I am looking for a budget 8 channel USB audio interface. Preferably allows future expansion for another 4/8 channel mic preamps. I was looking at the Focusrite Scarlett 18i20. Any other good competition to this interface? I would be using it with a PC.
Goes without Jim but the OP wanted expansion?Then there is the Tascam US1800.
The US 1800 offers that expansion. Beside the 8 mic inputs, there are six line inputs (two of them switchable to guitar) and a stereo digital, making a total of 16 available channels.
It'd be hard to beat for the money.
(I'm kicking myself...our local pawnshop had one on the shelf dirt cheap...I hummed and hahed and went home...but when I went back the next day it was gone.)
I looked at the US1800 it is quite cheaper than the Scarlett but I am not sure about the quality of the preamps. I looked at the motu 8 pre too, this unit is slightly more expensive than the scarlett but could stretch my budget if there is a huge difference in quality. The roland is more expensive than the scarlett but is more limited in terms of expansion. The Presonus is about the same specifications as the scarlett and at the same price.
What unit would you suggest?
It almost goes without saying that if you want to achieve the best possible computer recording and playback quality, you're going to have to spend a significant amount of money on your audio interface.
I appreciate that you mean well. But you may not be getting the vibe of this website.
Putting "best possible" in your post may make it a true statement, but this is Home Recording. We're not looking for the "best possible". Most here are looking for a great sound on a hobbyist budget.
To some putting $5-10k per year into this is their hobby budget. Others are just looking to put in a minimum and get their feet wet. To indicate you've got to spend huge to get good sound is not really what this site needs.
The US 1800 is a great piece of kit. Don't get me wrong. It does the job. Like I hinted in my previous post, a good set of pres will overcome it's one deficit.
As you well noted, I am not seeking the best but just at least get the most out of what I can afford. Mostly I would be recording myself and my band. Occasionally I hope I will record a local band.