Audio Interface for recording a minimum of 8 Channels at once?

[thebrig]

I have [b]Sonar 8 Producer[/b] and [b]Reaper[/b] on my computer, although I can only just about use them.

I now need an audio interface, that will allow me to record a minimum of 8 tracks simultaneously.

I don’t know much about recording, so would like something that is easy and straightforward to use.

I would like it to have decent microphone inputs though.

I have a budget of £400 maximum.

All recommendations and advice would be welcome.

Many thanks in advance.

[b]Edit:[/b] Would I be able to use the [b]Zoom R24 Digital Recorder, Sampler, USB Interface and DAW Controller?[/b]

[url="http://www.dv247.com/studio-equipment/zoom-r24-digital-recorder-sampler-usb-interface-and-daw-controller--74227"]http://www.dv247.com/studio-equipment/zoom...ntroller--74227[/url]

Or the [b]Line 6 Toneport UX-8 Audio Interface?[/b]

[url="http://www.dv247.com/computer-hardware/line-6-toneport-ux8--43354"]http://www.dv247.com/computer-hardware/lin...port-ux8--43354[/url]

And has anyone used either of them?

Edited February 17, 2011 by thebrig

[Bloc Riff Nut]

what about this little beauty;- M-Audio Fast Track Ultra 8r
[url="http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/M-Audio-Fast-Track-Ultra-8R-USB2-0-audio-interface-/250743726501?pt=Midi_Controllers&hash=item3a617da1a5"]http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/M-Audio-Fast-Track-U...=item3a617da1a5[/url]

They say m-audio have zero latentcy !

[thebrig]

[quote name='Bloc Riff Nut' post='1131422' date='Feb 17 2011, 07:06 PM']what about this little beauty;- M-Audio Fast Track Ultra 8r
[url="http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/M-Audio-Fast-Track-Ultra-8R-USB2-0-audio-interface-/250743726501?pt=Midi_Controllers&hash=item3a617da1a5"]http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/M-Audio-Fast-Track-U...=item3a617da1a5[/url]

They say m-audio have zero latentcy !

[/quote]
Just seen it at Amazon for £349.

I will certainly consider it.

[redstriper]

I use an Alesis multimix 16 channel firewire mixer.
It gives 16 channels similtaneous recording and 8 mic inputs with phantom power.
I've been using it nearly every day for over 4 years with no problems and I would highly recommend it.
I think they make a 12 and 8 channel version too - google it.

[Sibob]

I think I'm gonna be going for the Focusrite Saffire Pro 24 DSP, check it out.
The different mixing environments sound really interesting, mostly because I'm going to be exclusively working with headphones (KRK's)

Si

[51m0n]

If you need to be able to record on location then the Zoom R16 (or R24) are good buys.

Especially considering you can later on get a second one and link them together for 16 tracks simulataneous recording.

Data transfer from them to the PC is super easy, just get a memory card to USB converter and copy the files directly into a folder then use Reaper to mixdown. Simples. And they sound really good for the price (IMO).

If location recording is irrelevant then get something like the Focusrite mentioned above, good name in kit, decent mic pres, 'nuff said.

[bartelby]

[quote name='51m0n' post='1131885' date='Feb 18 2011, 09:50 AM']Data transfer from them to the PC is super easy, just get a memory card to USB converter and copy the files directly into a folder then use Reaper to mixdown. Simples. And they sound really good for the price (IMO).[/quote]

You can also transfer directly to a USB stick, but it's painfully slow... so if 2 or more members of the band want copies it's really easy to do.

[thebrig]

I've just been speaking to two separate stores on what they would recommend, and both advised against the [b]Zoom R24[/b],
but I sort of expected that in a way, because these are guys who use recording gear all the time, know the stuff inside out,
and would almost certainly turn their nose's up at something like the [b]Zoom R24[/b].

I emphasised the point, that I don't know that much about computer recording, and being a bit long in the tooth, I did not
want to spend too much time learning new tricks.

Anyway!

They came up with a couple of suggestions, and the only one that really grabbed me, was:

[b]Focusrite Saffire Pro 40 FireWire Audio Interface[/b]

[url="http://www.dv247.com/computer-hardware/focusrite-saffire-pro-40-firewire-audio-interface--58155"]http://www.dv247.com/computer-hardware/foc...nterface--58155[/url]

It's packed with quality for the price, and records 16 tracks simultaneously.

But, I don't know whether it will be too difficult for me to learn how to get the best from it.

What do you guys/gals think? and are there any places I could go to get hand's on tuition?

I know purely from a quality point of view, it will much better than the [b]Zoom R24[/b], yet only costing £20 more.

But at the end of the day, I feel the [b]Zoom R24[/b] would do what I'm looking for, just simple recordings of the band,
for rough demo's to hand out, and for our own use.

