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Thanks everyone! I am leaning strongly toward the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen USB Audio Interface. It seems perfect for solo recording and provides room for a little more if I wanted to record a duet or 2-person convo like a podcast.
Sidebar question: To those of you like me who only ever record one track at a time, do you use the additional inputs mainly for the convenience of leaving a setup intact and connected? I have a 4i4 as I mentioned. I have 2 stereo amps, the spark 40 and the quilter direct amp. Whichever one I'm using is plugged in using both channels. When I record the guitar, I select the left channel and record it in mono. My mic is also connected to the left input and the amp is totally disconnected when I record vocals. For outputs.... I'm running left and right to the studio monitors. The other two outputs go to the 4 channel headphone amp. I highly recommend a headphone amp. One of those channels is used for my headphones, and one is used to power the sub. That gives me volume control of the sub independent of the speakers. 2 spares for the rare occasion when I have someone else in the studio. I agree wholeheartedly. Having headphone distribution is well worth it. Mine is 8 out but I only have 3 headphones attached, if we need more somebody can bring some 
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!
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Best small headphone amp I know is the $49.95 Mackie HM-4. Plugs into the 'phone out of your interface or PC and gives four people independent Volume control. Surprisingly flat, loud with practically no background noise and I've not seen the pair of cans it can't drive. No one has ever complained. I won't list the brands and models of the ones I sold after buying my first one. Does not come with a connecting cable. You'll need to supply a 1/4" TRS to TRS or 1/4" TRS to 1/8" TRS depending on your source (PC/Mac or interface).
BIAB 2026 Audiophile Mac
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Digital Performer11, Logic, Finale27/Dorico/Encore/SmartScore/Notion/Overture
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Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
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As your Focusrite hunch has been confirmed many times over by others, I'll just add the Rockit 5 is a good choice for a starter studio monitor. I used a pair for many years...
DC Ron
BiaB Audiophile
Presonus Studio One
ASUS I9-12900K DAW, 32 GB RAM
Presonus Faderport 16
Too many guitars (is that a thing?)
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Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
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Apprentice
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I bought one of these Presonus 24C for my laptop to be able to take my DAW on the road for remote recordings. Have also used it as backup on my primary DAW when my main interface had a power supply failure and was down a couple weeks. I have to say I have been extremely happy with it thus far . . .
Don't ever try and be like anybody else and don't be afraid to take risks. -Waylon Jennings
PC-Win 10 Pro-Intel i9 9900 3.6 GHz-32 gig ram-SSD (X3)-AMD RX 550
AUDIO INTERFACE-Presonus FP10/Firepods
SOFTWARE-Sonar X3 / BiaB 2026 UltraPAK
~Russell~
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OP
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Thanks a lot to everyone who provided advice and guidance! I read your posts, clicked your links and watched your videos (justanoldmuso gave me a looong and informative video!)
And, in the end, I bought the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen USB Audio Interface. It arrived yesterday but I have not had any time to set everything up. I feel like a kid at Christmas with these KRKs, Scarlett, cables and stands all fresh out of their boxes!!!
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I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!
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Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
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i second rharv's comment....enjoy.
make some hits.
re FR interface.
it looks like there is now a 4th gen fr special anniversary edition.
with a gain range of 69 db ??
i like this cos as i said upthread my crit of lots of interfaces was limited gain range.
one reason i like ssl interfaces was gain range.
_______________________________________________________
for any lurkers looking to buy an interface....
imho too many people buy any interface without assessing what their short and longer term needs are.
as the interface is the core of ones studio i believe the best way to select an interface is either get an interface with a 30 day return..
eg off amazon and other vendors...OR rent a number of interfaces
and test in ones studio against ones needs....includeing low latency asio drivers.
this is what i do....so far ive found it the best way cos my needs might be different from other peoples. cant beat in studio testing imho.
i do this with any gear.
happiness.
om
Last edited by justanoldmuso; 06/18/26 06:27 AM.
my songs....mixed for good earbuds...(fyi..my vocs on all songs..) https://soundcloud.com/alfsongs(90 songs created useing bb/rb) (lots of tips of mine in pg tips forum.)
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Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
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OP
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Fun update!
Last night I checked the Amazon price on the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen USB Audio Interface and noticed it is now $189 which is $35 less than I paid! Since I am an Amazon Prime member and I was still within the 30-day $0 fee refund window, I decided to return mine and buy another. Hey, they play pricing games and so can I! Well, anyway, I started the return and just before submitting it an Amazon window I had never seen before nor heard of pops up and says "Would you like to keep the item and get a partial refund instead? If you choose to keep it, we'll refund you $45, plus any applicable tax." Well, of course I said YES and they immediately put $48.26 back in my account! So, I got the Scarlett for $179 and didn't have to do any return stuff!
Some days you really DO get the bear!
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Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
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Joined: May 2000
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Veteran
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Heh Told you that you'd find a better price!
