Originally Posted By: dmrodes
I'm recording 2 vocals/keyboard/backing tracks - thus the mixer...
So I would need a 4 input audio interface?
And how would I adjust the highs/lows/etc... without a mixer?
I'm looking to get a few simple demo songs recorded - do I really need to spend hundreds of $$?
Thanks...


That depends on how you record. Are you recording the two vocals, and keyboard simultaneously? If so then you will need at least four inputs and the Behringer that Charlie suggested will work. If you record one at a time then the $29 Behringer that I previously suggested will work.

Unless you know for sure that you will never ever need more inputs I would buy the next audio interface with more inputs. That saves money in the long run.

The USB port on an audio interface is two way. That is your backing tracks will play through it without using a physical input.

I never use a mixer as an input. I use mine for output to my monitors, but I have my Internet computer, my music computer's audio interface and my turntable going through it.

One thing that has not been mentioned, I think, is that you should use a DAW. Each BiaB track and your input tracks can be put on different tracks giving you total control over them. You can add effects like EQ, compression, reverb, delay etc to each track thus optimizing them. Don't worry about tonal adjustments as EQ will you allow you to fine tune each track and mix. There are a lot of free and very inexpensive effects, DAWs and soft synths that are available so you don't have to pay a small fortune, at least not yet.

I hope this helps, good luck.

Whenever I get something stuck in the back of my throat, I dislodge it by drinking a beer.
It's called the Heineken Maneuver.

64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware