Audio/Midi input interface for GB?

[TStat]

My son is a musician and we have used a Direct Mix USB in the past to get his guitar into the Mac. We recently bought a Tascam US 122, thinking the included software would work with OS X. Drivers were there for X, but Cubasis only works in 9 so we brought it back.
Along comes GB, which I think will perfect for him (he's 15) since he is good at iMovie/DVD, etc, and uses an iPod exclusivly for his music.
My question is: which USB input device should I buy to go along with GB? He would want to get his guitars, bass, and his Yamaha stage piano into GB to create songs. He would also use a mic at times for vocals, or to mic his instruments.
I dont know if I should re-purchase the Tascam US 122, M-Audio MobilePre USB Audio Interface, Edirol UA-20 Digital Audio Interface, etc. The Tascam has midi input/output- but I dont know if he needs that for use with GB. Like I said he has a keyboard- but it is not midi- it's a real stage piano with weighted keys.
I don't know much about midi, or what he would do with it in GB- any suggestions would be GREATLY appreciated!!

 

[tjwett]

Check out the M-Audio Ozone. It is a MIDI keyboard with USB audio interface built right into it. Very good.

 

[TStat]

Yea, that is pretty cool, but does he really need a keyboard, since he already has one? I know you can hook up midi stuff to the Yamaha piano he has, but can the Yamaha "control" midi within GB??

 

[neut]

Originally posted by TStat
Yea, that is pretty cool, but does he really need a keyboard, since he already has one? I know you can hook up midi stuff to the Yamaha piano he has, but can the Yamaha "control" midi within GB??

the the piano has MIDI outs, then yes, he can control instruments in GB with the Yamaha. your piano will become whichever instrument in GB you choose. the weighted keys will make it difficult to do drum programming though...

the edirol unit is nice...both MIDI and analog ins.


peace.

 

[TStat]

So, the devise should have midi as well as audio input/outputs for use with the Yamaha keyboard. I guess either the Edirol, or maybe I'll just go back to Guitar Center to get the Tascam US 122...anything else out there for options??

 

[margotspop]

I'm in something of the same boat myself. I know little about audio interfaces and would welcome some expert input. However, as things stand, I'm getting the Tascam. Seems to be better than the Mobile since it also does Midi and better than the Edirol since it has proper XML Mic inputs. No doubt, there are many other pros and cons for all of them but that's my reasoning. As for your son not needing MIDI, I reckon you may as well be midi-equipped should he want ot later on. After all, a large part of the attraction of GB is it's MIDI capability - and givene that MIDI keyboards are so cheap, he may well want to experiment. I know I do!

 

[neut]

Originally posted by TStat
So, the devise should have midi as well as audio input/outputs for use with the Yamaha keyboard.

the yamaha can act as either a keyboard (using the analog in/out) or a MIDI controller (using the MIDI in/out).

there are a ton of MIDI audio I/O options. get one with a pre-amp if your not using another amp before going into the device (for the mic, i assume your using an amp for the ax and bass).


peace.

 

[pixelhead]

I just picked up my US-122 This is a pretty cool unit. Sounds really good in pro tools with guitar. this will be great with GB.

I have been a recording engineer/producer for 14 years and that unit for the $ gets my vote.

 

[junior]

Originally posted by pixelhead
I just picked up my US-122 This is a pretty cool unit. Sounds really good in pro tools with guitar. this will be great with GB.

I have been a recording engineer/producer for 14 years and that unit for the $ gets my vote.

How are you getting it to work with Pro Tools? Sounds impossible...

 

[pixelhead]

Sorry. I ment to type "Live" I had Protools open on the screen in front of me and totally cheesed.

 

[neut]

Originally posted by pixelhead
Sorry. I ment to type "Live" I had Protools open on the screen in front of me and totally cheesed.

hey, i do that all the time. whatever i am thingking i'll just start writing it... it can get you into trouble sometimes .


peace.

 

[joeabell]

so will Tascam US 122 have any delay?...

as the other USB devices seem to have as posts have been written?

I am interested in plugging in a Bass guitar. and playing ONTIME to whatever the other tracks are...
let me know.

-joe

 

[pixelhead]

Playing Guitar into it I have had no delay ar lag what so ever.

 

[neut]

Re: so will Tascam US 122 have any delay?...

Originally posted by joeabell
as the other USB devices seem to have as posts have been written?

I am interested in plugging in a Bass guitar. and playing ONTIME to whatever the other tracks are...
let me know.

-joe

with a single input your lag shouldn't be significant. it will most likely be inaudible. if the song your playing on top of is already heavy, then you could experience lag, but you shouldn't record to a full mix to reduce the chance.


peace.