First audio interface of my life! need help to choose

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Amtroad

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Hello guys,

just as the title states I just got in the world of home recording ad I'm facing the choice of the audio interface to buy, I should say that I'm working in a windows/linux environment (error 404 mac not found sry :facepalm:) I have a budget of around 200/300 € and the usage will be to record some midi tracks a guitar and, eventually, some voices but nothing too big, that requires a lot of inputs at the same time, probably. After wandering a bit on the internet I found 2 seemingly nice models that may be good for me:
-the focusrite's scarlett 6i6
-the UR44 from steinberg (this one is a bit more expensive but o amazon is on sale for now so I could buy it anyway)
I would like to hear your opinion on those 2 in relation to my situation and if I missed some other audio interfaces that may work for me too ;).

I apologize in advance if i said something stupid/did grammatic errors :D,

Amtroad
 
If you are going to go between Linux and Windows, I suggest you first check to see which interface works with Linux. I used a Presonus on Linux, worked no problem, tried the Tascam 1800, it didn't work. I suggest first reducing your choices to those that work in Linux.

Second, you will need to choose a DAW that will work in Linux. I know of two right now, Tracktion, Ardour and another new DAW named Bitwig (From the guys that created Ableton).

Once you get the list down, then it is a matter of how many inputs, how good the pre-amps work, and how well it converts without a large amount of latency. The two you have listed seem fully capable and I have not read anything negative about them, but I did not check if they work with Linux, you may want to double check.
 
Ok thanks for the answer, regarding the linux problem I didn't epress myself properly, I mainly use windows 7 and if the interface also works with linux it would be a plus but it's not necessary ;).
The fact that both of the choices seem good to someone more expert it's a relief for me but it's because I can't find any major issues with them that I don't know what to buy exactly, like, how should I go about it? Meaning, what should I look for to distinguish them from one another?
 
Looking at the 6i6, while it has 6 inputs, 2 are SPDIF, which unless you have a something specific you want to plug into it is rather useless. 2 line ins and two with pre-amps.

The UR44 has 4 pre-amps, 2 line ins, MIDI DIN, multi outs, two headphone jacks, I will be honest, based on features alone, the 44 hands down. Wait for a few others to throw rocks at it, but between the two, the 44 looks like a better buy.
 
My favorite interface is the Native Instruments Komplete Audio 6. Excellent pre-amps and converters, 2 line ins in addition to the two preamps so I can use whatever hardware pre-amps I want to, 4 TRS outputs. In three years I've never had a single issue with it. I hope NI makes a bigger interface someday.

For what it's worth though, I also have a Scarlett 2i6 and like it. It's a little bigger than the KA6 (weighs less though). Had it for a few months and so far so good. And in the past I've had the Steinberg UR22. I loved it! But it didn't have enough inputs and outputs for me so I sold it. That UR44 looks awesome!
 
The words "MIDI" and "Linux" mean a no-brainer to me....
Native Instruments Komplete Audio 6.

Two excellent mic/line/instr' inputs plus two more balanced line ins, MIDI and S/PDIF. The lowest latency and most solid drivers you will see this prices side of RME and MOTU.

Sozz' Kidage! Just spotted you. Bigger NI? YES!! 4 mics plus ADAT and the same driver quality and they would clean up the market IMHO!

Dave.
 
First of all thanks for all the answers,

kidkage said:
My favorite interface is the Native Instruments Komplete Audio 6. Excellent pre-amps and converters, 2 line ins in addition to the two preamps so I can use whatever hardware pre-amps I want to, 4 TRS outputs. In three years I've never had a single issue with it.
Click to expand...

this little guy seems pretty sweet but if u are using it since 3 years wouldn't it become outdated in short time? For drivers and such I mean, that's my concern when considering older hardware but maybe for audio interfaces it doesn't matter that much?
 
Gear gets supported by decent manufacturers for quite a while, so I'd not worry - my money would be on the Tascam, I have the old version, running on windows 7 very happily and I'd certainly buy a new one if I needed one!
 
rob aylestone said:
Gear gets supported by decent manufacturers for quite a while, so I'd not worry - my money would be on the Tascam, I have the old version, running on windows 7 very happily and I'd certainly buy a new one if I needed one!
Click to expand...

I'm with you on this one. The 1800 is as far as I am concerned is the best buy right now. But that wasn't on the list :)
 
Amtroad said:
First of all thanks for all the answers,



this little guy seems pretty sweet but if u are using it since 3 years wouldn't it become outdated in short time? For drivers and such I mean, that's my concern when considering older hardware but maybe for audio interfaces it doesn't matter that much?
Click to expand...

Don't worry about it. My first "proper" interface was an M-Audio Fast track pro and last I looked it worked with Win 7 and I am sure it will be fine with Hated Eight. I have also used some older Tascams, the 122 and again, fine with W7.

I would still bet on the KA6 but if you really need the extra inputs the 1800 iz the bizz.

Dave.
 
I checked the tascam out guys and I have one doubt, how can a 16 in/8 out interface be as expensive as a 6 in/6 out? because if there aren't any major downfalls to it I don't see why I should buy the other one instead of the tascam....
 
Amtroad said:
I checked the tascam out guys and I have one doubt, how can a 16 in/8 out interface be as expensive as a 6 in/6 out? because if there aren't any major downfalls to it I don't see why I should buy the other one instead of the tascam....
Click to expand...

Doesn't work that way. The AI market is a very competitive one and price is only a rough guide to quality. Then, Tascam have a new product out to replace the 1800 and thus there is bound to be some "shelf clearing" of the older model, especially at this time of year!

So, chose an interface based on the connectivity you need and heed the comments you read here.

Dave.
 
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