Multitrack audio interface

jimmybeige

Can anyone suggest a cheap multitracking audio interface by USB? Not just a mixer, as I want something that can map each microphone channel to a separate channel in Cubase or whatever software I'm using. Looking for 3 or 4 channels. Are there even any budget options for something like this?

Doge

Easy way to see is go to the audio interfaces section of a website and arrange prices from low to high:
http://www.thomann.de/ie/usb_audio_interfaces1.html?pg=3&oa=pra

This Behringer interface has 4 xlr / line Midas inputs, Phantom Power, a Midi Interface as well as 4 Inserts (for external effects I'd imagine?) all for only €110

http://www.thomann.de/ie/behringer_umc404hd.htm

I dont think I've seen inserts on usb audio interfaces before, they look very handy.

Doge

Another option is this Lexicon:

http://www.thomann.de/ie/lexicon_omega_studio.htm

2 Mic XLR inputs, 4 Line inputs. one SPDIF input, MIDI interface etc..

jimmybeige

Thanks Doge. I read many places that a lot of those won't output to separate tracks on Cubase and they don't make it obvious in the description. That's really the priority for what I'm looking for. How do I know that the ones on Thomann that you mention definitely have this?

Doge

It's only the mixers with audio interfaces that only output to a stereo mixdown I know of. All audio interfaces should be able to record to a separate input in cubase.

LeBash

If firewire is an option I picked up a Mackie blackbirds. Very reasonable for 8 mic ins and 8 separate outs over the firewire. Picked up a second one recently and they are pretty easy to link but I heard after 2 don't bother.

For the price it's a nice piece of kit.

jimmybeige

Thanks LeBash. Probably more than I'm looking for at the minute, but cheers for the suggestion.

Pepijn89

jimmybeige wrote: »

Looking for 3 or 4 channels.

Little late to the party, but in case you haven't made your choice yet: there aren't too many decent 4-in interfaces in my opinion, plus if you're looking for 3 or 4 now you might want to upgrade to have a few more in a year. I would say if your budget can handle it go for a decent 8-in interface right away. I use a Presonus Firestudio (comes with a free DAW) which connects through FireWire and has 8 mic/inst/line inputs. A great USB option is the Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 which will give you 4 mic/inst inputs plus 4 line ins. Both can be had new for around 350 or 2nd hand for less.

godfrey

2 pieces of advice in this minefield!
1- stay away from Behringer
2 - try shopping local. Most real shops will match online prices, you get the benefit of their advice AND after sales support.

g

intune

jimmybeige wrote: »

Thanks Doge. I read many places that a lot of those won't output to separate tracks on Cubase and they don't make it obvious in the description. That's really the priority for what I'm looking for. How do I know that the ones on Thomann that you mention definitely have this?

Going by your questions I assume you haven't used many interfaces yet. As was pointed out usually every interface will let you map ins & outs to where you want them to be.

IF you only have a small budget then go with a smaller unit that has good pre-amps.

You are basically looking for 2 things mostly.
Good conversion rate (read that up on various product forums) and good quality pre-amps.

The older generation Focusrite interfaces have quite good pre-amps for a relatively cheap price (don't know about the new ones). You might find some really good 2nd hand stuff there actually. If you are going for quality MOTU for example would a be good choice.

I would avoid cheap stuff unless you really have no budget. However it won't "break" your sound experience either. So if you must go with Behringer or M-Audio well then that's ok too. I'd probably rather recommend M-Audio before Behringer.

You get the idea. Try 2nd though and might be surprised what you will find for half-price in great condition. The Boards partner site Adverts has a ton of stuff up!

Páid

My own preference is for Focusrite products. They have a number of usb devices - https://uk.focusrite.com/usb-audio-interfaces

This one can do what you want - https://uk.focusrite.com/usb-audio-interfaces/scarlett-18i8

and it's available from quite a few UK shops - https://uk.focusrite.com/buy-online/MOSC0007

Do you need to be able to record 4 mic inputs simultaneously?