Audio Interface

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bluecob

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Hi.

I am new to all this recording but have been trying to set up a studio so that I can record myself and some friends playing out Guitars etc.

As well as the normal gear I purchased a Behringer X1832USB mixer that I thought would allow me to record up to 8 individual tracks but now find, whilst it will allow me the inputs, it mixes down to two tracks.

Can anyone suggest an interface where I could record each track individually onto my DAW software possibly not breaking the bank in the process?

Thanks.
 
Hi,
How many inputs are you going to need, and what kind of input?
Instrument?mic?line?

There are plenty out there. Tell us more. :)
 
Steen is right, many interfaces out there. The best bang for your buck interface that has 8+ tracks is the Tascam 1800. You may want to look around and do more research, but it is at least as good sound wise as the Behringer and will give you up to 16 input tracks.
 
Steenamaroo said:
Hi,
How many inputs are you going to need, and what kind of input?
Instrument?mic?line?

There are plenty out there. Tell us more. :)
Click to expand...

The more the merrier but at least five - Lead, Bass, Rhythm and Drums plus singer.

I think I understand what 'instrument (guitar?) ' and 'mic (vocalist)' inputs are but what is 'line'?

Also why do you need a specific 'instrument' input as the Guitars will be Amplified then their amplifiers mikes up so the input will be via a mic?

Is this the sort of thing I would need and if so are there cheaper versions available: http://www.presonus.com/products/AudioBox-1818VSL

I told you I was a novice.
 
bluecob said:
The more the merrier but at least five - Lead, Bass, Rhythm and Drums plus singer.

I think I understand what 'instrument (guitar?) ' and 'mic (vocalist)' inputs are but what is 'line'?

Also why do you need a specific 'instrument' input as the Guitars will be Amplified then their amplifiers mikes up so the input will be via a mic?

I told you I was a novice.
Click to expand...

Heh, that's no worries.

If you plug a guitar or bass straight into an interface you need an instrument or DI input.
If you're playing through an amp and using a microphone you need a mic input.
A line input expects a hotter signal again. Things like keyboards and synths usually put out line level.

All three inputs expect a different level and type of signal and aren't interchangeable.

The tascam probably is the best all rounder with plenty of options, especially if you're going to be doing drums.
 
Hi.

Can you give me a link to the Tascam model you refer to. Will it allow me to record each instrument individually i.e. on it's own track - into my DAW software?

I have had a look at the Tascam 1800 and it only gives four outputs.
 
bluecob said:
Hi.

Can you give me a link to the Tascam model you refer to. Will it allow me to record each instrument individually i.e. on it's own track - into my DAW software?

I have had a look at the Tascam 1800 and it only gives four outputs.
Click to expand...

I it has four analog outputs (external routing options). It has 16 inputs which your DAW will see.
 
Most multi-channel USB/Firewire audio interfaces will allow for multi-input recordings.

These things are meant to bypass the audio card within your computer entirely. The channels will show up as possible inputs on your DAW.

The Behringer FCA1616 and FCA610 would both do it. More channels out on the 1616.

The one you have says in the literature that it only has a two-track USB output. A lot of the USB mixers only output stereo.

I use a Line 6 POD HD Pro X as my soundcard/recording interface...but I only ever need 2 in and 2 out.

If you use the interface as sound card, you will want to remove the drivers for the sound card from your computer. I had a lot of crashes to blue screen before I did that.
 
If it is an on board sound card, I would disable it in the bios. Otherwise, Windows will try to keep installing it.
 
Hi

I have ordered a Tascam 16x08. Hopefully this is what I need.
 
Looks identical to the 1800 except has 8 outs instead of 4. Note that this is a preorder item and won't ship until next month...
 
I think it is better. I use the one on the 1800 thanks to Jimmy selling me a pre-amp with S/PDIF In/Out. I think the removing that on the current one is better and more versatile. S/PDIF pre-amps are hard to find at a decent price. Finding pre-amps with 1/4 outputs are pretty standard.
 
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