done is route my stuff through, a patch bay to bring all the inputs from the back to easy access front. I find that useful here.
Z
Win 11 64, Asus Rog Strix z390 mobo, 64 gig RAM, 8700k
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 12,808
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 12,808 |
The input is much appreciated. thanks.
BIAB – 2026, Reaper (current), i7-12700F Processor, 32GB DDR4-3200MHz RAM, Motu Audio Express 6x6 - My SoundCloud.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 2,732
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 2,732 |
I see the unit you want has both firewire and USB, that's cool. Between that and Focusrite products, you should be good on whichever you purchase.
Boring rant: Back when those M-Audio interfaces came out, I had a GadgetLabs 8x8 PCI new in 1999. M-Audio kind of became popular and GadgetLabs went out of business. The card ran very well and I just switched to the Focurite this year since it was hard to make GadgetLabs work on newer operating systems and music software.
 Steve BIAB/RB 2022, Pro Tools 2020, Korg N5, JBL LSR 4328 Powered Monitors, AKG/Shure Mics.
PC: Win11 PRO, 4 TB M2 SSD, 2 TB HD, 128 GB Memory
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,735
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,735 |
I like that the MOTU has both firewire and USB.
I have a Focusrite Saffire Firewire interface.... 2 inputs and 8 assignable outs. I have them set up as 4 stereo pairs.
If I had to buy again, I would likely go with USB since it is not a picky as FW can be with wanting the proper chip set to work the way we need. I guess I have been fortunate because it is solid on my stock Dell off the shelf lappy and the same on the custom machine I built from various parts.
As far a music sound quality..... there will be no difference. Or...lets put it this way, there shouldn't be any difference. Digital is digital.... regardless if it's a $40 gamer sound card or a top of the line studio 64 input interface costing thousands. Sampling rates, bit depths, should all be the same from the cheap cards to the high dollar studio stuff. Of course, I'm not saying here that a $40 gamer card is as good as a nice interface, because there's no way I'd want to use a $40 gamer card for recording..... no way......... I'm only saying the digital stuff happening inside is the same.
MOTU is good stuff to my understanding.... It looked like you came up a bit short on inputs though. They claim 6 inputs, but only 2 for low impedance mics and 2 were line in and then SPDIF.....
Don't let all that stuff about 4 unique mixes to the outputs fool you..... that's internal to the interface in it's control panel (software) and it's generally a pain to set up and run... because you also have your OTHER mixes.....into the recording DAW to consider as well.... in my Saffire, I too have the ability to patch different mixes to the 8 outputs..... however, I went in when I first got it and set them up as stereo outs in pairs.... 4 pairs. I have not gone back in since to do a single thing to change it. There's also likely some DSP FX in there.... EQ, verb, comp..... word of advice.... leave them off or go very, very light. Get the FX in the DAW.
All in all, I think the MOTU will be a nice interface. It supports ASIO..... so that's my first and most important point. It has phantom power, 2 easy inputs, and dual firewire/USB.... it would work in my studio.
Plus....and importantly..... it looks cool with all those pretty lights and bar meters on the front. Place a LAVA light strategically on top or beside it, and that will improve the sound quality by another 50% or more.
You can find my music at: www.herbhartley.comAdd nothing that adds nothing to the music. You can make excuses or you can make progress but not both. The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 12,808
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 12,808 |
It looked like you came up a bit short on inputs though. They claim 6 inputs, but only 2 for low impedance mics and 2 were line in and then SPDIF..... I'm confused. I have a condenser mic (Rode NT1A) with a separate preamp unit (VTB1). Can I plug the Rode into the preamp than the line out from there to the line in of the Motu? And can my dynamic mic (SM57) go into a line in? Or should all mics go into a low impedance input.
Plus....and importantly..... it looks cool with all those pretty lights and bar meters on the front. Place a LAVA light strategically on top or beside it, and that will improve the sound quality by another 50% or more.
Ain't that the truth.
