Need an audio interface for recording and jamming with multiple people using headphones

[Razzor]

Hi, can someone help me with buying new equipment for recording and jamming?
I curently live in a small apartment and i often have friends and bandmates comming over to jam and write songs, but im afraid to disturb my neigbors, so i would like to invest a good amount of money on upgrading to a solid audio interface, so i can jam and record stuff on ableton 11 on my pc using headphones. i currently only have a scarlett with only 1 guitar input and a mic input

I would to be able to record lets say 2 guitars a mic and a bass at once and be able to turn down lets say the bass in the guitarists headphones and turn the bass up in the bassplayers headphones. The interface or some other device also need to make me able to have 4 headphones connected at once but im so confused with all those devices on the market.

my pc is very strong so im not afraid it wont be able to handle it.

 

[OOD]

I’d go with in ear monitors for the jams. You’ll run in to way less hiccups.

ETA: I mean that to say, I wouldn’t run through a DAW for the jam sessions. And I would record the tracks individually.

 

[Frank Tuesday]

Hi, can someone help me with buying new equipment for recording and jamming?
I curently live in a small apartment and i often have friends and bandmates comming over to jam and write songs, but im afraid to disturb my neigbors, so i would like to invest a good amount of money on upgrading to a solid audio interface, so i can jam and record stuff on ableton 11 on my pc using headphones. i currently only have a scarlett with only 1 guitar input and a mic input

I would to be able to record lets say 2 guitars a mic and a bass at once and be able to turn down lets say the bass in the guitarists headphones and turn the bass up in the bassplayers headphones. The interface or some other device also need to make me able to have 4 headphones connected at once but im so confused with all those devices on the market.

my pc is very strong so im not afraid it wont be able to handle it.

Any of the newer digital mixers will work. Presonus, Beringer, Soundcraft, Midas, Zoom, Tascam, Mackie, QSC... Most will work as multi channel interfaces and live mixer simultaneously. Get one that is has enough inputs and outputs for your needs.

The big challenge will be if you're trying to use amp sims in your DAW, and live monitor those in your headphones. Latency may make that a challenging proposition

 

[Razzor]

Damn hmm.. Yea i Will use amp simulators in my DAW for every guitars and my bass.
Have been looking a bit on this one
https://m.thomann.de/dk/focusrite_scarlett_18i8_3rd_gen.htm?o=7&search=1631206879
And with a jacksplitter, for 4 people, but then I won't be able to turn down let's say the guitar in the bass players headphones

 

[DirtDog]

You’ll need a slightly more sophisticated interface that that focusrite. It’s a fine interfece, just doesn’t satisfy your requirements.

You’ll need to look for an interface that runs mixer software AND has enough AUX outs so that each player can monitor their own mix. Since AUX outs are not headphone outs, you’ll need a multichannel headphone amp so that each player can hear thier AUX mix. With some creative routing in your DAW, you could use that as the “mixer”’software but beware of latency if you use plugins.

Such a setup is not cheap, but it will get the job done.

I have a similar setup (although we record acoustic drums as well): Presonus 16 R and an ART Headamp Pro 6 for monitoring. We all use closed back headphones.

Plugged into a MacBook Pro running Presonus Capture software. We do all of our instrument processing BEFORE signal goes into the interface so our monitoring is very low latency.

 

[Razzor]

Okay, nice to know, have been looking a bit on this one, seems to be a mixer aswell as a sound interface with 3 aux paths. That would be enough. 2 guitar and a bass would be enough.
https://m.thomann.de/dk/behringer_xenyx_x2222_usb.htm?o=14&search=1631277775
What do you guys think, would it be able to do the job?

 

[scott sinner]

Zoom Livetraks seem to have what you want. Audio interface (or a standalone recorder) and individual mixes.

LiveTrak L-8 | Buy Now

I have a behringer xr18. I'm a little conflicted about it though because you have to use a tablet to really use it and about 1/4 of the time I have connection issues. Plus, need it, charger for tablet, and it needs a computer to record so I've been eyeing the Zoom. My bandmate has one of the behringer too though, but he says he has zero connection issues though. So could be my Android tablet BUT have similar had issues with the iPhone. So it could be my one unit, but it works too often for me to think it is actually broken, rather, I think the router is just not very powerful.