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!
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Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
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OP
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Heh Told you that you'd find a better price! Ha! Yes, indeed you did! And you were right! 😁🤑
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Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
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Joined: May 2017
Posts: 1,686
Expert
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Expert
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 1,686 |
Defo M AUDIO Air the bees knees .
win 10 64 bit 16gb,i7 chip, ssd 500gb, m-audio air, ,Roland BK-7M, 1000,shure sm7b,sonar,acid,mixcraft, variety of plugins.Sample tank 3,Kontakt. TC Helicon Voicelive 3 2 . https://beatmaster1.bandcamp.com/releases
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Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
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Defo M AUDIO Air the bees knees . While I agree with you that for price/feature/performance, the M•Audio AIR line is the best around, the AIR interfaces have been discontinued. Only the 1–2 channel interfaces have been superseded with something newer. Amazon still has a new one for $329. eBay and other sites have them in the $150–$300 range. Besides M•Audio, I have a large number of interfaces from MOTU, Mackie, Zoom and a Neuman MT 48. My AIR 192|14 is the one normally sitting on my desktop. 4 mic/instrument CombiJacks (phantom switchable 1–2. 3–4) with enough gain to drive an SM7b + 2 instrument level Ins + 2 line level Ins all with separate USB Outs to your DAW + 4 Analog out incl. 2 Monitor + 4 Ins from your DAW over USB including Loopback + 2 headphone amps + MIDI + USB I/O blend control + power supply & on/off switch (I like to turn it off when not in use) + software suite (that I have never used) + telephone support (yes, M•Audio answers the phone). I also like the top-mounted controls. M•Audio AIR 192|14 ![[Linked Image - Only viewable when logged in]](https://www.pgmusic.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=download&Number=32808&filename=Screenshot 2026-07-19 at 11.27.15 AM.png)
BIAB 2026 Audiophile Mac
24Core/60CoreGPU M2 MacStudioUltra/8TB/192GB Sequoia/Tahoe, M1 & M5 MBAir, 2012 MBP
Digital Performer11, Logic, Finale27/Dorico/Encore/SmartScore/Notion/Overture
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Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
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SO is there 8 total Ins on that?
I assumed 6, but you added context that makes me rethink my assumption
8 in and 8 to computer (USB)?
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!
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Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
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SO is there 8 total Ins on that?
I assumed 6, but you added context that makes me rethink my assumption
8 in and 8 to computer (USB)? Yes. Every analog In has a direct Out over USB. There is no mixer. In your DAW, each will present as a single input to Mono tracks. For Stereo tracks, 1 (Combi/Mic), 3 (Combi/Mic), 5 (Instrument), 7 (Line) are panned hard L; 2 (Combi/Mic), 4 (Combi/Mic), 6 (Instrument), 8 (Line) are panned hard R. The AIR lets you monitor Mono or Stereo to either headphone amp or both as you can see by the switches. I have a Radial J+4 Stereo Line Driver active DI connected to 7/8 for such things as my iPads, cassette deck, turntable etc. I still do a lot of audio restoration and this connects to anything.
BIAB 2026 Audiophile Mac
24Core/60CoreGPU M2 MacStudioUltra/8TB/192GB Sequoia/Tahoe, M1 & M5 MBAir, 2012 MBP
Digital Performer11, Logic, Finale27/Dorico/Encore/SmartScore/Notion/Overture
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Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
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I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!
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Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
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i gotta say one thing. i'm amazed that audient interfaces arent looked at more closely on these pg forums. eg audient mark 2 id's...whereas on other studio forums they are praised like crazy. ive had zilch probs from day one... and believe me i'm the most critical sob when it comes to studio gear. NOW...i'm not knocking other brands...i'm just surprised that more people dont look at audient....thats all. what i find interesting is occasionally we get people on pg here with all sort of probs...whereas i never had to do anything in bb or rb. they just recognised the audient and i was off and running tickety boo. the other reason i'm happy is the drivers...ne're a prob. and NO...before someone asks I DONT WORK FOR AUDIENT. i just like gear that works from the get go. interestingly enough for s's and giggles in a similar vein ive been testing 20 buk mics...YEP...only 20 buks....and comparing to big studio mics i once owned....and gosh ive been amazed for such a daft price. especially good for live with beer bottles flying...lol...and one doesnt want a 1k mic to get damaged. i did a test with my wife...sang thru a expensive mic and then a 20 bukker...my wife said 'i cant tell the diff'...lol...there is so much nice low cost gear out there. and yes Mike i agree about your maudio. ps..on amazon i'm seeing crazy under 100 buk interfaces coming out. high bit/sampling rates etc..might test one for s's and giggles when ive got time. link... remember to test within the return guarantee period... https://www.amazon.ca/usb-audio-interface/s?k=usb+audio+interfaceit'll be interesting to see this fall if there is new tech studio gear that knocks ones socks off.... happiness to all. om
Last edited by justanoldmuso; 07/22/26 08:22 AM.
my songs....mixed for good earbuds...(fyi..my vocs on all songs..) https://soundcloud.com/alfsongs(90 songs created useing bb/rb) (lots of tips of mine in pg tips forum.)
