Recommend an affordable USB Audio Interface with at least 3 inputs.
-
- KVRian
- Topic Starter
- 737 posts since 24 Mar, 2013 from Amsterdam
Although I started out working with DAWs to make electronic music I find myself drifting more and more to my basic love of singer/songwriting.
I want to record my guitar with 2 mics while my voice with another (2xB5 + 1XAT2020).
Now my Interface (UA-25) only has 2 inputs so I don't see another option than to buy another interface.
I will probably sell my old AI but If I get 50 euros for it that would be grand.. and I can't spend too much money either (probably will be looking second hand as well).
Any recommendations for an AI around 150 euros (new/used) would be appreciated.
PS. Just to be sure: There is no way Sonar and/or Live can use 2 interfaces at the same time right?
I want to record my guitar with 2 mics while my voice with another (2xB5 + 1XAT2020).
Now my Interface (UA-25) only has 2 inputs so I don't see another option than to buy another interface.
I will probably sell my old AI but If I get 50 euros for it that would be grand.. and I can't spend too much money either (probably will be looking second hand as well).
Any recommendations for an AI around 150 euros (new/used) would be appreciated.
PS. Just to be sure: There is no way Sonar and/or Live can use 2 interfaces at the same time right?
Win8.1 64x/Live 9/Steinberg UR44/Roland HP 235/Edirol PCR-800/Eastman AC222/Washburn D12/Ch. Les Paul/Behringer BCF2000 & BCR2000/Korg Nanopad 2/Focusrite VRM Box/AT 2020/2xB5/E825s/Beyerdynamic DT990 Pro 250/Tannoy 502
-
- KVRAF
- 3044 posts since 4 Jan, 2005
I used to use 2 mics one for guitar and one on voice for awhile or I'd use one mic and record both acoustic guitar and vocal with it . The one mic way worked and sounded better and also a 2 mic xy setup capturing vocal and guitar sounded OK ...but never really sounded pro sounding or good enough IMHO..... That was a long long time ago .... Now a capture a song with one mic vocal and guitar as a scratch track or rough draft... Then I figure out the tempo/BPM .. And I redo the song ,track everything separately ( overdub ) to a click or drumloop track .... I get way better results .Just thought I make this suggestion before you cash in on a new USB interface ... If I was to get a new interface I'd either get the focusrite 2i4 , Native Instruments USB , or get an RME interface .. Depending on budget . cheap to expensive ....
- KVRAF
- 3303 posts since 6 Jul, 2012 from Sick-cily
M-Audio Fast Track Ultra: 6 analogic in\out 2 digital SPDIF in\out, good preamps\converters, 2 internal delay\reverb with zero latency monitoring, channels 1\2 have inserts, 2 headphone outs...
-
- KVRian
- Topic Starter
- 737 posts since 24 Mar, 2013 from Amsterdam
I'm really experimenting/learning atm with mic positions but for me I notice that the 'total musical experience' when playing both guitar + singing is far better than when recording seperately. When singing and playing there's an interaction between your fingers and voice that can't be achieved when recording them seperately, like timing, phrasing and those little accents. Btw. the focusrite 2i4 only has 2 inputs..fedexnman wrote:I used to use 2 mics one for guitar and one on voice for awhile or I'd use one mic and record both acoustic guitar and vocal with it . The one mic way worked and sounded better and also a 2 mic xy setup capturing vocal and guitar sounded OK ...but never really sounded pro sounding or good enough IMHO..... That was a long long time ago .... Now a capture a song with one mic vocal and guitar as a scratch track or rough draft... Then I figure out the tempo/BPM .. And I redo the song ,track everything separately ( overdub ) to a click or drumloop track .... I get way better results .Just thought I make this suggestion before you cash in on a new USB interface ... If I was to get a new interface I'd either get the focusrite 2i4 , Native Instruments USB , or get an RME interface .. Depending on budget . cheap to expensive ....
Win8.1 64x/Live 9/Steinberg UR44/Roland HP 235/Edirol PCR-800/Eastman AC222/Washburn D12/Ch. Les Paul/Behringer BCF2000 & BCR2000/Korg Nanopad 2/Focusrite VRM Box/AT 2020/2xB5/E825s/Beyerdynamic DT990 Pro 250/Tannoy 502
-
- KVRist
- 194 posts since 12 Nov, 2011
Alesis io4
http://www.thomann.de/gb/alesis_io4.htm
http://www.thomann.de/gb/alesis_io4.htm
-
- KVRian
- Topic Starter
- 737 posts since 24 Mar, 2013 from Amsterdam
At first glance I was like "wow!" but then I read when using more than 2 inputs you have to scale down from 24 to 16 bit.bedjka wrote:Alesis io4
http://www.thomann.de/gb/alesis_io4.htm
Win8.1 64x/Live 9/Steinberg UR44/Roland HP 235/Edirol PCR-800/Eastman AC222/Washburn D12/Ch. Les Paul/Behringer BCF2000 & BCR2000/Korg Nanopad 2/Focusrite VRM Box/AT 2020/2xB5/E825s/Beyerdynamic DT990 Pro 250/Tannoy 502
- KVRAF
- 15206 posts since 8 Mar, 2005 from Utrecht, Holland
Should not really be a problem in real life, 16bit recordings are "good enough for Rock'nRoll"Spiritos wrote:when using more than 2 inputs you have to scale down from 24 to 16 bit.
