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Creating GET WISDOM 2: Choosing an Interface
Posted on Monday, October 22, 2007 at 3:44 PM by Jason Barker
In the first post in this series I wrote about the criteria I used in selecting a microphone, and the advantages and disadvantages in the microphone I use (the Heil PR40). In this post I'll discuss choosing an interface.
Unless you are using a high-quality USB microphone to record your podcast (like the Rode Podcaster), you will need an interface to connect a professional microphone to your computer (this is assuming, of course, that you will use software to record and/or edit your recording). I will briefly go over some of the options I considered, and then finish up with the interface I ultimately chose (which, if you only want my conclusion, is the Mackie Onxy Satellite).
I initially considered getting a simple interface with one or two mic preamps. There are a number of makes and models of entry-level interfaces, with numerous choices for USB and Firewire connections. The primary interface I originally considered, the Presonus Firebox, is extremely popular with podcasters (as well as people who want to record singing or guitar writing sessions and practices), and allows 24-bit/96k recording using Cubase LE. I also considered the M-Audio Fast Track Pro, but preferred the native 24-bit recording of the Presonus' Firewire connection.
I then began thinking about how GET WISDOM might grow down the road: might it involve more than two hosts in the future (a remote possibility, given that I live in Hooterville, but still something to be considered)? I really like the Mackie Onyx with a Firewire card, particularly for its excellent Onxy preamps, but cannot afford $1000 for a mixer. I've read good things about the Alesis MultiMix 8 with Firewire, but have also read a number of negative reviews from knowledgeable reviewers, and I also simply didn't like the feel of the mixer when I tried it out at a store. Since I will probably not need a mixer in the near future, I thus began to look away from mixers and back to simple interfaces.
It was during this research and testing that I discovered that the Mackie Onyx Satellite interface, which debuted not long ago at $400, had just been dropped to $200. The Onxy Satellite uses the same Onyx preamps as the more expensive (and, of course, more full-featured) Onyx mixer, and it also includes inputs that would make it possible to connect a mixer in the future if necessary. This made my final decision easy, and I have gone with the Mackie Onyx Satellite.
To this point I've been very pleased with the interface. Running the Heil PR40 requires running the gain at about 57 db (of 60), but there is absolutely no distortion, and the sound is quite clean. I've also had no problem using my mic processor with the interface.
Users of Apple OS X should know that, if you've updated OS X to 10.4.10, the system will not immediately recognize the Mackie interface. You will need to roll back your Firewire driver from 2.1 to 2.01 - instructions are available from Mackie. I did this, and it worked without a problem.
In my next post I will discuss choosing a mic processor (and reasons why you may choose to not use a processor). In the meantime, please keep in mind that these discussions are simply my personal experiences and opinions. For example, any of the interfaces or mixers I discuss in this post would almost certainly be adequate for creating an excellent podcast; I simply am relating my choices given my preferences and circumstances.
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