 

[fokof]

MOTU.com - Overview

 

[Razzor]

The Livetrack L8 seems to be the one my budget can handle, but can't see what power supply it needs, is it usb-c or the old one some of the other ones need? It says it can use batteries, but i believe it should have an input for some kind of cable

Btw thanks for the help everyone!
I really appreciate it

 

[Basslice]

There are a lot of solutions for this problem, but things get a hell of a lot easier if you all share the same monitor mix. Then you just need a headphone amp like the PreSonus HP4 4-Channel Compact Headphone Amplifier ($150). Having individual mixes for each player is going to increase that cost significantly.

The rest can be handled by a decent mixer, which are not all that expensive. If you want to multitrack record you will need at least as many inputs as simultaneous players. If you record a two channel mix, then again you would simplify what you need, but you would not be able to edit and mix the individual components.

I really don't have a good idea on separate monitor mixes for a reasonable cost. I advise reading the other posts here.

 

[DirtDog]

Okay, nice to know, have been looking a bit on this one, seems to be a mixer aswell as a sound interface with 3 aux paths. That would be enough. 2 guitar and a bass would be enough.
https://m.thomann.de/dk/behringer_xenyx_x2222_usb.htm?o=14&search=1631277775
What do you guys think, would it be able to do the job?

Inputs and AUX sends will likely meet your requirements. The third AUX is for onboard FX but you may be able to get creative with routing for the third monitor mix on AUX 3.

Downside is that the USB is stereo only…not multitrack.

 

[GlassToMouth]

I've been using the Behringer X18 for years without a single issue. Less than $500. Whatever I throw at it. Live sound, multi-track recording, IEM's, wedges, etc. Any phone or tablet can as an adequate controller. External router is advised, but not required for home use. But busy clubs with lots of devices can make the integrated WiFi a bit cranky.

 

[DirkP]

I would recommend the Livetrak from Zoom, too. But get the 12 instead of the 8, the 8 has lower quality mic preamps and was kind of a compromise because Zoom wanted to offer a competing model for podcast recordists to the Rodecaster.
I personally like my Tascam Model 12 a lot, but the Zoom livetraks are the only ones I know off, that offer 5 or 6 headphone/monitor outs with individual monitor mixes. This is kind of the unique selling point of the Zoom Livetraks.

 

[Razzor]

Thanks guys! I appreciate it alot!
Might just end up going with the Focusrite 4i4, because i will not make compromises with the latency and stereo instead of multitrack in DAWs. I've seen tests where the people get a lot more latency using Livetrack as audio interface and i just want to get the best as possible latency and i want to be able to multitrack so I'm not stuck with only stereo. I want to be able to make a studio-like recordings.
I guess the individuel mix for each person is just a luxury that my wallet can't handle at this moment. At least not without losing qualities of recording uppertunities a dedicated audio interface can offer

 

[Razzor]

I've been using the Behringer X18 for years without a single issue. Less than $500. Whatever I throw at it. Live sound, multi-track recording, IEM's, wedges, etc. Any phone or tablet can as an adequate controller. External router is advised, but not required for home use. But busy clubs with lots of devices can make the integrated WiFi a bit cranky.

But can I use it without a phone or a tablet? i hate every apple product and my phone is like a rock, I don't like to have expensive stuff in my pocket, I'm weird xD The only thing that needs to be quality is my bass, my computer and my recording equipment and my huge f*cking monitors.

 

[rudy4444]

Thanks guys! I appreciate it alot!
Might just end up going with the Focusrite 4i4, because i will not make compromises with the latency and stereo instead of multitrack in DAWs. I've seen tests where the people get a lot more latency using Livetrack as audio interface and i just want to get the best as possible latency and i want to be able to multitrack so I'm not stuck with only stereo. I want to be able to make a studio-like recordings.
I guess the individuel mix for each person is just a luxury that my wallet can't handle at this moment. At least not without losing qualities of recording uppertunities a dedicated audio interface can offer

I have a Zoom Livetrak L-8 and it is capable of doing what you want. The L-8 has the same basic preamps for inputs 1 to 6 as the L-12 and L-20 with the same specifications. It's totally clean in use.

If you've never done PC / interface recording then I'll inform you that you'll spend much more time working out the bugs and glitches than making actual recordings, plus you're anchored to the computer. To have individual control of headphone mixes for more than 2 inputs is both pricey and overly complex when you're dealing with a PC interface.

A machine like the L-8 permits you to record anywhere you like, recording individual channels for each instrument, individual headphone mixes for each musician, and the ability to port those recorded tracks to a computer for later editing.

