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Which is better a no-frills USB interface with just a couple of inputs or a Mixer with an integrated USB interface.
Last edited by dga; 06/04/16 11:59 AM.
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What is your purpose for asking? Both will only have 2 channels for input for simultaneous recording
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There's good and bad examples of both.
It usually comes down to what you need and how much you're willing to pay.
ROG.
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As you know DGA, I use a power mixer pre-amp (a Eurorack) with phantom power going out to the left channel of a 2-channel Focusrite USB Audio interface. That Focusrite USB cable then goes to the computer. (Thus I keep the phantom power on the Focurite off and just use it as an in, two channel.) That is, the path is instrument to preamp, out to Focusrite, into computer.
I do that so I can get more "juice" without overloading the gain on the Focusrite, I also have control over the EQing using the mixer on the preamp before the sound hits the Focusrite, which gives you a LOT more control. The Behringer Eurorack is famous for being very inexpensive with almost no noise. I also use a booster on the mic before it even goes to the preamp and I still get no detectable noise in Real Band when I solo the vocal. Clean as a whistle. (I keep the gain the Focusrite channel around 9:30 and the level on the preamp at about 10:30, same for gain on the preamp. Those with softer voices will want higher settings.)
Also, if I want, I can have a vocal going in to channel 1 on the Focusrite coming out of the preamp, and the acoustic guitar going in to the right channel of the Focurite clean-- if I want an unadorned acoustic sound and I want to capture myself playing and singing at the same time on two separated channels.
You have to make sure to go into audio preferences in Real Band and set audio record L+R though. Most of the time, I just have it set to left.
It works really well for me and I hear it is a very common one man band home studio set up, though I thought I had "invented it."
It may not be for everyone, but doing this gives me exactly the sounds and "beef" I want out of tracks. (For electric guitar, I mic the amp, which is routed through the preamp.)
I also exclusively record audio into RealBand. It is my DAW of choice for recording audio, although I have Sonar, which I mix in.
Sonar is great for mixing, but I find it really glitchy with audio recording. Real Band never lets me down. It is my work horse.
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Which is better a no-frills USB interface with just a couple of inputs or a Mixer with an integrated USB interface.
How many inputs do you need? How many phantom power channels? Recording a full band, with the drums miked? Not enough information, OP. Regards, Bob
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Which is better a no-frills USB interface with just a couple of inputs or a Mixer with an integrated USB interface.
How many inputs do you need? How many phantom power channels? Recording a full band, with the drums miked? Not enough information, OP. Regards,Bob Ok I am looking at this unit http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/Ui12Just about the same price as a bunch of mid level USB interfaces that do not have the ability to record 12 inputs at a time. Or this unit for $100.00 more 16 inputs http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/Ui16I'm working with a worship group recording in the church. Right now I record a scratch track of the group then with the same interface Focusrite 2i4 and my laptop we record each part by itself. Drums first then Bass, Keys, Vocals. The question is do invest in a larger unit to record multiple instruments at the same time. There isn't much explanation about the USB out working with a DAW on these boards. So does anyone have these units or any experience with their functionality with a DAW.
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Discounting the issue concerning the number of inputs and the bells and whistles kind of things......
Which is better, a basic interface or an integrated mixer/interface?
I've seen some good combo units and I've seen some bad ones. Personally, I don't like the combo units. I prefer a good solid interface with built in preamps for the audio inputs and phantom power so you can use condenser mics. My biggest nit with many of those combo packages is that they are not as versatile as they should be and many of them use proprietary codecs rather than true ASIO drivers.
My studio rig is a simple Focusrite Saffire interface into the computer. Mics and guitar gets plugged straight in. No mixer board required. ASIO drivers.
SO, my vote is: Get a good solid interface. Spend a few more dollars if you have to, and remember, you will never regret buying a good interface.
Edit: many of the issues we would deal with quite often, in the Cakewalk Music Creator forum, trying to help people get started, was that many of them had bought one of the combo units and was having issues with getting the drivers and codecs working properly with MC. When they told us the kind of unit it was or who the manufacturer was, we thought... "Oh No.... not another one."
Last edited by Guitarhacker; 06/05/16 01:50 AM.
You can find my music at: www.herbhartley.comAdd nothing that adds nothing to the music. You can make excuses or you can make progress but not both. The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.
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>>> I'm working with a worship group recording in the church. Right now I record a scratch track of the group then with the same interface Focusrite 2i4 and my laptop we record each part by itself. Drums first then Bass, Keys, Vocals." <<<
I have found the most complete and versatile option for 'recording the band' scenarios is a stand alone multi track recorder such as the Tascam DP-24. It is a rock solid performer. Free of glitches. Portable. Will record up to 8 tracks simultaneously. Has punch in capability. Very, very easy to setup and operate.
It costs less than the other options you are looking at.
If your guitar is in tune, you can be recording a song before you can turn on a computer and open your recording program. It comes with onboard effects and dynamics. No drivers, Asio's or compatibility issues. Easily transfer files by SD card or USB.
