Cheap Home Studio 2021 for those behind the curve

[JimmyM]

Never owned a real home studio but always made out pretty well on my own with a little 2-ch Fast Track interface and a handful of instruments and a couple mics. I don't want to work that hard wiring up stuff anymore. I want everything to be plugged in and ready when I want to do something, and be able to accomplish my tasks quickly. I plan on doing some programmed instruments like keyboard and drums, and would like to add a decent little electronic Ringo kit eventually so I can actually get back into playing drums some more. Any keyboards, however, would certainly be programmed. Can't play keys very well but I can program like a son of a gun.

I have friends with the QSC Touch Mix and it's definitely a contender, though not sure what size I truly need when it's going to be just me most of the time with an occasional guest or two. I have a few questions...

1. If you want to record direct to a computer and its DAW, does the board directly feed a DAW through the USB cable into separate channels, or would you still need an interface between them?

2. If you need the interface to record tracks directly to a computer's DAW, then what is the function of a USB port on these boards?

3. Is MIDI still a thing or has USB replaced it?

4. Going to investigate what all's out there for inexpensive but good digital boards, but I'd like to hear some of your experiences with some of the ones you think I should take a closer look at.

TIA!

 

[filmtex]

Never owned a real home studio but always made out pretty well on my own with a little 2-ch Fast Track interface and a handful of instruments and a couple mics. I don't want to work that hard wiring up stuff anymore. I want everything to be plugged in and ready when I want to do something, and be able to accomplish my tasks quickly. I plan on doing some programmed instruments like keyboard and drums, and would like to add a decent little electronic Ringo kit eventually so I can actually get back into playing drums some more. Any keyboards, however, would certainly be programmed. Can't play keys very well but I can program like a son of a gun.

I have friends with the QSC Touch Mix and it's definitely a contender, though not sure what size I truly need when it's going to be just me most of the time with an occasional guest or two. I have a few questions...

1. If you want to record direct to a computer and its DAW, does the board directly feed a DAW through the USB cable into separate channels, or would you still need an interface between them?

2. If you need the interface to record tracks directly to a computer's DAW, then what is the function of a USB port on these boards?

3. Is MIDI still a thing or has USB replaced it?

4. Going to investigate what all's out there for inexpensive but good digital boards, but I'd like to hear some of your experiences with some of the ones you think I should take a closer look at.

TIA!

1. That depends on the board. For example- the Soundcraft UI16 I have will only record a stereo track directly out the USB port to a drive, while the bigger UI24 will connected to and drive separate recorded channels through that USB port, like an audio interface. So- it depends on the mixer!
2. See No. 1. And, I, additionally, own a Mackie DL16 which is the interface I use in my home studio and is also my backup mixer for live shows. It puts out 16 discreet channels.
3. MIDI is related to USB only because they are both digital. MIDI is used to control virtual instruments and/or communicate commands, including note commands, between keyboards, MIDI controllers and connected computers. It can be transmitted either via a (generally) 5 pin MIDI connector or USB connection. MIDI=Musical Instruments Digital Interface, USB= Universal Serial Buss- just FYI.
4. I have had great luck with both the Soundcraft and Mackie mixer. That said, there are a bunch of other very good ones as well and many folks rave about the Behringer boards with their Midas preamps.
The control software has a lot to do with this. For instance, my Soundcraft uses an interface that runs natively in a browser on all my devices, while the Mackie uses an app- both on my MacBook and iPhone/iPad. So that is a consideration as well. Also the presence or absence of physical knobs on the mixer might be a factor in your decision as well.
I hope that this isn't "too much informations"!

 

[Crater]

1. If you want to record direct to a computer and its DAW, does the board directly feed a DAW through the USB cable into separate channels, or would you still need an interface between them?

If you want to record individual channels, you'll need a recording interface. Most mixers with USB out just export the two channel stereo main mix out.

2. If you need the interface to record tracks directly to a computer's DAW, then what is the function of a USB port on these boards?

I presume it's so the sound guy can dub the live show to his laptop, now that cassettes aren't really a thing anymore.

3. Is MIDI still a thing or has USB replaced it?

MIDI is still a thing, sort of, although most new interfaces no longer include MIDI ins and outs as they used to. I think the common setup these days is to have a MIDI controller keyboard and all the synthesizing and sample playback is done virtually inside a piug-in in the DAW. Some keyboards use a USB port to send and receive MIDI data, but it's still MIDI data.

