#1
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Cheap recording for more than 2 channels?
I got myself an Alesis 4-channel mixer with USB audio interface a couple of years ago. It's pretty decent for my purposes - singing and playing guitar at the same time - but has the limitation that it only has two channels output through either by USB or regular analog-out.
I've been looking on Amazon and it seems this is very common. It's a bit of an issue if I wanted to have another singer or a pianist or something, I have to then do live mixing effectively. Is this some technical limitation which means you have to pay more to get multiple channels out, or a deliberate decision by the manufacturers? ARE there entry-level (sub $100) products which will let me have more than 2 input channels? I'm also having problems searching because there are loads of "4 channel mixers" and "4 channel usb interfaces" but they're referring to the number of input channels, and I can't limit my search by number of output channels Thanks for your help. Note this is for home/hobby recording only, I really do NOT need expensive studio-quality equipment
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Yamaha APX-500 - Crafter MD-80 12 Eq (12-string) - and a 20 year old crappy Jose masy mas classical!
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#2
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This is about the cheapest I can see, 4 (or is it 8?) output channels via USB.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Alesis-iO4-A.../dp/B004NMVUV4
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Yamaha APX-500 - Crafter MD-80 12 Eq (12-string) - and a 20 year old crappy Jose masy mas classical!
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#3
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This new Behringer interface for $100 has 4 channel inputs with 4 mic preamps. I'm not a big Behr fan, and have no experience with their interfaces.
In the 'you get what you pay for' department, there are a number of good interfaces with 4 (or more) input channels in the $250 range.
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Mike My music: https://mikebirchmusic.bandcamp.com 2020 Taylor 324ceBE 2017 Taylor 114ce-N 2012 Taylor 310ce 2011 Fender CD140SCE Ibanez 12 string a/e 73(?) Epiphone 6830E 6 string 72 Fender Telecaster Epiphone Dot Studio Epiphone LP Jr Chinese Strat clone Kala baritone ukulele Seagull 'Merlin' Washburn Mandolin Luna 'tatoo' a/e ukulele antique banjolin Squire J bass |
#4
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Thanks for that, I had seen plenty of Behr stuff but only stereo-out in the budget range. I'll take a look at this; it seems a pretty like-for-like competitor to the ALESIS IO4 I linked above.
$99 is a bargain (£70?)... here in the UK I can see it for £130!
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Yamaha APX-500 - Crafter MD-80 12 Eq (12-string) - and a 20 year old crappy Jose masy mas classical!
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#5
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Quote:
A big stumbling block for both boxes was that I had two dynamic mics I wanted to be able to use and their mic preamps simply didn't give me a strong enough signal so I also had to spring for two new condenser mics. I could have boosted the output of the dynamic mics with yet another amp, but I wanted to keep things simple. Both units had a phantom power feature to run the dynamic mics. A month in, the Steinberg UR44 is still working great and I'm slowly figuring out all it can do. It has 6 inputs so I can also plug in my Strat. It's biggest advantage was that I was able to get it going right out of the box as it's front end control panel is far simpler and has an excellent user manual whereas the Focusrite's software and manual seemed designed for a pro sound tech. One thing I've found with home recording is that it's always gonna cost more than you feel like paying.
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Larrivee OO-05, OOV-03, OO-44R & Strat |
#6
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More channels means more functionality. Multiple-channel outputs will always cost more. Especially when they're introduced with analog inputs and outputs. Manufacturers perceive that those who need more channels are professional studios, not home-studio guys who just need to track multiple instruments. What I said just makes me sad. |
#7
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Something to watch-out for is how much phantom power you need and the types of inputs. Many of the lower priced units have 4 inputs but only supply phantom power on 1 or 2 inputs or, possibly all 4 at the same time.
I stopped looking for a 4 input unit and went with this one: https://us.focusrite.com/usb-audio-i...scarlett-18i20 They go on sale once in a while for $349. Ray PS: Be wary of purchasing them used unless it says reconditioned from manufacturer. (People register the software then return the hardware -and the software is licensed by the hardware serial number). PS: PS: Make sure you check the type of computer interface. Some are USB, Firewire, Thunderbolt etc... Last edited by RayCJ; 03-07-2016 at 06:25 AM. |
#8
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Quote:
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#9
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"Better" in what way?
USB 1.0 used to be bad for multi-channel tracking, but with USB 2.0 and 3.0, that is no longer an issue.
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Mike My music: https://mikebirchmusic.bandcamp.com 2020 Taylor 324ceBE 2017 Taylor 114ce-N 2012 Taylor 310ce 2011 Fender CD140SCE Ibanez 12 string a/e 73(?) Epiphone 6830E 6 string 72 Fender Telecaster Epiphone Dot Studio Epiphone LP Jr Chinese Strat clone Kala baritone ukulele Seagull 'Merlin' Washburn Mandolin Luna 'tatoo' a/e ukulele antique banjolin Squire J bass |