Dual Xlr

Dual Xlr
Recording studio setup?

which of these two setups are more rounded for rap/hip-hop recording?

setup 1:
Art USB DUAL PRE 2-Channel Preamp with USB $99.95
Audio Technica AT2020 $76.30
Xlr Male to Xlr Female Microphone Cable - 15 feet $5.73

setup 2:
Audio Technica AT2020 [same price]
XLR male to XLR Female Microphone Cable - 15 feet [same price]
Behringer 802 8-Input Mixer $59.04

help please...lol 10 points =)
I know that the only difference between the two is that one has an interface while the other has a mixer. In your answer, please explain the pros and cons of each. thank you.

The benefit of getting the interface is that you'll be able to go straight into your computer with usually far less noise than if you went in through your sound card or stock computer mic in and line in jacks.

Unless you've got a *really* good sound card, the line in and mic in jacks on your computer aren't made very well. They're noisy, and will limit the usable quality you'll get from your setup. Honestly, it might not be that important in the short run, but over time you'll realize how much noise is there (especially if you mix at all) and you'll wonder how to fix it.

Interfaces, by and large, have better signal-to-noise rations than sound cards, mostly because that's what they're made for, that and only that.

With an interface, unfortunately, you don't get a lot of the functionality of the mixer.... no routing or EQ or other such controls that you get real used to messing with. Interfaces are also a heck of a lot simpler - it's plug and go. The key with interfaces is getting to know your host application, ie, your software, and how to use it to do what you want digitally, and knowing how loud you can push your mic before it starts clipping. You don't want clipping.

You'll also need some headphones... you don't want to monitor yourself with computer speakers, you risk feeding back. Get some studio quality headphones if you can - that's the best for this kind've thing, you hear a flat response. You can monitor with normal headphones, but what you hear won't be what's actually recorded - normal headphones are EQ'd to make them sound louder, bassier, etc. That messed with the frequency curve and when you play your music back on another device, like a CD player, you'll end up very surprised.... I mean, a normal headphone is okay for now, if you're strapped for cash, but understand what I mean for when you do have the money, okay?

Oh yeah... are you sure you need 15'? If you're in a small room it could be too much. I've been there, that's all.

Good luck!

EDIT: Yeah, I agree that the Art stuff isn't very good as far as preamps, but see if you can find reviews first. I'm using a Lexington Alpha, recording with Reaper, and I'm incredibly happy with the results. Previous experience recording with M-Audio 2496, and the Lex has better noise figures than it did.

Saul

Check out the Dual Xlr listings below and save 20% to 70% off retail prices:

 

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Beachtek DXA-2S versus (vs) juicedLink Dual Xlr Audio Adapter - review of headroom test


 

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