If you can operate a cassette deck, you can operate a DP-24. Recording is really as simple as firing it up, arming tracks, setting levels and recording.
In your case, you could simply record your tracks and overdubs to the DP-24, move the SD card to your computer and import the tracks into your DAW. It's possible you would not need any of the advanced editing or effects features of the DP-24.
I prefer the DP-24 over the DP-32 because the features and differences between the two units do not add enough value to justify the cost difference. They are essentially the same other than mixer track count. Recording inputs, software and features are otherwise identical.
Last edited by Charlie Fogle; 06/05/16 02:23 AM.
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I have to go with Charlie on this (but it doesn't have to be the/a Tascam although, as he says, it is a solid unit)
Since you indicate your biggest use/concern is live performance (aka "gigging") a purpose built piece of HW recording solution is going to be infinitely more reliable, easy to use, service after service, night after night - JUST MY OPINION and HOW I WOULD do it.
And as cheap as some are you can get a BACKUP (a lower cost 2, 4, or 8 track) unit for those "just in case crap happens" scenario's: someday not only will your horse not win, place, or show but it WILL CRAP all over you!
(remember this motto: "one is none, two is one")
PS use GOOD MICS (and same motto applies)!
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Can't tell whether the Soundcraft records each channel separately or if it's like most cheaper usb mixers where it only lets you record a stereo mixdown of all of the input channels
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Can't tell whether the Soundcraft records each channel separately or if it's like most cheaper usb mixers where it only lets you record a stereo mixdown of all of the input channels Yes that is a question I have since it does not come with software DAW I suspect its a cheaper USB Interface.
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@ Charlie. I have a Tascam DP03SD which I use to record rehearsals so if someone is out they can listen to new music. It is also the unit that I use to create the scratch tracks. Limited to 2 inputs at a time. But infinite digital bouncing even if you fill up all 8 digital tracks you can bounce to 2 master tracks and free up all 8 of the tracks again. I don't know how they do it but it works. I never thought of getting the 24 track unit. I was told the CD burners were poor. So the earlier units that did not have a SD card were worthless. The CD repair would cost more than the machine.
So thanks for the tip I'll look into this.
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Yes always extra cables. Mic, guitar, and headphone extension cables.
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Can't tell whether the Soundcraft records each channel separately or if it's like most cheaper usb mixers where it only lets you record a stereo mixdown of all of the input channels Yes that is a question I have since it does not come with software DAW I suspect its a cheaper USB Interface. The PDF manual is available at the Sweetwater site at the bottom of the page. According to the manual, 2 channel USB. Playback only for the UI12 and recording is only available with the UI16.
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@ Charlie. I have a Tascam DP03SD which I use to record rehearsals so if someone is out they can listen to new music. It is also the unit that I use to create the scratch tracks. Limited to 2 inputs at a time. But infinite digital bouncing even if you fill up all 8 digital tracks you can bounce to 2 master tracks and free up all 8 of the tracks again. I don't know how they do it but it works. I never thought of getting the 24 track unit. I was told the CD burners were poor. So the earlier units that did not have a SD card were worthless. The CD repair would cost more than the machine.
So thanks for the tip I'll look into this. I have one of the earlier models of the DP-24 that had the CD and have not had any problems. The early units also included and recorded on SD cards. So, if you find an older unit with a bad CD player/recorder, it is not worthless. Just record to the SD card and burn your CD's on your computer. I also owned the predecessor 2488 NEO for several years and had no issues with its CD player/burner. I've owned the Zoom R16 and the Roland Boss 1200 and have been most satisfied with the DP-24. The DP-24 is not as menu driven as the DP03 and even though it is digital, it has a more analog feel navigating the controls. Most of the buttons and knobs function from the channel selection button and that in particular is very useful making each button the same across the entire mixer. I've used the DP-24 as a mixer for many small gigs as well. It works well as an 8 channel mixer with 2 aux outs and stereo mains out.
Last edited by Charlie Fogle; 06/05/16 05:22 PM.
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Can't tell whether the Soundcraft records each channel separately or if it's like most cheaper usb mixers where it only lets you record a stereo mixdown of all of the input channels Yes that is a question I have since it does not come with software DAW I suspect its a cheaper USB Interface. The PDF manual is available at the Sweetwater site at the bottom of the page. According to the manual, 2 channel USB. Playback only for the UI12 and recording is only available with the UI16. Charlie I emailed my rep asked him to check if there were any recent Updates to the firmware on these mixers. Checking to see if there were any changes to the 16 channel one. I suspect at these prices not, so it looks like 700.00 price point starts the mixers with individual digital channel outs. With DAW software included.
Last edited by dga; 06/05/16 05:32 PM.
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I used to use a 16 channel mixer to route instrument/mic inputs in/out from the PC.
I dumped the mixer when I got the Focusrite 18i20 interface.
Since it has good preamps, it eliminated the need for a mixer and saved me $$$.
Now if I want to record remotely, I just take a laptop and the Focusrite and connect all the instruments to that.
The software mixer still allows me to tweak levels between instruments that I would do on a hardware mixer.