You don't need a "digital board" for home recording, the digital mixing board is in your DAW. Spend your $$ on an interface. If you have to have your fingers on faders, you might want to read up on control surfaces. I have one, a Korg Micro Kontrol, little USB connected gizmo with 8 tiny faders, a pan knob, and solo/mute/rec. arm for each of the eight channels, and transport buttons, rew, stop, ff, play, rec. ect, ect. It was a bit of a pain to get the MicroKontrol to play nice with Reaper, but YouTube rescued me.

 

[equill]

There's a bit of a curve to climb up, I'm afraid. The good news is that you can do far more with far less money than ever before. The bad news is that there's a bit to learn, just to understand what choices are there to be made.

MIDI's more of a thing than ever - in fact, MIDI 2.0 was only recently ratified as a standard.
It can be transmitted via USB, as well as via yer old-style cables with 5-pin DIN plugs/sockets. This is probably what's confusing you, as it did me for a while. One advantage of going over USB is that you can connect as many devices as you have free USB ports, without accumulating latency by daisy-chaining the thru from one device to the input of the next.

The USB ports on mixing boards have a bunch of potential functions: powering a reading-light so the soundperson can see what they're doing, playing MP3s while the band takes a break... it depends on the board, really.

You may want to skip the board, and just get an interface with a bunch of inputs. This is what I did, for pretty much the same reason. As Crater said, the DAW is now your mixing board. If you do want the physical interaction (and lots of us do) I can recommend the Presonus Faderport 8.
Personally, I was using a mixer and planned to upgrade it, but the reality is that these days you may as well just go straight to the interface and control it all (including the mixing) from your computer. Some interfaces actually have built-in mixers that are controlled via an app.

You can either get an interface with a bunch of inputs straight away or start with an interface with more features and fewer inputs, then add more inputs when you need them, via ADAT. I took this latter approach, started with an RME Babyface, then used a Focusrite Octapre to add 8 more inputs. You could get a long way by starting with the Focusrite 18i20, secure in the knowledge that you can add more inputs later.
ADAT is just a way of sending multitrack data over a single cable; think of it as a one-way fibre-optic snake that'll carry 8 channels at 48KHz. Some interfaces have this, some don't.

Do you know just how many audio and MIDI ins and outs you expect to need?

 

[Aloe]

1. if that's touchmix 8 or 16, no, they don't work as USB audio interface
2. they have USB for attaching a flash drive to record stuff from mixer to it

3. MIDI is still a thing. if you're asking if there're benefits of plugging MIDI keyboard via MIDI port, not with USB -- that doesn't matter. it will be still a MIDI keyboard even if plugged via USB and will behave the same. you'll likely need MIDI ports for something like clock sync or some complex program change scenarios. if all you need is a MIDI instrument there's nothing wrong with plugging it with USB.

4. I don't have experience with modern digital boards, but looking at some currently. I like the features on Zoom LiveTrak series, but don't know yet how they sound.

the piece of advice I can give on this: avoid "hybrid" (digital + analog) boards like a plague if your goal is recording. A&H ZED or PreSonus AR might be fine boards when used live, but they all suck if you're recording it all in your computer.

 

[Roxbororob]

I use Zoom Live Trak. Very, very good bang for the buck. Started with the L12 upgraded to L20.
Zoom LiveTrak L-12
Zoom LiveTrak L‑20

Can be used as a DAW (I interface mine with Studio One), stage mixer, IEM and last but not least as a stand alone old school analogue(esque) recorder.

Edit: I am not an expert but I respectfully disagree with the last comment in the previous post (relative to the Zoom at least).

 

[ClusterFlux]

Another option is the Tascam Model 12. $600 new, direct recording to 12 tracks, easy to adjust while recording, also works as a mixer and audio interface. You can record the live stuff into the Tascam, then move the files to your DAW and add drum parts, keyboard parts and so on.

 

[bwildt]

I have good results with my Behringer XR18. It can operate as a full 18 in x 18 out USB audio interface, with all the EQ, dynamic processing and effects of a digital mixer. I use mine to record into and monitor the REAPER DAW on my computer.

When looking at mixers you just need to look at the specs. The XR18 works as a computer audio interface, but doesn't record directly to a usb stick or a usb hard drive. The smaller XR12 and XR16 models record 2-channel directly to a usb drive, but don't work as a computer interface.

 

[Roxbororob]

When looking at mixers you just need to look at the specs. The XR18 works as a computer audio interface, but doesn't record directly to a usb stick or a usb hard drive. The smaller XR12 and XR16 models record 2-channel directly to a usb drive, but don't work as a computer interface.

