What Self-Contained Units Have The Best Pre-Amps?

[googoobaby]

I've been using a Mackie Spike connected to a Windows laptop running Tracktion. For a variety of work reasons, I recently replaced it with a newer system running Linux so my interface isn't really useful anymore (and it was somewhat weird, anyway, though Tracktion is cool).

I'm thinking of moving to a standalone recorder, and just using the computer for later editing and mastering where the interface latency and support issues aren't critical.

Which standalones have the best pre-amps? I need something between three and four channels, and preferably the ability to let me use my own mics.

Thanks for any advice offered, even if to tell me I'm going down a wrong road here.

[loudboy]

I would advise against a stand-alone. They're hardr to use, not upgradable, and nowhere's near as flexible.

Most interfaces now have zero-latency monitoring.

The RME stuff is probably the best, for the prosumer market.

Loudboy

[david henman]

I would advise against a stand-alone. They're hardr to use, not upgradable, and nowhere's near as flexible. Loudboy


...i strongly disagree.

standalones are beautifully and perfectly designed for players like me, while computers are definitely not.

i have absolutely no use for the so-called "benefits" of computer-based setups.

my time, as a player, singer, writer and bandleader, is absolutely precious, and cannot be spent programming, sampling, editing, cutting, pasting, modelling, etc etc etc etc etc.

i need to be able to plug in at least a dozen mics and record at least a dozen channels simultaneously. the recorded tracks are left untouched - no compression, limiting, eq, delays, reverb etc whatsoever. for that, i send the tracks to a pro studio where they are mixed and mastered by someone who deidicates him/herself to mastering those specific skills.

-dh

[david henman]

Which standalones have the best pre-amps?

...in my experience, korg.

-dh

[googoobaby]

Thanks! I appreciate that.

[franksguitar]

I've had good results with a Korg D1600 w/CD and optically link a Tascam DP01FX and a Marantz Master CD burner, Mackie, Tascam digital & Alessis boards and the ability to have removable hard drives and have a spare 40 gig. I also use onboard and outboard gear, DI's, tube preamps etc. I also have a Fostex A8 reel to reel for analog, a Fostex MR8 and Tascam 4 track cassette and Zoom H2. I have computer based stuff with an MAudio interface as well on PC, but takes too long and always run into latency issues.