Recommendations for USB interface

[Linguist]

As a newbie, I'm a bit overwhelmed by all the specifications of audio interfaces (it took me about 30 minutes to find out I what I needed was called an audio interface!) and what I need for my specific purpose.

I've had a look at the sticky thread here, and while it cleared up my confusion about inputs and outputs, I'm still not sure.

Basically, I need to be able to record six microphones at one time. The microphones I'm going to use aren't known yet, but it is likely going to be a mixture of dynamic and condensor microphones (mentioning this because of phantom power). My purpose is only to record speech, so there will be no other instruments hooked up.

So, I don't really know what I need. Whether the fact it's only for speech means that there doesn't need to be preamps. Can anyone recommend relatively low-range (in terms of price) audio interfaces that allow 6 mics to connect?

Cheers.

 

[guitarplayr82]

Best deal for 6 inputs is the Tascam US-800. There used to be a great price somewhere for the US-800 at $100, but I think that deal is no longer. You can still shop around and pick it up for under $200, though.

 

[DrumRookie]

Best deal for 6 inputs is the Tascam US-800. There used to be a great price somewhere for the US-800 at $100, but I think that deal is no longer. You can still shop around and pick it up for under $200, though.

+1

I own one of them. They are a very worthy interface. Simple to operate and use, as has good features.

 

[Linguist]

Best deal for 6 inputs is the Tascam US-800. There used to be a great price somewhere for the US-800 at $100, but I think that deal is no longer. You can still shop around and pick it up for under $200, though.

Ah, great, thanks. I could see the Tascam US-600; didn't think to try looking for others in the same series. I'm in the UK, but I'll have a shop around and try and see if there's a good deal. Otherwise hiring the equipment is fine, at least I have something to ask for now though.

My understanding is that pre-amps are used to give microphones a boost as on their own they are quite low and easily overpowered by other instruments. Since I only require speech recording, does that mean preamps aren't required? I know my way around DAWs and sound editing in general enough to boost microphone levels post-recording if need be.

 

[mjbphotos]

No, you will still need preamps for the mics. But, since you are only recording speech, is it necessary for you to record each person/mic on a separate track for editing after recording?

 

[Armistice]

Preamps are not to give things a boost, they're to increase the signal to a usable level. You need them. Most interfaces come with them onboard and for speech even a dheaper interface will probably do.

You should, however, tell us what you're trying to do - recommending specific bits of equipment without knowing the end objectives is a fool's game. So why are you recording 6 voices all at the same time?