BIAB – 2026, Reaper (current), i7-12700F Processor, 32GB DDR4-3200MHz RAM, Motu Audio Express 6x6 - My SoundCloud.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 5,139
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 5,139 |
“As far a music sound quality..... there will be no difference. Or...lets put it this way, there shouldn't be any difference. Digital is digital.... regardless if it's a $40 gamer sound card or a top of the line studio 64 input interface costing thousands. Sampling rates, bit depths, should all be the same from the cheap cards to the high dollar studio stuff. Of course, I'm not saying here that a $40 gamer card is as good as a nice interface, because there's no way I'd want to use a $40 gamer card for recording..... no way......... I'm only saying the digital stuff happening inside is the same.”
You are disregarding the importance of A/D and D/A conversion. There is a world of difference between low end and high end interfaces when it comes to conversion. "Digital" is not just digital. That's why pro studios spend big bucks on D/A converters, clocks, etc.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 5,139
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 5,139 |
“I'm confused. I have a condenser mic (Rode NT1A) with a separate preamp unit (VTB1). Can I plug the Rode into the preamp than the line out from there to the line in of the Motu?” Yes, you can. Be aware that you are introducing another link in your signal chain using the VTB-1 though. It will probably introduce some noise into your signal. It's a great little pre (I have one) for the warming effect of the tube, but it's not the quietest box around. Try it both ways. “And can my dynamic mic (SM57) go into a line in? Or should all mics go into a low impedance input.” The 57 is a low impedance mic. Use a low impedance mic input. “Impedance Rated impedance is 150Ω (310Ω actual) for connection to
microphone inputs rated low impedance.”http://cdn.shure.com/specification_sheet/upload/81/us_pro_sm57_specsheet.pdfRegards, Bob
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 12,808
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 12,808 |
Great.
Here is what the MOTU has:
Two mic/guitar combo jacks - provide hi-Z 1/4" guitar input or XLR mic input with phantom power, 20dB pad, Precision Digital Trim, and plenty of gain.
Stereo analog inputs - on line-level, balanced TRS quarter-inch jacks. Great for keyboards or other line level-input signals
For my mic and guitar inputs it looks like only the two should be used? Unless I use the line in for a condenser mic with a preamp. Is that right?
BIAB – 2026, Reaper (current), i7-12700F Processor, 32GB DDR4-3200MHz RAM, Motu Audio Express 6x6 - My SoundCloud.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 5,139
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 5,139 |
Great.
Here is what the MOTU has:
Two mic/guitar combo jacks - provide hi-Z 1/4" guitar input or XLR mic input with phantom power, 20dB pad, Precision Digital Trim, and plenty of gain.
Stereo analog inputs - on line-level, balanced TRS quarter-inch jacks. Great for keyboards or other line level-input signals
For my mic and guitar inputs it looks like only the two should be used? Unless I use the line in for a condenser mic with a preamp. Is that right?
How many sources do you intend to record at the same time? If it's just a mic and guitar, plug the mic into the XLR with phantom power, and the guitar into the high-Z input. If you're running your LDC through the VTB-1, use a line level input on the Motu.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 12,808
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 12,808 |
It is done! The Motu will arrive next Tuesday from Sweetwater. Thanks all. I will be back with questions as they arise.
BIAB – 2026, Reaper (current), i7-12700F Processor, 32GB DDR4-3200MHz RAM, Motu Audio Express 6x6 - My SoundCloud.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,913
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,913 |
I can vouch that the Sound Quality of the mic pre-amp varies wildly from interface to interface.
My cards I've had during my PC based home recording years, and the reasons I've changed:
Sound Blaster AWE - no mic preamps
Changed to the next in line to have front-of PC connection
Sound Blaster Live Platinum
Changed to the next in line to have in-built mic preamps and move between desktop and laptop for recording PCs at will
PreSonus Firebox - 2 mic preamps that were pretty noisy
Changed to the below because my laptop with firewire became my only recording PC and it died, and laptops with TI firewire chipsets were then astronomically priced
Tascam US-800 - either 6 or 8 really clean pre-amps but the worst driver software ever written for a soundcard.
