Presonus FP-10 Vs Tascam US-1641

[catchthatmonkey]

Hey guys i was actually just netting around and discovered the Tascam US-1641.I was actually pretty set on getting the Presonus FP-10 but after seeing the tascam im having second thoughts. As can be seen its basically the same concept but different methods of transfering one being a Firewire Ans The other A USB 2.0. One of the reasong the tascam caught my eye was that it had 16 simultaneous inputs whereas the FP-10 only has 8 but what really wanting to know is whether if u compare them side by side would one sound better?And Plus both are the same price or is there any other products like this recommended for a budget within 500USD

[s2amps]

FP10 hands-down. It has two critical advantages. One is the quality of the preamps. Presonus' XMAX preamps kill Tascam's. The other is FireWire vs USB2.0. FireWire is far superior for audio applications. Some quick Googling will reveal why.

Another thing I notice is the device is really only 14 inputs unless you count the digital, which means you would need to slave another digital interface to be able to use them. So it is really 8 mic pres and 6 line inputs. The line inputs require external pres and special cabling to be very useful. I don't think you are really gaining very much with the Tascam unless you want to spring for outboard gear to get more than 8 usable inputs.

The FP10 actually has 10 inputs plus digital, so you can use 8 mics, 2 line inputs, and 2 digital inputs simultaneously. You can daisy-chain 2 or more FP10's together to get more inputs if you need them in the future. This is another big plus. It is almost always cheaper to add another FP10 to the mix than to buy the outboard gear needed to fully take advantage of the Tascam unless you happen to already own such equipment.

[Sabatur Pro Aud]

I agree with s2amps...

I have personally used the firepod, in fact I had 3 diasy chained together and there were no issues at all. The pre's are great!

Now, not taking anything away from the Tascam becuase they make some great products! In fact, I use the firepods now as more of a mobil recording and have 2-DM4800's in my studio. Now, that's a machine!!

[catchthatmonkey]

Hey thanks for the advice man... really put it back into perspective...

[Gasp100]

I just went with a presonus Firestudio. It was B stock, but I think it should be okay. If not, I just send it back!
I also ordered Mackie MR8's. The should be good for playing the AxeFX through and monitoring the simple mixes I make.
I agree with the others, the pre's on the presonus are supposed to be pretty nice/clean. I went with the Firestudio instead of the FP10 because "supposedly" (if you believe Presonus) the firestudio uses better A/D converters... although the AxeFX has SDIF out anyway... hmm... just thought of that :mad:

[raja95]

Okay, thanks for that. I'm serious about buying the FP10 but i noticed it doesn't have a monitor ins. So what should i do about that?