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I suspect at these prices not, so it looks like 700.00 price point starts the mixers with individual digital channel outs. With DAW software included.
You may want to look at Roland's Octa-Capture: http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/OctaCapture?utm_source=MSN&utm_medium=PPC&utm_campaign=none&utm_term=Brandroland&creative=9338692676&device=cIt has ten inputs and outputs as well as input and output mixers, variable sample rates and an optional reverb built into it. It also has Win 10 plug n play drivers. It works perfectly in Sonar and BiaB; since it works in BiaB I will assume it also works in RB. I have had this unit for about 5 years now and it has worked perfectly. Note that you will need a computer to record, but it does come with a lite version of a DAW.
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I used to use a 16 channel mixer to route instrument/mic inputs in/out from the PC.
I dumped the mixer when I got the Focusrite 18i20 interface.
Since it has good preamps, it eliminated the need for a mixer and saved me $$$.
Now if I want to record remotely, I just take a laptop and the Focusrite and connect all the instruments to that.
The software mixer still allows me to tweak levels between instruments that I would do on a hardware mixer. I would think you saved money because you already had invested in a home studio and had a computer. In that scenario, the compromised live mixer performance of the 18i20 makes sense. Starting from scratch and including the cost of a laptop, for live gigs, a digital mixer would seem to be the better choice and would also double as a quality home studio DAW interface. You spend another $100 more than the 18i20 and purchase a Behringer X32 Core. It seems a much better solution for dual purpose field and studio use. For field recording, unless the track count needed is more than 8, I believe the best setup is done with hardware rather than involving a computer. Hardware will be more reliable, require less setup time, fewer components to deal with and cheaper. When I do field recording, I prefer the DP-24 because it looks like a mixer, functions like a mixer, everything is 'in the box' and no external components are necessary. The footprint is small so space is not an issue. I purchased a rolling metal mixer stand and that is all the space I need to occupy. No more room is needed than the space of a mic stand or music stand. A single power outlet, no power strip necessary. (I do use a power strip for filtering and spike protection.) Simply roll in, connect power, inputs and headphones and I'm recording. It can be done in less time than you can set up, fire up the computer and open the software program.
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All of our XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAKs are on sale until May 15th, 2026!
It's the perfect time to expand your Band-in-a-Box® style library with XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs. These additional styles for Band-in-a-Box® offer a wide range of genres designed to fit seamlessly into your projects. Each style is professionally arranged and mixed, helping enhance your songs while saving you time.
What are XPro Styles and Xtra Styles PAKs?
XPro Styles PAKs are styles that work with any version (Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition) of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). XPro Styles PAKS 1-10 includes 1,000 styles!
Xtra Styles PAKs are styles that work with the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). Xtra Styles PAKs 1-21 includes 3,700 styles (and 35 MIDI styles)!
The XPro & Xtra Styles PAKs are not included in any Band-in-a-Box® package.
The XPro Styles PAKs 1-10 are available for only $29 ea (reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Listen to demos and order now! For Mac or for Windows.
The Xtra Styles PAKs 1-21 are available for only $29 ea (reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the Xtra Styles PAK Bundle for only $199 (reg. $349)! Listen to demos and order now! For Mac or for Windows.
Note: XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2025 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 19 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version as they require the RealTracks included in the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
Supercharge your Band-in-a-Box today with XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAK Sets!
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Mac Videos
With the release of Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac, we’re rolling out a collection of brand-new videos on our YouTube channel. We’ll keep this forum post updated so you can easily find all the latest videos in one convenient spot.
Whether you're exploring new features, checking out the latest RealTracks or Style PAKs, this is your go-to guide for Band-in-a-Box® 2026.
Check out this forum post for "One Stop Shopping" of our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac Videos!
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Mac is Here!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac is here and it is packed with major new features! There’s a new modern look, a GUI redesign to all areas of the program including toolbars, windows, workflow and more. There’s a Multi-view layout for organizing multiple windows. A standout addition is the powerful AI-Notes feature, which uses AI neural-net technology to transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI—entire mixes or individual instruments—making it easy to study, view, and play parts from any song. And that’s just the beginning—there are over 100 new features in this exciting release.
Along with version 2026, we've released an incredible lineup of new content! There's 202 new RealTracks, brand-new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two new RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
Special Offers
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac and save up to 50% on most upgrade packages during our special offer—available until May 15, 2026. Visit our Band-in-a-Box® packages page to explore all available upgrade options.
2026 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK Add-ons
Our Free Bonus PAK and 49-PAK are loaded with amazing add-ons! The Free Bonus PAK is included with most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac packages, but you can unlock even more—including 20 unreleased RealTracks—by upgrading to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49.
Holiday Weekend Hours
As we hop into the Easter weekend, here are our holiday hours:
April 3 (Good Friday): 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM PDT
April 4 (Saturday): Closed
April 5 (Easter Sunday): Closed
April 6 (Easter Monday): Open regular hours
Wishing you an egg-cellent weekend!
— Team PG
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