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Where Do I Start With Home Recording?
- Thread starter P. Aaron
- Start date
I have purchased Reaper and am going this route as it seems to have (so many) options and longer-term adaptability to tech changes. A much deeper learning curve too.
Which prompts this question: I've watched Focusrite reviews and would prefer to have as many inputs as affordable SO;
Would anyone consider buying a used Focusrite 18i8 or similar rather than used? Was hoping to score a 4 input unit.
There's no wrong answer, I'm just trying to get a sense of what people who've used this gear's instincts are on used stuff in this genre.
Been banging' on LOTSA these lately. Thanks for this one too.
When it comes to practicing, gigging, recording or booking, playing the music IS the easy part.
One option you might want to look into, if you use ASIO4ALL instead of Focusrite drivers, then you can combine several interfaces to look like one big one in your DAW. You can also combine interfaces from several brands together.
Using Multiple Audio Interfaces Together
P. Aaron,
When buying used interfaces check to see if they are the current model. Focusrite's current Scarlett line is at gen3. You want the newest models because they will have software support from the vendor longer than an earlier model.
Once you get away from the 2-channel interfaces, Focusrite requires their own software to control the I/O configuration. It's more than a driver.
When buying used interfaces check to see if they are the current model. Focusrite's current Scarlett line is at gen3. You want the newest models because they will have software support from the vendor longer than an earlier model.
Once you get away from the 2-channel interfaces, Focusrite requires their own software to control the I/O configuration. It's more than a driver.
All depends upon how many inputs you will be using at one time. In my case, I have the 2i2. I could use one input direct from my bass and the other for a mic from my bass amp. Those recording a group need more inputs. One for each instrument or mic.
That's why I like my Zoom H6 - four combo inputs + stereo ambient mic, or you can add two more inputs with an optional cartridge (I didn't purchase that option, yet?). Easy to record a cab mic on one channel and the DI into another, and it has enough gain that you can record direct from the instrument - no mic/DI necessary (just a TS cable). Also has 12/24/48V phantom power available on the four main inputs....
(Edited to add) I've also used it for quick "tests" to check electronics - just plug a TS cable in and look for the spikes on the graph. Way easier than powering up an Amp, and much more portable.
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The reason I ask is if anyone here has had an ok experience with these kinds of used devices. My band mate suggests buying new just because then I know the devices history. The more inputs however, the more $$$.
Just an experience question. Tho' the software consideration is useful. Thanks.
I really like that thang....
It's easy to lay additional tracks/overdub when you're ready for the "next" layer/instrument, and you can always use a stereo mixer ahead of the H6 for more channels (but less post control). It is also a USB DAW. It may cost more than an interface, but does more?...
Cheers,
I have slid up the scale from a gen 1 2i4 to various things and now have an 18i20 3rd gen. These can be found used for $200-300. I like having more inputs than I can normally use simultaneously. It lets me worry about other things, like sound quality and performance. Happy with it and don't forsee any new needs on the input side.
I don't like to have my scientific or music work to be limited by equipment. Now I have no excuses.
I don't like to have my scientific or music work to be limited by equipment. Now I have no excuses.
I had a used Focusrite Saffire Pro 40 (similar to today's Scarlett 18i20, but with Firewire rather than USB). I used it for about 10 years, retired it in 2020. The unit worked fine for the entire period I owned it.
The only reason I stopped using it was (surprise!) the software was no longer going to be supported after 2019 and Mac OS Catalina (that's four OSes ago). Four years later, the support software (Mix Control, similar to today's Focusrite Control) is no longer even available for download from the website.
For online purchase, make sure there's a return option and check all the I/O as soon as you get it.
I've been (besides falling into the crevasse of videos about Reaper's capabilities), looking into a used 4-input Focusrite something or another. Any expiring software concerns has me instead, looking at a new 2-input unit.I have slid up the scale from a gen 1 2i4 to various things and now have an 18i20 3rd gen. These can be found used for $200-300. I like having more inputs than I can normally use simultaneously. It lets me worry about other things, like sound quality and performance. Happy with it and don't forsee any new needs on the input side.
I don't like to have my scientific or music work to be limited by equipment. Now I have no excuses.
The multi-input concern is a reactive one as I'm still in analogue Fostex 4-track cassette mode. Back then I had a Sansui Receiver w/mic inputs and I could run sound effects records into my 4-track along with adding guitar or a drum machine. I have to realize I can paste and not have to run a track multiple times to get all the layers.
What's going to be tricky is guitar effects as a new stomp box/rack unit almost always inspired riffs from reactive playing to the effect one's using. Old days, I'd just record with the effect and not loop it as an additional track. I get the reasoning but, the impatient musician just wants to throw paint at the canvas and not learn how the canvas was stapled to the frame.
Most of the multi channel (more than 2) interfaces operate this way. Use factory software to set up your i/o routing and it gets saved on yhe interface. Then when you run your DAW of choice your preferred routing scheme is available. I've had that experience with Zoom and Tascam interfaces running into Reaper and Ardour.
This is correct, but there are exceptions. Behringer makes the UMC1820 interface that doesn't use software to control the routing, but it has only a few fixed routing options.
The USB class compliant spec for audio simply deals with channels in and out of the computer. Setting up headphone and monitor mixes has to be done in the interface and most vendors use software to do this.
I recently sold my Korg D3200. It was an incredible machine with a ton of features. I even installed the 2Seemy VGA output so that I could see the screen better. I never bonded with it though, and ultimately, I think it's too complex for me and my time constraints.
These days I'm using GarageBand more, and capturing tracks with Zoom recorders.
I'm with ya! I have the 2Seemy as well. I just put together The Green Room to start recording again. But the D3200 is just too much for me. I am retired and have all the time in the world but relearning that thing gives me anxiety and has me thinking about selling it. There are people who love them. Haven't used it in many years out of frustration. I just don't know if there are any desk top platforms that would be easier. I have a long time friend who swears by Garageband.
Looking at what this stuff is, I would go with Garage Band as well. But, I have had great success with a laptop, Focusrite Scarlett and Reaper. Yes, there is a learning curve but it does so much more, IMHO.
If you want a multi-piece band tracking live simultaneously to separate tracks,
then yeah you'll need an interface with multiple inputs
If mixing multiple down to 2 stereo channels is acceptable,
I'd go with a 2 channel focus rite and an external mixer
