Can't decide between interfaces...

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throttle11

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I got some good info from you guys regarding what I need to startup my podcast. Now after researching interfaces, I'm trying to pick the best one for my use between these 2 that I like. To reiterate, I needed a device that has 4 xlr input capability, PC compatible. The podcast itself will be talk radio style. I'd like capability for 4 headphones to be used during each recording but I can see these products don't support that so I'll have to deal with just one output. I want the majority of the podcast unedited afterwards to give an organic feel, so I don't think I'll be touching much up afterwards.

Tascam 600 -
Pros:
6-Input / 4-output USB 2.0 audio / MIDI interface
Four mic preamps with phantom power, XLR / TRS combo jacks
Two unbalanced RCA outputs
S/PDIF stereo digital input and output
MIDI input and output
Signal Present and Overload meter LEDs on each input
Line Out / Phones level control
Monitor mix level control for direct input monitoring
Mono / stereo monitoring switch for input 1 / 2 and 3 / 4
Instrument (high impedance) switch for input 1 with indicator LED
Includes Cubase LE5 48-track workstation recording software
Cons: I hear people have problems with device recognition, and must reboot before it all links up correctly. Priced a little higher than the next device.

Mulitimix 8 (Alesis)-
Pros:
10-direct outputs to your computer for recording and 2 return inputs for monitoring
High–gain mic/line (XLR and 1/4” balanced) inputs with phantom power, 2 stereo balanced 1/4”
Line inputs, aux send (to onboard or external effects), stereo aux return
Switchable 75Hz high pass filters
100 onboard 28-bit preset effects including reverbs, delays, chorus, flanging, pitch and multi–effects
3–band EQ per channel with high/low shelving and mid band pass/reject
Separate 1/4” balanced main and monitor outs, headphone out
24–bit, 44.1 to 96 kHz operation with high–end A/D and D/A conversion through an integrated USB 2.0 Audio interface
Steinberg Cubase LE included
Cons: Not a "True" interface. More like an upgraded mixer. Some are saying it's USB1 although it appears advertized as USB2 (i have no idea who's right.) I've read that it can only present 2 inputs or maybe it was outputs in stereo...



Alot of this means exactly WTF to me. I understand the basics but that's about it. I'm leaning towards the Multimix because of the many good reviews & obviously the price. Although I'm a little confused on the more complicated components. Any opinions, or info to guide me on one or the other? Again, this is only my beginner's attempt at podcasting. If things go well, I can always upgrade down the road, although I would like to choose something half decent for starters so I don't kick myself for choosing the wrong device a month down the road. I put more faith in your guy's opinion on this than my own.
 
For podcasting you don't need the same quality as for music recording. MIDI, instrument inputs, 24 bit and S/PDIF are all wasted features for your use.

You mention not editing after the fact - will you NEED to be able to cut/edit any of the mics separately afterward? If not, you can get away with a mixer that has 4 inputs and stereo output. There are a ton of interfaces out there, so take your time shopping for one.
 
mjbphotos said:
For podcasting you don't need the same quality as for music recording. MIDI, instrument inputs, 24 bit and S/PDIF are all wasted features for your use.

You mention not editing after the fact - will you NEED to be able to cut/edit any of the mics separately afterward? If not, you can get away with a mixer that has 4 inputs and stereo output. There are a ton of interfaces out there, so take your time shopping for one.
Click to expand...

I highly doubt that I will get into post recording cutting/editing. This is mainly due to the fact that I want to give the listeners the feel that everything is going on in real time, (4 guys sitting in my living room talking about their unbiased, uncensored, and sometimes vulgar but natural responses to everyday interesting topics, while often in the presence of alcohol consumption.)

As for the quality of sound, you are correct in the fact that it will not be necessary to have state of the sound quality that would be needed in music recording. I will be purchasing expensive microphones and already have one, so I would like it to pick up each speakers natural voice tone and not be staticky or muffled in any way.
 
There seems to be 2 versions of the multimix8 -
usb 2.0: multimix8usb20
usb 1.0 multimix8usb

Everyone is probably thinking of the older 1.0 version that only recorded the main out
as a stereo pair.
 
The Alesis is USB 2.0 and has stereo out (2 channel, not 4+), at $149.00 (sweetwater.com), I think it will fit your bill.
 
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