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Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
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Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 2,149
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Your link to Audient doesn't work.
BIAB 2026 Audiophile Mac
24Core/60CoreGPU M2 MacStudioUltra/8TB/192GB Sequoia/Tahoe, M1 & M5 MBAir, 2012 MBP
Digital Performer11, Logic, Finale27/Dorico/Encore/SmartScore/Notion/Overture
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Ask sales and support questions about Band-in-a-Box using natural language.
ChatPG's knowledge base includes the full Band-in-a-Box User Manual and sales information from the website.
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Introducing XPro Styles PAK 11 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2026 and Higher!
XPro Styles PAK 11 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box® version 2026 (and higher) is here with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 31 RealTracks/RealDrums!
Guess who’s back again? That’s right! It’s our XPro Styles PAK’s triumphant return with the 11th edition in this series! 100 new styles are coming your way spread across the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres. And this edition's wildcard genre explores the immense and far-reaching catalogue of electronic music! The included 31 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
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Video: XPro Styles PAK 11 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2026 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
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Xtra Styles PAK 22 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2026 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
It’s time to celebrate! Xtra Styles PAK 22 for Band-in-a-Box® is here, and we've got 200 brand-new styles coming your way!
No Xtra Styles PAK is complete without the classic rock & pop, jazz, and country volumes you know and love, and we’ve got plenty to share, with 150 styles spread across too many genres to list! Of course, it also wouldn’t be complete with our special wildcard volume to add a little spice and pizzazz to the mix. This year, because we loved it so much the first time, we’ve decided to make the second iteration of our SynthMaster volume, full of new sounds, interesting genres, and 50 engaging styles, all making use of the diverse SynthMaster plugin! Here you can find genres such as airy yacht rock, sultry electrotango, and even some synth soca funk. Don’t wait, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 22 today!
In this PAK you can find: dulcet folk ballads, funky gospel country, Brazilian jazz fusion, upbeat 1980s pop, classic Americana, a plethora of breezy bossa novas, indie singer-songwriter, scintillating synthwave, exuberant electronica, and many, many more!
Special offers available until August 31st, 2026!
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Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 22.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 22 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 22 requires the 2026 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
Introducing XPro Styles PAK 11 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2026 and Higher!
XPro Styles PAK 11 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box® version 2026 (and higher) is here with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 31 RealTracks/RealDrums!
Guess who’s back again? That’s right! It’s our XPro Styles PAK’s triumphant return with the 11th edition in this series! 100 new styles are coming your way spread across the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres. And this edition's wildcard genre explores the immense and far-reaching catalogue of electronic music! The included 31 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Special offers available until August 31st, 2026!
All the XPro Styles PAKs 1-11 are on sale for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of XPro Styles PAKs.
Video: XPro Styles PAK 11 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2026 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 22 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2026 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 22 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2026 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
It’s time to celebrate! Xtra Styles PAK 22 for Band-in-a-Box® is here, and we've got 200 brand-new styles coming your way!
No Xtra Styles PAK is complete without the classic rock & pop, jazz, and country volumes you know and love, and we’ve got plenty to share, with 150 styles spread across too many genres to list! Of course, it also wouldn’t be complete with our special wildcard volume to add a little spice and pizzazz to the mix. This year, because we loved it so much the first time, we’ve decided to make the second iteration of our SynthMaster volume, full of new sounds, interesting genres, and 50 engaging styles, all making use of the diverse SynthMaster plugin! Here you can find genres such as airy yacht rock, sultry electrotango, and even some synth soca funk. Don’t wait, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 22 today!
In this PAK you can find: dulcet folk ballads, funky gospel country, Brazilian jazz fusion, upbeat 1980s pop, classic Americana, a plethora of breezy bossa novas, indie singer-songwriter, scintillating synthwave, exuberant electronica, and many, many more!
Special offers available until August 31st, 2026!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1-22 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 22 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 22.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 22 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 22 requires the 2026 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
Peter Gannon Talks Band-in-a-Box with zplane
zplane recently interviewed Peter Gannon, the founder and creator of Band-in-a-Box, about the software's early days, what sets it apart from AI, how zplane's audio algorithms are used in Band-in-a-Box, and more!
Special thanks to the team at zplane for their continued support.
Check out the full interview here: https://products.zplane.de/blog/peter-gannon-interview-pg-music
Last Chance! The Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® Special Ends Today (May 31, 2026) at 11:59pm PDT!
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Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac Special Offers Extended Until May 31st!
Good news- we've extended our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® special offers until May 31, 2026!
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Check out the Band-in-a-Box® for Mac packages page to find the best package for you.
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