canoemoose Posted January 10, 2013 Share Posted January 10, 2013 Hi all, I'm looking for an audio interface, for 2 use cases: multi-channel playback and live recording.For multi-channel playback (mainly theatre tracks & effects), I need a minimum of 4 line outputs in order to handle 2 stereo channels - this would then be patched into the desk.For live recording, I'd be patching into the direct outs on whatever desk was being used - this is for recording acoustic duos etc at open mic nights and similar, so a minimum of four line inputs would be nice. A mic input would be handy, but not essential, but from initial searching they all have a couple. The problem I'm having is finding something with 4 line inputs and 4 outputs - many "4 input" boxes seem to have a couple of mic/instrument combo inputs and a couple of additional line inputs. Instrument inputs aren't necessary - if I do ever have the need to record guitar or whatever without a desk, I possess DI boxes. Also, there doesn't really seem to be anything between 2in/2out and 8+ in/out devices. Something like the old Edirol UA101 would fit the bill, but is slightly OTT... I don't have a specific budget per se, but I'm not looking to spend the contents of my savings account on a device which is primarily to make my life easier and help out some friends. Circa £250 would be nice, and I'm happy to buy second-hand kit. Any advice gratefully received. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cedd Posted January 10, 2013 Share Posted January 10, 2013 I use a Focusrite Saffire 8i6, which I think should fit the bill. 2 line inputs on the front as combo XLR/jacks. 2 Jack line inputs on the back. 4 Jack line outputs. They're a really nice piece of kit and I've made some really good recordings in a similar configuration to what you describe. The only down-side I've found is that it's not bus powered, so you have to use the supplied external psu, which isn't a particularly nice unit - feels quite cheap and OEM! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Solstace Posted January 10, 2013 Share Posted January 10, 2013 The Zoom R16 might fit the bill? Can be bought new for around £250, and can bring in a few mics (only two with Phantom) in a pinch. Mic pres sound surprisingly good from the recordings I've heard that were made with the device, found by searching Soundcloud and others. Could be used standalone without a computer, so for simple recording jobs you just bring the one box and stream the inputs straight to an SD card, in what looks like a reasonable format for easy input to a computer for later editing if you don't want to mixdown on the device itself. With a computer it can be a USB interface, AND a basic remote mixing control surface for your DAW software. Looks like it needs batteries or external mains though... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
benweblight Posted January 10, 2013 Share Posted January 10, 2013 Presonus make a 4in/4out unit.http://www.presonus.com/products/AudioBox-44VSL/media So do Motu but this is probably a pricier unit.http://www.motu.com/products/motuaudio/4pre/audio-io.html Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
canoemoose Posted January 10, 2013 Author Share Posted January 10, 2013 Wow, that was quick, thanks! Cedd - I don't seem to be able to find the Saffire 8i6, but the Scarlett 8i6 looks very similar from your description. It looks pretty much spot on - apart from the cheap & nasty PSU, which I guess I'm resigned to as I don't have a Firewire port :P The Zoom R16 isn't really what I'm looking for, but it looks an interesting product and I appreciate that it was a bit of a curve ball. I'd spotted the Presonus box in my initial search as I've used some of their kit before, but it only has 2 line ins, as does the Motu one. I'll see if anyone else has anything to add, but I'm currently leaning heavily towards the Focusrite unit. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cedd Posted January 10, 2013 Share Posted January 10, 2013 Ach, sorry! It's the Scarlett! I've had a saffire as well, but the one you want is the Scarlett. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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