I see the wording across the top of that vid uses the word "multichannel" which is not in the online text.
As for the difference between the X18 and this 1604 you don't need to buy a tablet, you have physical controls which I like but I agree as far as software is concerned the X18 is a better deal. I'm looking at something to replace my dead Akai DPS16 for live remote recording.
If I already had an iPad, fine but I don't so that's another $3-500 depending.
Bob
Also don't overlook that x- series Behringer mixers, x-air 18, xr12,xr16 and xr18 can now be controlled by the Behringer X-touch, x-touch compact as well as the Behringer BCR2000, BCF2000 and even the x-touch compact.... The X32 mixers have a controller built in.
Originally Posted By: Pipeline
I got the UFX1604 for live gigs as well as it was a pain with laptops. I actually just bought another UXF1604 so now I could do up to 32ch to USB at once.
That's $1,200 investment. Another $700 gets you an X32 that is a single unit 32/32 interface, 40 inputs and 16 outputs, motorized faders, Add the new 32/32 expansion card and you can record 32 channels w/o a computer, send 32 to DAW if you have one, Record a stereo track for whatever reason all the while running FOH at the live show w/ 16 monitors. BTW, here locally, there are two on Craig's List for $1,500 -- only a $300 upgrade.
That's $1,200 investment. Another $700 gets you an X32 that is a single unit 32/32 interface, 40 inputs and 16 outputs, motorized faders, Add the new 32/32 expansion card and you can record 32 channels w/o a computer, send 32 to DAW if you have one, Record a stereo track for whatever reason all the while running FOH at the live show w/ 16 monitors. BTW, here locally, there are two on Craig's List for $1,500 -- only a $300 upgrade.
I got 2 for different gigs at the same time, so the band only has to press one button on the mixer start/stop a no brainer. Now I don't have to go and record them with the laptop. The only drawback is no midi for keys or drums.
Where's it end ? You just need to make sure you store 'em in a cool dry place .
Well that makes sense to have two. I was on the fence between the Behringer UFX1604 and a Soundcraft Signature 22 MTK but fell into a situation where I got a great deal on a Behringer X32 console. It's great for capturing audio and has a lot of similarities with a DAW in its IOS but lacks editing capabilities. You can now get an expansion card that is a one button 32 channel record to a HDD/Flash drive. The USB to DAW port is still available so if it remains active, you can route 32 to a DAW and record 32 to a HDD for backup. Not much info available about it yet but that would be cool if it does.
The Presonus Studiolive AR16 is a digital/analog hybrid with SD multitrack recording also looks promising.
Just to get Valenter back on original topic. For starting out you most likely won't need to record more than 1 or 2 tracks at one time. And, I don't know of any entry level audio recording interface that won't do that. If you get one that also performs midi in and out you'd be set for quite a while. The USB mixers that I know of don't have midi in/out. I'm getting good recordings and flexibility with playback and monitoring with a Behringer UMC204HD. It's audio/monitor outputs are connected to my Yamaha 12 channel mixer but the mixer is there to serve multiple purposes for me.
As you progress you may need to record a live drum set which usually takes at least 5 mics and 5 channels to 5 separate tracks. That would require a much more expensive interface like the Pipeline and Charlie are talking about.
I was just thinking that since you already have a soundcard, the Xonar, which probably has great ad/da converters and other options, that you could connect a mixer with phantom power and decent monitor routing to it.
But, ideally I think you'd be better off with a decent audio recording interface.
This is what I love, one button Rec/Stop, no PC, no Laptop, no Me up all night recording gigs, I just get the stick the next day and drag 'em straight into RealBand. I can add realtracks to the live set by first ACWing the drum track to get a tempo map, then drag the other tracks in.
...... For starting out you most likely won't need to record more than 1 or 2 tracks at one time. And, I don't know of any entry level audio recording interface that won't do that. If you get one that also performs midi in and out you'd be set for quite a while.
DITTO
I have the same interface that I started with many years back. Focusrite Saffire. 2 channels. Never needed more than those 2 and 99% of the time, a single channel sufficed.
Having a midi input on the interface is nice.... but not totally necessary.
You can find my music at: www.herbhartley.com Add 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.
This is what I love, one button Rec/Stop, no PC, no Laptop, no Me up all night recording gigs, I just get the stick the next day and drag 'em straight into RealBand. I can add realtracks to the live set by first ACWing the drum track to get a tempo map, then drag the other tracks in.
...... For starting out you most likely won't need to record more than 1 or 2 tracks at one time. And, I don't know of any entry level audio recording interface that won't do that. If you get one that also performs midi in and out you'd be set for quite a while.
DITTO
I have the same interface that I started with many years back. Focusrite Saffire. 2 channels. Never needed more than those 2 and 99% of the time, a single channel sufficed.
Having a midi input on the interface is nice.... but not totally necessary.
Especially now that most MIDI inputs/outputs are USB. For those that are not there are inexpensive 5-pin MIDI to USB adapters.
Love is grand. Divorce is twenty grand!
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