The Zoom L-12 & L-20 do both.

 

[Roxbororob]

Another option is the Tascam Model 12. $600 new, direct recording to 12 tracks, easy to adjust while recording, also works as a mixer and audio interface. You can record the live stuff into the Tascam, then move the files to your DAW and add drum parts, keyboard parts and so on.

Tascam has a lot going for it as well. Both the Tascam and Zoom have their respcetive strong points cany go wrong with either.

Tascam Model 12
Tascam Model 24

Yes I put a lot of stock/trust in what Sound On Sound thinks!

 

[JeezyMcNuggles]

Never owned a real home studio but always made out pretty well on my own with a little 2-ch Fast Track interface and a handful of instruments and a couple mics. I don't want to work that hard wiring up stuff anymore. I want everything to be plugged in and ready when I want to do something, and be able to accomplish my tasks quickly. I plan on doing some programmed instruments like keyboard and drums, and would like to add a decent little electronic Ringo kit eventually so I can actually get back into playing drums some more. Any keyboards, however, would certainly be programmed. Can't play keys very well but I can program like a son of a gun.

I have friends with the QSC Touch Mix and it's definitely a contender, though not sure what size I truly need when it's going to be just me most of the time with an occasional guest or two. I have a few questions...

1. If you want to record direct to a computer and its DAW, does the board directly feed a DAW through the USB cable into separate channels, or would you still need an interface between them?

2. If you need the interface to record tracks directly to a computer's DAW, then what is the function of a USB port on these boards?

3. Is MIDI still a thing or has USB replaced it?

4. Going to investigate what all's out there for inexpensive but good digital boards, but I'd like to hear some of your experiences with some of the ones you think I should take a closer look at.

TIA!

Mixers with USB out, replace the interface.

Get yourself a decent midi keyboard with pressure sensitive keys. You'll use it for everything. I use Midi with mine. Apparently, most people use the USB out.

Get a good electric drum kit. Cheap ones don't react right when you hit them.

 

[Aloe]

Edit: I am not an expert but I respectfully disagree with the last comment in the previous post (relative to the Zoom at least).

if you're referring my post, zoom is all digital and it's completely another story. 'hybrid' mixers to avoid are like a&h zedi, presonus ar, yamaha mg (especially this one, it sucks both as mixer and as audio interface). they're all built as an analogue mixer + a digital board inside for AD/DA and effects.

btw, as a zoom livetrak user, maybe you have some examples to show how a track recorded to it sounds? only zoom equipment I have, frankly, is the old h4n and I used it as audio interface a couple of times, but really not fond of how it sounds into DAW. it's a useful tool live though. that LiveTrak series really looks promising, wondering if it sounds better than previous Zoom gear.

 

[jnuts1]

i am so not into tech so i use the presonus audiobox interface. For 150 bucks its super user friendly and come with studio one software and and the usb interface. I use it just to get my idea down before the studio. i wouldnt say this is for stuff you want to release

 

[Tosh]

I chose an interface with a digital mixer integrated into it

MOTU 828es

MIDI is still very much a thing. 5pin MIDI for those with older hardware, USB MIDI for the PC generation, and CAT5 (network) MIDI for the future

 

[ArtechnikA]

If you want to record individual channels, you'll need a recording interface. Most mixers with USB out just export the two channel stereo main mix out.

I can't speak to 'most.'
I can tell you that my SoundCraft exports 22 individual channels and the two Master channels.
(Up to) 24 separate, simultaneous tracks.

 

[pie_man_25]

I'm using a cheap USB audio interface, but if I had to do it all over again I'd probably grab a tiny mixer with USB connection and one or two inputs. About the same price and you could take it to a coffee shop to run an open mic (in better times). If I used this interface I'd have to bring my laptop to power it, which I guess wouldn't be so bad.

 

[ArtechnikA]

...If I used this interface I'd have to bring my laptop to power it, which I guess wouldn't be so bad.

There are lots of rechargeable USB power packs designed to recharge phones and such. They'll work fine for a long time.

 

[pie_man_25]

There are lots of rechargeable USB power packs designed to recharge phones and such. They'll work fine for a long time.

I've got a few, chances are a 5V phone charger would work as well. Guess I'd just have to test it to see if it'll send a line out without being connected to a PC. Might just have to find the manual.

