To answer your question regarding using the line input, yes you can but you will likely get better and more reliable results using a usb/ firewire or other data interface.

The sound card and the physical connections on the computer or laptop are inferior to even the least expensive interface you'll encounter.

The unit you mention has gotten excellent reviews and any similar model of the better known brands should also provide suitable audio. Behringer is offering an interface at a very affordable price and I've read good reviews about it.

Many mixers now come with a USB interface built in. Some people don't care for that but the mixer and interface will be of equal to greater quality as any base line audio interface. According to your needs, size of your studio area and how many instruments you want to record simultaneously, a mixer can be the right choice. One limiting factor, if its a limiting factor at all, is that some of the mixer interfaces max out their recording resolution at 48khz/24 bit. There are some very affordable good quality mixers by Mackie, Zoom, Yamaha, Soundcraft, Peavy, Presonus and more. A 2x2 USB mixer will allow you to send two tracks at once to your DAW as return two back to the mixer to be mixed with live sound.

Also, don't overlook hybrid digital stand alone recorders from Tascam, zoom, Korg, Yamaha and other mfg's. You can easily transfer Biab/RB generated tracks back and forth between the computer and recorder, and they are rock solid gear. They make excellent field recorders and according the model can record up to 8 tracks or more. I have a Tascam DP-24 that I purchased when they were first introduced and not had a second of issues with it. I've had the zoom r-16, zoom H1, zoom H5, Tascam DP-004. I've also had the Presonus 16-4-2, Behringer X32 and currently the Soundcraft MTK- 22 and they are fantastic, high quality, studio recording devices with excellent pro grade built in effects and preamps. The have routing capability to handle any live or studio recording situation you may encounter. I've found the mixer/interface to be the most flexible option and actually the most enjoyable. It's much more intuitive that a mouse/keyboard.

I also own and use a Blue Snowball USB mic that provides excellent quality recording.

I keep the zoom H5 on my desk all the time and use it to record up to 4 tracks simultaneously.


Last edited by Charlie Fogle; 04/26/18 03:51 PM.
BIAB 2025:RB 2025, Latest builds: Dell Optiplex 7040 Desktop; Windows-10-64 bit, Intel Core i7-6700 3.4GHz CPU and 16 GB Ram Memory.