[BottomE]

I have a Focuswrite USB interface. Used daily for a year without a single problem. It is well built, extremely easy to use and gives fantastic results. Much better than the M-Audio interface that it replaced.

[Rimskidog]

[quote name='thebrig' post='1132191' date='Feb 18 2011, 02:34 PM']I've just been speaking to two separate stores on what they would recommend, and both advised against the [b]Zoom R24[/b],
but I sort of expected that in a way, because these are guys who use recording gear all the time, know the stuff inside out,
and would almost certainly turn their nose's up at something like the [b]Zoom R24[/b].

I emphasised the point, that I don't know that much about computer recording, and being a bit long in the tooth, I did not
want to spend too much time learning new tricks.

Anyway!

They came up with a couple of suggestions, and the only one that really grabbed me, was:

[b]Focusrite Saffire Pro 40 FireWire Audio Interface[/b]

[url="http://www.dv247.com/computer-hardware/focusrite-saffire-pro-40-firewire-audio-interface--58155"]http://www.dv247.com/computer-hardware/foc...nterface--58155[/url]

It's packed with quality for the price, and records 16 tracks simultaneously.

But, I don't know whether it will be too difficult for me to learn how to get the best from it.

What do you guys/gals think? and are there any places I could go to get hand's on tuition?

I know purely from a quality point of view, it will much better than the [b]Zoom R24[/b], yet only costing £20 more.

But at the end of the day, I feel the [b]Zoom R24[/b] would do what I'm looking for, just simple recordings of the band,
for rough demo's to hand out, and for our own use.[/quote]

That's a good option though note there are only 8 preamps on the unit so unless you had the ability to line in that only gives you 8 simulataneous ins. The motu 8pre is also a solid little unit:http://www.dv247.com/computer-hardware/motu-8pre-firewire-audio-interface-with-8-mic-preamps--36152

[Master blaster]

i use the line6 toneport. Its brilliant for the price and i recommend it if u have a limited budget.

[crez5150]

Another One here for the MOTU pre... Very pro unit at a great price

[s1ater]

+1 for the fast track ultra 8r

Its a great box, decent preamps, dsp mixer

all in all it wont be replaced for a while

[paul_5]

Another +1 for the Focusrite Sapphire. Good quality, clear preamps with plenty of headroom. Will phantom power condenser mics too. I've also had great results through a MOTU too, but as an all-in-one unit the focusrite has it all - routing software for independent monitor mixes, LED meters etc... great unit.

[WHUFC BASS]

[quote name='Sibob' post='1131741' date='Feb 18 2011, 12:36 AM']I think I'm gonna be going for the Focusrite Saffire Pro 24 DSP, check it out.
The different mixing environments sound really interesting, mostly because I'm going to be exclusively working with headphones (KRK's)

Si[/quote]


Thats exactly what I'll be getting this or next month. It looks superb - two headphone outputs too which is handy. The Pro 40 sounds good too.

The M-Audio stuff gets a hell of a lot of bad reviews and their customer service is pretty dire by all accounts.

Edited February 19, 2011 by WHUFC BASS

[Joelwidds]

I can highly recommend the Focusrite pro 40. I have used most interfaces in its price range and also have used high end converters like the the Avid HD 192.
To be honest I wouldn't put my cash on anything else in that price range. With the pro 40 you also get 8 ADAT in and out as well if you ever want to add another preamp and have 16 ins and outs. I have never had a problem with it and Focusrite are always fast on software upgrades and customer service.

The work flow is hard to understand at first because of the very flexible routing which allows you to take any input and send it to any output pre DAW. Focusrite have provided many videos on this. Also the loop back features is a amazing been able to record anything from any sound source on your computer eg. Youtube. Straight to your DAW.

The sound of the preamps are also nice for the price range not giving out as much noise as some of the products that try compete with it

I could go on forever about this product so if you have any questions just ask.

Edited February 20, 2011 by Joelwidds

[DolganoFF]

[quote name='redstriper' post='1131712' date='Feb 18 2011, 12:49 AM']I use an Alesis multimix 16 channel firewire mixer.
It gives 16 channels similtaneous recording and 8 mic inputs with phantom power.
I've been using it nearly every day for over 4 years with no problems and I would highly recommend it.
I think they make a 12 and 8 channel version too - google it.[/quote]

I have 8-channel Multimix USB2, using it daily since 3 years, works well enough for me!

[Bankai]

I have the Saffire Pro 40 Firewire.

Definitely recommended, IMO best in class, and exactly what you're looking for it seems!

[thebrig]

[quote name='Bankai' post='1139527' date='Feb 24 2011, 06:03 AM']I have the Saffire Pro 40 Firewire.

Definitely recommended, IMO best in class, and exactly what you're looking for it seems![/quote]
I must admit that the Saffire Pro 40 Firewire seems to be a good option.

I will check it out soon, along with some of the other suggestions.