 

[Rabidhamster]

Never owned a real home studio but always made out pretty well on my own with a little 2-ch Fast Track interface and a handful of instruments and a couple mics. I don't want to work that hard wiring up stuff anymore. I want everything to be plugged in and ready when I want to do something, and be able to accomplish my tasks quickly. I plan on doing some programmed instruments like keyboard and drums, and would like to add a decent little electronic Ringo kit eventually so I can actually get back into playing drums some more. Any keyboards, however, would certainly be programmed. Can't play keys very well but I can program like a son of a gun.

I have friends with the QSC Touch Mix and it's definitely a contender, though not sure what size I truly need when it's going to be just me most of the time with an occasional guest or two. I have a few questions...

1. If you want to record direct to a computer and its DAW, does the board directly feed a DAW through the USB cable into separate channels, or would you still need an interface between them?

2. If you need the interface to record tracks directly to a computer's DAW, then what is the function of a USB port on these boards?

3. Is MIDI still a thing or has USB replaced it?

4. Going to investigate what all's out there for inexpensive but good digital boards, but I'd like to hear some of your experiences with some of the ones you think I should take a closer look at.

TIA!

To get signal into a DAW you need an audio interface. An example of an audio interface is the audio card built into your computer, the 2 track you have now, or something big and fancy with lots of inputs. A digital mixer can also include an audio interface, and since it has to digitize the audio anyway I wouldn’t consider one without.

Inside the “audio interface”, there are digital to analog converters and analog to digital converters. As you input your analog audio, they sample it and convert that to a representation of the audio in 1s and 0s. The number of channels on the interface are the number of tracks you can do at once.

Now you have to get those 1s and 0s into your computer so the DAW can have them. So your Audio interface has a way to connect to the computer and transfer information. That might be USB, Thunderbolt, FireWire, a sound card inside your computer it might be PCI, etc.

Some interfaces have back up USB ports to save a variety of things, a QSC digital mixer might save your “scenes”, whereas something like an RME Fireface has a “DuREC” USB port so it can record your audio tracks to usb disk without a computer present at all, then later you can import it all. You can also plug into another USB port on the RME to control directly with an iPad and have a visual touch screen mixer when you need it.

When you say you want to have ‘everything’ hooked up ready to record, what all items do you need room for?

MIDI is still a thing, there is midi over USB now too but it’s weird. Are you using external sound modules/synths/anything midi?

 

[40Hz]

If you want to just plug in and record multiple tracks there’s things like the [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]. Got one for my SO and she loves it. But you really need an iPad to get the most out of it. I personally find its interface a little confusing once you go beyond the basics because it feels more oriented towards Apple users. And I’m not a big fan of the Apple paradigm for the most part. That said, it’s pretty neat what it does. But it is what it is. You get the convenience of a device that you just need to plug in a and power on to start recording. But it’s a closed system that (beyond its firmware) isn’t upgradable. So what you see is what you get. You like it or you don’t.

She does. I don’t.

I prefer the flexibility you get by using an outboard audio interface and a computer.

If you have a Windows computer, I can recommend the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 audio interface as an excellent home studio starter. It comes with cables and all the software you’ll need to start recording with it right out of the box after you install it. And if and when your needs get a little more demanding, you can move on to a more feature rich DAW like Reaper to get more tracks and features. Because the Scarlett series of interfaces work with all the DAW software that’s out there. So unless you want to record more than two sources at once, the 2i2 will do ya.

As far as MIDI goes, it’s still very much a thing. But it’s more relevant to keyboard users, touring sound system people, and for automation tasks in studios - although you’re starting to see some effect pedals that now have MIDI capabilities. But for a non keyboard player with a home studio who wants to do some home recording it’s not anything you’ll likely ever need to worry about.

If you don’t like moving you control settings on a computer screen there are some small hardware mixers that can also act as a computer audio interface. Mackie and Yamaha both make them. Can’t recommend any since I don’t have much experience with them. But the one I did get to fiddle with (Mackie ProFX12) was really nice. It comes with DAW software so you can use it as a recording or a live sound mixer.

If I ever start playing out again (hah!) I’ll probably buy one, or at least get something similar. That way I could easily record the band’s shows and rehearsal sessions while simultaneously handling a small FOH PA. They’re going for under $350 currently. Manual for it here.

Suggestion: pretty much all these pieces of hardware have manuals available for download these days. So before you buy anything always “Read The Fine Manual” first and see if it meets your needs and the instructions for it makes sense. You’ll save yourself a lot of grief by doing some reading and knowing exactly what the thing can do and how it works before you key in your card on the payment form.

And remember: