Greetings everyone,
For too long now I've been using equipment that predated the stone age. I've recently saved up enough money for a much needed upgrade and had a few questions.
The headphones I used for years were Ultrasone HFI-700's and they were okay. I was just learning to compose and produce back then and they served their purpose. Their life has come to an end and I have been leaning toward a pair of Denon AH-D5000's. I seriously thought about Akg and Sennheiser HD 650's too, but due to my current working space having an open pair and sound leakage isn't going to fly. I also prefer something leaning toward bass, which was another point in the 5000's favor.
I mainly work with hip hop and alternative type beats and orchestral pieces. But even when I do those they are usually driven with deep strings (cello) and brass.
My question regarding the 5000's is would an interface like the M-audio Fast Track Ultra or Lexicon I-O 42 be enough to properly power them? Or do I need to search the market for an amp to use with my interface? And if I don't need to have an amp with the interface, if I did have one how much of a noticeable difference would it make?
I plan on plugging the interface into a computer, so Usb 2.0 is a must. And I am going to use the midi i/o for an M-audio Prokeys 88 with Ableton Suite 8. I also have a Luna II Class A FET I will be using with the interface. That being said, anyone here use Ableton or experienced any compatibility problems with it and a certain brand interface?
My last question has to do with my sound card and it is something I have had a hard time wrapping my block head around. With the setup I described, will my computer's sound card come into play or since I am going through an interface does that carry all the load?
I haven't researched cards much, but if they will make a difference, I am prepared to spend a few hundred on a decent sound card. I am currently replacing my computer too, so my current model computer doesn't matter. If I need to get a good sound card, I will build my new system around that as I will primarily be using it for producing and mixing music. And some video editing.
I am in no rush to buy at all and am weighing my options as best I can so I get a setup I am happy with for a little while. I have crammed most of this research in the last 2 days, so if I have made any blaring mistakes or miscalculations in my projected set up, help would be much appreciated. With the Denon's being about $500, that leaves the rest of my budget for an interface and whatever else I need at around 1,000 - 1,200. I have a separate budget set aside for my computer and sound card if needed, so the 1,000 or so is for the interface and and whatever else I need. Anything I can save may go toward a better pair of monitors for later.
Thanks in advance everyone. Have a good day.