The Zoom L-8 works on batteries or AC adapter that supplies power to a USB port. The L-12 and L-20 don't have the battery option, most likely due to needing more power to supply phantom power to additional microphone inputs. The L-8 has basically 6 combo inputs which have phantom power capability and two additional inputs that only accept line level unless you add preamps for those #7 and #8 inputs.

If you use a dedicated multi-tracker like a Zoom or Tascam then you'll spend time actually recording rather then spending your time messing with your computer. I'm a long time home recordist so I'm simply passing on the reality of "computer recording". I'm also a long time musician and I'm fully aware of how ahaving a computer in front of you "buzzkills" the creative side of making music.

Have fun with whatever route you choose.

 

[DirkP]

I have a Zoom Livetrak L-8 and it is capable of doing what you want. The L-8 has the same basic preamps for inputs 1 to 6 as the L-12 and L-20 with the same specifications. (...).

I don't know how much it matters and I am sure that you can get decent results with the L-8, but it isn't true that it has the same preamps as the L-12 and L-20.
The ones on the L-12 and L-20 have 60 db, the ones on the L-8 only 54 db. Kind of a strange decision, if one recognizes how many podcasters use dynamic mics like the Shure SM7b that need a lot of amplification.

Check the technical details on the Zoom page:

L-8:
Eingangsverstärkung: +10 bis +54 dB/-3 bis +41 dB (wenn Hi-Z aktiv ist)
LIVETRAK L-8
L-12:
Eingangsverstärkung PAD OFF: +16 bis +60 dB
LiveTrak L-12

Zoom - at least this is my impression - wanted to offer something that can compete with the Rodecaster from Rode at a lower price and having to add features like those sample pads for jingles etc., they had to cut some corners.
Again: I don't want to be an*l about these technical details and I am convinced the mic preamps of the L-8 will not prevent anyone from recording great stuff. And as soon as you record mics, the mic and the room is far more important than those extra 6 dbs.

The reason, I even know this, is that I was interested in buying the L-8, but decided against it and in favour of the Tascam Model 12. Not so much the fact that Zoom uses lower specs mic-preamps on the smaller L-8 was one of the reasons, I decided to buy the Tascam, but that I had the impression that Zoom kind of concealed that the L-8 isn't just a smaller version of the L-12 and L-20.
It worked in your case

 

[rudy4444]

I don't know how much it matters and I am sure that you can get decent results with the L-8, but it isn't true that it has the same preamps as the L-12 and L-20.
The ones on the L-12 and L-20 have 60 db, the ones on the L-8 only 54 db. Kind of a strange decision, if one recognizes how many podcasters use dynamic mics like the Shure SM7b that need a lot of amplification.

Check the technical details on the Zoom page:

L-8:
Eingangsverstärkung: +10 bis +54 dB/-3 bis +41 dB (wenn Hi-Z aktiv ist)
LIVETRAK L-8
L-12:
Eingangsverstärkung PAD OFF: +16 bis +60 dB
LiveTrak L-12

Zoom - at least this is my impression - wanted to offer something that can compete with the Rodecaster from Rode at a lower price and having to add features like those sample pads for jingles etc., they had to cut some corners.
Again: I don't want to be an*l about these technical details and I am convinced the mic preamps of the L-8 will not prevent anyone from recording great stuff. And as soon as you record mics, the mic and the room is far more important than those extra 6 dbs.

The reason, I even know this, is that I was interested in buying the L-8, but decided against it and in favour of the Tascam Model 12. Not so much the fact that Zoom uses lower specs mic-preamps on the smaller L-8 was one of the reasons, I decided to buy the Tascam, but that I had the impression that Zoom kind of concealed that the L-8 isn't just a smaller version of the L-12 and L-20.
It worked in your case

Thanks for the info, I stand corrected on the extra 6db of gain for the Livetrak L-12.

In my use the 54db gain of the L-8 works fine, but I very seldom use a dynamic mic for any serious audio. Yes, there are some great dynamics, and I own a few SM57s and 58s but wouldn't use them for acoustic music capture. If you're sticking them in front of a combo amp speaker then you don't need the 60db of clean gain.


I used an R-24 for several years and did live band recordings with it. The pres were fine with condensers but where definitely noisy if you needed higher gain for a dynamic mic. In the few cases that I used a dynamic with the R-24 it worked to keep the gains lower and boost in post-editing since I always record at 24 bit.