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Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
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Joined: May 2020
Posts: 3
Newbie
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OP
Newbie
Joined: May 2020
Posts: 3 |
Looking for recommendations for an audio interface for my PC so I can record with B in B / Real band. Looking for both low impedance microphone input + ability to plug guitar in directly or with a pedal.
thx
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Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
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Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,558
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Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,558 |
What's your budget? Some of us here use Focusrite 18i20 and are happy with it.. 8 inputs (and outs), the first 2 can be used for direct guitar connection, all of them can handle line level output of your effect/amp or low impedance mic. Also has 48V available .. so can handle just about any input. There are lower price versions with less in/outs if you don't need that much. Link below is to a Second Generation version (which I have). Third generation is $160 more .. not sure I see that much difference between the two. If you go to the link, you can click 'Focusrite - USB interfaces' in the menu to see other offerings. https://store.focusrite.com/en-gb/product/scarlett-18i20-2nd-gen/MOSC0015UKEU~MOSC0015UKEU
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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Joined: May 2020
Posts: 3
Newbie
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OP
Newbie
Joined: May 2020
Posts: 3 |
thank you. Will probably go with the smaller unit as I don't need all of the inputs.
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Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
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Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,518
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Joined: Jul 2000
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I use several Focusrite Scarlett units including a 4i4 which has the same quality mic preamps as my 18i20. They work well.
BIAB 2026 Win Audiophile. Software: Fender Studio One 8, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Presonus Quantom HD8 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
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Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
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Joined: May 2020
Posts: 3
Newbie
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OP
Newbie
Joined: May 2020
Posts: 3 |
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Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
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Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 3,637
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Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 3,637 |
steinberg ur series.
unbeata ble imo.
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: Mar 2004
Posts: 1,753
Expert
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Expert
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 1,753 |
I've been using a Behringer U-Phoria UMC204HD for several years trouble free.
Does the noise in your head bother me ?
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Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
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Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 2,145
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Veteran
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 2,145 |
another vote for the Behringer U-Phoria UMC204HD. its simple to use and the sound is good (I replaced a presonus unit that was too noisy)
it works well with my SM58 but these days i use a condenser mic as the unit also has phantom power (i think they all do so that's not a sales point)
just plugs into usb, works flawlessly and is simple to use
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Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
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Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 469
Journeyman
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Journeyman
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 469 |
Concern #1: Drivers
You didn't mention your system specs, so I would suggest that you pick a couple/three options in your price range, and then Google each audio interface's driver with your specs. Look for stability and latency (lower is better).
Example Google search phrase:
review Behringer U-Phoria UMC204HD Windows 10 drivers
Concern #2: Phantom Power
Low I/O count interfaces tend to be buss (USB) powered. It's been awhile, so new tech might have eliminated the issue, but I have heard of some devices having issues when trying to phantom power 2 condenser mics off of USB power.
I made sure that the interface I bought had a separate power supply input, even if it didn't come with the wall wart PS.
Concern #3: Freebie software that comes with the audio interface
Great! Free software! Just don't let the specific freebies sway your decision. Driver stability/quality and interface hardware quality are WAY more important.
Last edited by TheMaartian; 05/20/20 10:11 AM.
ThinkPad i9 32GB RAM 7TB SSD; Win11 Pro; RME Fireface UCX II; BiaB 2026 Ultra
Studio Pro 8; Tonalic Studio 1; Reaper v7; Bitwig Studio 6; Melodyne Studio 5
Gig Performer 5; NI S61 MK3; Focal Shape 65; Beyerdynamic DT 880 & 770
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Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
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Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,818
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Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,818 |
I highly recommend FOCUSRITE. Presonus and MAudio are also decent and very easy to use.
Things to look for in your choice.
1. Be sure it uses native ASIO and not wrappers and proprietary codecs.
2. Be sure it has both low and high impedance inputs.
3. Be sure it has phantom power for condenser mics.
4. Select the number if inputs and outputs you will need. Note: unless you record live bands, most home studios are just fine with 2 inputs. (stereo)
5. It should have a USB connection to the computer. Earlier models such as mine were firewire connected and the chipset had to be compatible or else glitches occurred.
6. Avoid those 2 in one multi-device contraptions. Those things are gimmicks and can be problematic when trying to work with them.
Aside from that.... find the one that fits your needs and get it. For a new one, budget around $250 and you should be able to get something that works well and you will be happy.
Last edited by Guitarhacker; 05/21/20 04:40 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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Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
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Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,016
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Veteran
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,016 |
If you have an older external midi instrument such as a keyboard, drum machine, wind or guitar controller you would benefit by looking for an audio interface that includes midi five pin in and out connectors. That empties a USB port that would otherwise be filled by a USB to midi cable.
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Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,590
Expert
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Expert
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,590 |
I use a Zoom UAC-2 and love it. I also sometimes plug in my Zoom Q8 Video recorder as an interface.
Windows 10 Home 20H2 Build 19042.487
BIAB 2021 (Build 818)
Intel(R) Core(TM), i3-4160, CPU @3.60 GHz RAM 16 GB, 64 Bit X64-based processor
Zoom UAC-2 (USB 3 interface-built in midi)
VoiceLive 3 Extreme, Sputnik Valve Condenser Mic
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