Switched for more inputs so that I don't have to patchbay anything, or swap-in/out and to just plain get rid of that Tascam US-800
Focusrite Scarlett 18i8
The Scarlett 18i8 seems to have pretty clean pre-amps.
As for needing your VTB-1, you don't need it with the MOTU as 90 dB stated above.
The MOTU should hold it's value very well. I've had my hands on MOTU stuff but never had the right amount of money at the time. One thing that might be really useful to you is that it can be used completely stand-alone as a line mixer. You never know when that might come in handy. Just one such example: If you ever play out with a small band or sit in but can't take an amp and need to rely on amp simulation, then you should be able to use this for a 'more me' monitoring mixer if the FOH engineer will give you a copy of his main mix. The other nice thing about MOTU stuff is that they have proper VU meters on all the inputs - this is still unfortunately rare in I/O devices.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 12,808
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 12,808 |
It is done! The Motu will arrive next Tuesday from Sweetwater. Thanks all. I will be back with questions as they arise. Got a FedEx message that package was delivered to front door. But wait, at the same moment I am looking at my front door and there is no package!!  So a "ticket" has been opened. I am told the driver now has two days to figure out where he left my package. If I don't see it arrive in the next two days I can then call FedEx again. Merry Christmas.
BIAB – 2026, Reaper (current), i7-12700F Processor, 32GB DDR4-3200MHz RAM, Motu Audio Express 6x6 - My SoundCloud.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 5,139
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 5,139 |
It is done! The Motu will arrive next Tuesday from Sweetwater. Thanks all. I will be back with questions as they arise. Got a FedEx message that package was delivered to front door. But wait, at the same moment I am looking at my front door and there is no package!! So a "ticket" has been opened. I am told the driver now has two days to figure out where he left my package. If I don't see it arrive in the next two days I can then call FedEx again. Merry Christmas. Bummer. I read that the thieves are extremely active this time of year - they drive around looking for packages on porches and grab them. Merry Christmas, right?  I hope I'm wrong, and you get your Motu soon. Regards, Bob
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 12,808
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 12,808 |
My neighbor one street over (same house number different street name) delivered the unit this morning.
1 hour with Firewire - no joy
5 minutes with USB and I was up and running.
Dan
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,483
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,483 |
Good to know the neighbors are honest .. or maybe they're just Focusrite fans.
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 12,808
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 12,808 |
My friend at Sweetwater, Chris, says his engineers want to talk with me about the Fire wire. Those guys are pretty good!
BIAB – 2026, Reaper (current), i7-12700F Processor, 32GB DDR4-3200MHz RAM, Motu Audio Express 6x6 - My SoundCloud.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 2,732
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 2,732 |
Those guys are pretty good! Agreed. I've been working with them on my high end purchases of the last year, the monitors, 6i6, and a guitar.
Steve BIAB/RB 2022, Pro Tools 2020, Korg N5, JBL LSR 4328 Powered Monitors, AKG/Shure Mics.
PC: Win11 PRO, 4 TB M2 SSD, 2 TB HD, 128 GB Memory
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,351
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,351 |
Those guys are pretty good! Agreed. I've been working with them on my high end purchases of the last year, the monitors, 6i6, and a guitar. I have been doing business with them for years. They are very good at customer service.
I think my wife has started to show the first signs of dementia.
She said she can't remember what she ever saw in me!
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 2,608
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 2,608 |
I 've purchased a few things from Sweetwater. Nice guys to work with. I always pay the extra 4 bucks or so that requires a signature at delivery. Ray
Asus Q500A i7 Win 10 64 bit 8GB ram 750 HD 15.5" touch screen, BIAB 2017, Casio PX 5s, Xw P1, Center Point Stereo SS V3 and EWI 4000s.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ask sales and support questions about Band-in-a-Box using natural language.
ChatPG's knowledge base includes the full Band-in-a-Box User Manual and sales information from the website.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows Special Offers End Tomorrow (January 15th, 2026) at 11:59 PM PST!
Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PST on Thursday, January 15, 2026!
We've added many major new features and new content in a redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!
