Recommend me a multi-input interface, por favor

[Toronto Bassist]

So here's the story: for a while now, I've been using a [DEL]cheap[/DEL] inexpensive little M-Audio USB Fasttrack which, for the price, is actually not too bad - although it only has one microphone jack and one instrument jack, so if I want to record, say, a horn section I have to do it one instrument at a time (if you really feel like it, you can check out some of my results Invalid Link Removed, under "Commercial Fare")

Anyways. I'm fairly certain that there are audio interfaces out there that have multiple inputs. I remember one of them had a pdf chart of how you could record your band into one - the vocal and drum mics would go into the numerous mic inputs, the bass and keyboard could go into the instrument jacks, etc. That's not necessarily what I want to use it for, but it's the right idea.

I would be using this with Cubase in Windows 7 (64b)...it can be either USB or Firewire, although I would prefer USB if possible. Thanks in advance for any help.

 

[MonetBass]

Why not get a cheap little mixer and run the output of that into your current interface? That would work.

 

[Rick Nicak]

Hey there. Going with a mixer is one option. There are tons of interfaces out there to choose from.
Whats your price range, as this will narrow lots down to few?

 

[stflbn]

I have a Presonus Firebox I normally use and like, but lately i've been using a Zoom R16 that functions as an audio interface, but primarily allows 8 channels recorded at once, and 16 channels total active.

 

[gmarcus]

It depends how much you want to spend. A digital mixer is a good way to go and lets you also handle your live PA sound if you add powered speakers. Here are a couple at different price points.

http://pro-audio.musiciansfriend.com/product/Alesis-MultiMix-8-USB-2.0-8Channel-Mixer?sku=801473

http://pro-audio.musiciansfriend.com/product/Mackie-Onyx-1620i-Firewire-Mixer?sku=501233

 

[j.kernodle]

The step up Fasttrack Pro or Ultra is also an option.

 

[Toronto Bassist]

Hey there. Going with a mixer is one option. There are tons of interfaces out there to choose from.
Whats your price range, as this will narrow lots down to few?

Ah yes, good point. I would say about $1000 - $1200 or thereabouts.

 

[jzbass6]

I have a Presonus Firebox I normally use and like, but lately i've been using a Zoom R16 that functions as an audio interface, but primarily allows 8 channels recorded at once, and 16 channels total active.

I'm with stflbn, the Zoom R16 is a great unit that give you multiple options, stand alone 8 track recorder, USB interface to your DAW and a control control surface for under $400.00.

http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/R16

 

[Toronto Bassist]

I was just looking at the R16, but now I'm confused...what's a "Hi-Z" input?

 

[BassDeluxe]

The only thing I can contribute to this is, make up your mind if you really need a "mixer", as recommended by gmarcus if you are just recording and not, say, mixing a band live with it. I ended up adjusting levels etc. on the instrument and directly in Cubase. I found the size, weight, and complexity of my Phonix Helix Board 12 unpleasant, and I guess I paid for all those features I didn't need.

 

[Charling]

I was just looking at the R16, but now I'm confused...what's a "Hi-Z" input?

Hi-Z is 'high impedance'. It is in input with a VERY high impedance so you can happily plug high impedance instruments like guitars directly into it. Try this on a normal input and it qwill sound pretty bad! Hi z is kinda like a built in DI box.

for $1000 ish you have a lot of good quality options, I'd recommend going with a good, standard audio interface, not a mixer or all in one solution.

That will certainly be the purchase that will allow you to get the best 'results', though one or the other may be preferable if you enjoy that way of working more.

I'd look at the RME stuff, very nice gear thats often compared to the big hitters like apogee and metric halo. Or even look at a second hand untit from those guys.

 

[Andy_D]

I just purchased a Behringer X1622USB mixer for $179. I'm waiting for it to arrive right now.

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

I too was looking at stand alone interfaces, and PCI boards and such. Since I wanted to get started with putting together a home studio. This seemed like a lot of bang for the buck. I'm looking to add a MIDI controller, a microphone, and a bass modeling preamp over the coming months. I'd like to be able to leave my gear plugged in all the time and not have to mess with plugging and unplugging cables all the time. This is large enough that if a couple of musician friends come over I still have open channels to plug them into. Additionally as someone mentioned earlier I'll also have the start of a small PA for live performances, just add a power amp and speakers. For me, since this is a hobby and not my profession I like it when I can get double duty out of the money I spend.

 

[Toronto Bassist]

As to all the questions about a mixer, I really don't know. Does a mixer offer benefits that an interface doesn't? I mean really, all I know at this point is that I plug my m-audio into my computer, cubase recognizes it, and away I go. All I was looking for was the same kind of experience but with more inputs so that I can do things like record real drums and such. But if a mixer provides some sort of obvious benefit, then I'm all ears.

 

[Knifedge]

I opted for a mixer simply because the effects were external from the computer.. I bought the Alesis 8 channel USB mixer as it was capable of 4 mic inputs, and it had a slew of effects that I could control before it hit the computer, that way I could hear the effects through my monitor set up... worked well enough for me, and it came with Cubase software. I don't think I paid more than $350 for it.

 

[Charling]

As to all the questions about a mixer, I really don't know. Does a mixer offer benefits that an interface doesn't? I mean really, all I know at this point is that I plug my m-audio into my computer, cubase recognizes it, and away I go. All I was looking for was the same kind of experience but with more inputs so that I can do things like record real drums and such. But if a mixer provides some sort of obvious benefit, then I'm all ears.

To me, the benefits of a mixer would be entirely focused around it being a workflow you enjoy, other than that there are no real benefits.

Essentially, a soundcard-mixer will just act like a soundcard with a few extra bits, eq and maybe a few effects. Other than that its just a load of line and mic inputs going to a computer, same as an interface.

The sort of effects you get on these mixers, reverb and delay etc, are not normally the sort of thing you want to track with (not always anyway) and will have alternatives 'in the box'. similarily if the mixer has 'recording tools' effects like compression then you can almost certainly get better results from the many freeware plugins available. The effects on most soundcard-mixers are dsp based and fairly cheap so have nothing to offer over good plugins.

You can of course get very good mixer interfaces that have TOP effects etc but we are talking BIG money, of course!

The main thing a mixer will have that can be useful on the way in is eq. But again plugins are normally a better choice over cheaper (bad sounding that is) desk eqs and some recording desks (like the mackie onyx) record PRE eq anyway.

Most of the digital desks do not have multiple returns, ie the desk sends 8 or 16 outs and recieves back just 2. All the mixing is done in the box so the benefits you get from a normal mixer, ie eq's on each channel and the ethreal sense of space you can sometimes get mixing out of the box, will be un-obtainable unless you buy a multi output soundcard AS WELL to route the audio from the DAW back to the mixer.

i'd say stick with an interface, as you won't be paying for all that extra stuff you'll not end up using, unless as I say you think you would enjoy the workflow of a mixer, as always it just comes down to what you like!