Interface Device Suggestions

[Kpu1127]

I am setting up a small home recording studio based around Pro Tool 9. I currently have an Alesis DM-10 Studio electronic drum set that I want to be able to assign the individual kit pieces to independent tracks via Midi (I am currently doing this with my MBox 2). I also need analog inputs for 2 guitars, a bass, and two microphones.

Based on these requirements I need an 8 channel analog mixer that has Midi. I can't seem to locate such a device with the exception of the Digi 003 which is out of my price range. It appears that the Profire 2626, or the Presonus FireStudio will handle the requirement, but I was hoping to avoid a software mixer. Even with a dual monitor setup, I would rather avoid having another open window if possible.

Is there something out there that I'm missing or did I just list all available options? Perhaps a different way to accomplish this I'm not aware of?

Thanks in advance.

[Park Seward]

How 'bout a used 002?

[Kpu1127]

Definitely a reasonable suggestion. I am always a bit hesitant about buying used gear doe to some bad experiences in the past. Given my price range (ideally <$700), I may not have many other choices.

[Kpu1127]

A separate thought...is it possible to run two interface devices simultaneously? For example, a USB midi interface (Midisport or other) to handle the drums and then a firewire mixer like the Mackie 1620i for everything else?

[albee1952]

Originally Posted by Kpu1127

A separate thought...is it possible to run two interface devices simultaneously? For example, a USB midi interface (Midisport or other) to handle the drums and then a firewire mixer like the Mackie 1620i for everything else?

This will not work. You can use an interface (such as 002 or 003) that can be expanded with a lightpipe preamp(like the Presonus D8). That would make for a total of 16 inputs between the 2 devices(but Pro Tools will see all 16 inputs as coming into the 002/003). A used 002rack is easily found for around $450-500. Now if you go with PT9, then Mackie has a mixer with firewire that would work fine(1640i is the model if I remember correctly).