I could give a technical lecture about signal/noise ratios, mixing several tracks and how that pushes bits to be less significant, but
We are the KVR collective. Resistance is futile. You will be assimilated.
My MusicCalc is served over https!!
My MusicCalc is served over https!!
- KVRAF
- 8180 posts since 22 Sep, 2008 from Windsor. UK
I've read plenty of bad things about the Alesis iO interfaces over the years, particularly driver stability.
I'd probably favour scouring ebay for something like an Akai eie or (the usual answer) of saving up a little more money for something like a Steinberg UR44 (which is totally awesome but probably more like €200 used).
I'd probably favour scouring ebay for something like an Akai eie or (the usual answer) of saving up a little more money for something like a Steinberg UR44 (which is totally awesome but probably more like €200 used).
Soundcloud | Facebook |
-
- KVRian
- Topic Starter
- 737 posts since 24 Mar, 2013 from Amsterdam
I take your word for it. I'm still a rookie in that aspect so I can't really oversee the 'problems' with 24 vs 16 bit.BertKoor wrote:Should not really be a problem in real life, 16bit recordings are "good enough for Rock'nRoll"Spiritos wrote:when using more than 2 inputs you have to scale down from 24 to 16 bit.
I could give a technical lecture about signal/noise ratios, mixing several tracks and how that pushes bits to be less significant, but
I was looking at the Akai I/O and/or Pro as well. The bonus USB ports are welcome and I love the looks and potmeters of the design as well. Also it does fit my budget as it costs €179 euros here in the Netherlands.tehlord wrote:I've read plenty of bad things about the Alesis iO interfaces over the years, particularly driver stability.
I'd probably favour scouring ebay for something like an Akai eie or (the usual answer) of saving up a little more money for something like a Steinberg UR44 (which is totally awesome but probably more like €200 used).
Win8.1 64x/Live 9/Steinberg UR44/Roland HP 235/Edirol PCR-800/Eastman AC222/Washburn D12/Ch. Les Paul/Behringer BCF2000 & BCR2000/Korg Nanopad 2/Focusrite VRM Box/AT 2020/2xB5/E825s/Beyerdynamic DT990 Pro 250/Tannoy 502
- KVRAF
- 8180 posts since 22 Sep, 2008 from Windsor. UK
There's a review of the Akai on the sonic state Youtube channel, which is one of the few you can actually trust.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4rDBMSbUr7o
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4rDBMSbUr7o
Soundcloud | Facebook |
-
- KVRAF
- 2746 posts since 13 Feb, 2012 from Amsterdam
Yep, the Akai seems to be the ticket (Pro version). Can't think of another interface with more than two mic inputs. Or you can get a cheapish mixer and another interface, but this is much more flexible.
-
UltimateOutsider UltimateOutsider https://www.kvraudio.com/forum/memberlist.php?mode=viewprofile&u=216800
- KVRian
- 810 posts since 5 Oct, 2009 from Portland, OR
Might want to check out some user reviews on the AKAI at different retailers before you jump on that.
-
- KVRian
- 1063 posts since 28 Dec, 2012 from Boston area
I've heard not so great things about the Akai, but I can't quote specifics. I can tell you I've been pretty pleased with Focusrite interfaces, both the 2i2 and 18i20. The 2i4 is very similar to the 2i2, but I haven't used it. These all come with some useful software. It's my pretty clear impression that Focusrite stuff is in a different class than Alesis, Akai, M-Audio, etc.
-
- KVRian
- Topic Starter
- 737 posts since 24 Mar, 2013 from Amsterdam
I know focusrite is another league but only the 18i20 has more than 2 mic inputs and is twice the price..dwozzle wrote:I've heard not so great things about the Akai, but I can't quote specifics. I can tell you I've been pretty pleased with Focusrite interfaces, both the 2i2 and 18i20. The 2i4 is very similar to the 2i2, but I haven't used it. These all come with some useful software. It's my pretty clear impression that Focusrite stuff is in a different class than Alesis, Akai, M-Audio, etc.
As a hobbyist it's a constant weighing of price vs. quality. I think the link @tehlord posted is quite honest. Only 'downside' mentioned is the headroom of the VU meters but also that it's a matter of getting used to it.
Win8.1 64x/Live 9/Steinberg UR44/Roland HP 235/Edirol PCR-800/Eastman AC222/Washburn D12/Ch. Les Paul/Behringer BCF2000 & BCR2000/Korg Nanopad 2/Focusrite VRM Box/AT 2020/2xB5/E825s/Beyerdynamic DT990 Pro 250/Tannoy 502