Version 2026 introduces a modernized GUI redesign across the program, with updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, and a new Dark Mode option. There’s also a new side toolbar for quicker access to commonly used windows, and the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, making it easier to customize your workspace.
Another exciting new addition is the new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. You can view the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to process an entire track or focus on specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.
There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
Upgrade your Band-in-a-Box for Windows to save up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade packages!
Plus, when you order your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade during our special, you'll receive a Free Bonus PAK of exciting new add-ons.
If you need any help deciding which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We are here to help!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® Special Offers Extended Until January 15, 2026!
Good news! You still have time to upgrade to the latest version of Band-in-a-Box® for Windows® and save. Our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® special now runs through January 15, 2025!
We've packed Band-in-a-Box® 2026 with major new features, enhancements, and an incredible lineup of new content! The program now sports a sleek, modern GUI redesign across the entire interface, including updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, a new dark mode option, and more. The brand-new side toolbar provides quicker access to key windows, while the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, creating a flexible, clutter-free workspace. We have an amazing new “AI-Notes” feature. This transcribes polyphonic audio into MIDI so you can view it in notation or play it back as MIDI. You can process an entire track (all pitched instruments and drums) or focus on individual parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.
When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PST on January 15th, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® today! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all the purchase options available.
Happy New Year!
Thank you for being part of the Band-in-a-Box® community.
Wishing you and yours a very happy 2026—Happy New Year from all of us at PG Music!
Season's Greetings!
Wishing everyone a happy, healthy holiday season—thanks for being part of our community!
The office will be closed for Christmas Day, but we will be back on Boxing Day (Dec 26th) at 6:00am PST.
Team PG
Band-in-a-Box 2026 Video: The Newly Designed Piano Roll Window
In this video, we explore the updated Piano Roll, complete with a modernized look and exciting new features. You’ll see new filtering options that make it easy to focus on specific note groups, smoother and more intuitive note entry and editing, and enhanced options for zooming, looping, and more.
Watch the video.
You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!
Band-in-a-Box 2026 Video: AI Stems & Notes - split polyphonic audio into instruments and transcribe
This video demonstrates how to use the new AI-Notes feature together with the AI-Stems splitter, allowing you to select an audio file and have it separated into individual stems while transcribing each one to its own MIDI track. AI-Notes converts polyphonic audio—either full mixes or individual instruments—into MIDI that you can view in notation or play back instantly.
Watch the video.
You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!
Bonus PAK and 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®
With your version 2026 for Windows Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, Audiophile Edition or PlusPAK purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons for FREE! Or upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK for only $49 to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks!
These PAKs are loaded with additional add-ons to supercharge your Band-in-a-Box®!
This Free Bonus PAK includes:
- The 2026 RealCombos Booster PAK:
-For Pro customers, this includes 27 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles.
-For MegaPAK customers, this includes 25 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles.
-For UltraPAK customers, this includes 12 new RealStyles.
- MIDI Styles Set 92: Look Ma! More MIDI 15: Latin Jazz
- MIDI SuperTracks Set 46: Piano & Organ
- Instrumental Studies Set 24: Groovin' Blues Soloing
- Artist Performance Set 19: Songs with Vocals 9
- Playable RealTracks Set 5
- RealDrums Stems Set 9: Cool Brushes
- SynthMaster Sounds Set 1 (with audio demos)
- Android Band-in-a-Box® App (included)
Looking for more great add-ons, then upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49 and you'll get:
- 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums with 20 RealStyle.
- FLAC Files (lossless audio files) for the 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums
- MIDI Styles Set 93: Look Ma! More MIDI 16: SynthMaster
- MIDI SuperTracks Set 47: More SynthMaster
- Instrumental Studies 25 - Soul Jazz Guitar Soloing
- Artist Performance Set 20: Songs with Vocals 10
- RealDrums Stems Set 10: Groovin' Sticks
- SynthMaster Sounds & Styles Set 2 (sounds & styles with audio demos)
Learn more about the Bonus PAKs for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics85,821
Posts796,639
Members39,968
| |
Most Online25,754
Jan 24th, 2025
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean