Hi,

I have an imac core 2 duo, nice mics - I am currently looking for a suitable audio interface.

My question is do I need a mic pre-amp?

I plan to record acoustic guitars and vocals.

Thanks,

Nick

Yes you need a pre-amp, but the audio interface may include some of it's own.

It also depends on which software you want to use. If you want to use ProTools, you have to either use specified M-Audio or Digidesign hardware. If you use Cubase SX or Sonar, I believe the PreSonus Firepod is a nice interface, but I would recommend going to your closest big music store (like a guitar center) and check out the options that are available.
_________________
Bob Seifert, SEIT
LiveSine Productions
Drummer of 3up3down

Crimson, please do not take this post as an offense, just trying to steer in the correct direction.



Software does not play a factor here. The question was whether a preamp was necessary or not, and a preamp is necessary.

Another false statement you have:

Quote:

If you want to use ProTools, you have to either use specified M-Audio or Digidesign hardware.

Protools or Cubase or whatever software you choose is not dependant on a piece of hardware.

You can use protools or cubase (not recommended of course) with a Soundblaster 8X8 if you wanted, or even the cheesy onboard stuff.

The point being made, is SOME hardware has microphone pre-amps built in, and (this is a personal opinion of course)the PreSonus Firepod is not my cup of tea.

I apologize if I was incorrect in my previous statement about the software, the information I have gotten is that ProTools only worked with specific hardware i.e. Delta 1010. That was the way it appeared on DigiDesign's website, I guess I mistook the way the material was presented. Sorry Rhone and nic especially as I don't want to mislead.
_________________
Bob Seifert, SEIT
LiveSine Productions
Drummer of 3up3down

Nic978k wrote:

Hi, I have an imac core 2 duo, nice mics - I am currently looking for a suitable audio interface. My question is do I need a mic pre-amp? I plan to record acoustic guitars and vocals. Thanks, Nick

I'm pretty sure you only need a pre-amp if you're going to use a condenser microphone (which would probably be a good idea). If you're using a dynamic mic or anything else that doesn't need phantom power, you don't need a pre-amp. Most decent audio interfaces will have pre-amps on them though.

henrysugar wrote:

I'm pretty sure you only need a pre-amp if you're going to use a condenser microphone (which would probably be a good idea). If you're using a dynamic mic or anything else that doesn't need phantom power, you don't need a pre-amp. Most decent audio interfaces will have pre-amps on them though.

You actually need a preamp no matter what type of mic you use. Mic signals are very weak, so you need something to boost the signal to a usable level.