PhonicAssassin Posted March 25, 2021 Share Posted March 25, 2021 So I've been looking into USB Audio Interfaces of late and there's obviously a lot to choose from. Now I've never had any issues ripping straight to Audacity from my turntables and mixer before but I'm always looking at ways to improve on the sound quality of my mixes when recording them. I've had a few recommendations on various brands from professionals in the know but I'm interested to know what everybody else is using and why? Cupe 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mitch Posted March 25, 2021 Share Posted March 25, 2021 How are you currently recording - straight into the line in on your PC? The Focusrite Scarlett range is popular for an entry level interface. Have heard good things about the Motu interfaces as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PhonicAssassin Posted March 28, 2021 Author Share Posted March 28, 2021 Yeah, line in into Audacity. The Scarlett comes highly recommended to me although I've been impressed by the Presonus brand as well from the research that I've done and the fact that it comes with a heap of software too with a considerably more attractive price tag. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mitch Posted March 28, 2021 Share Posted March 28, 2021 Tbh if you’re only looking to record from turntables in, a cheap interface with RCA in will do fine, which saves needing adapters. Behringer make one for about $50. I’d only worry about a higher grade interface if you’re looking to use it for other purposes as well (e.g. connecting high end speakers to your computer, producing music). The more expensive interfaces provide a higher sample rates, 32-bit depth, overall higher quality (which you won’t notice unless you have high quality speakers and audio files), and more ins/outs. The software that normally gets bundled with hardware are ‘lite’ versions which are fine to get going but often need to be upgraded to get full functionality. Exception there is high end cards which provide external processing for VSTs which is a whole different thing which is getting slightly off topic. For recording DJ mixes I personally ditch the PC entirely and use a portable Tascam recorder. Saves direct to SD card which I can then xfer to the computer later. Cupe 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PhonicAssassin Posted March 29, 2021 Author Share Posted March 29, 2021 Well I'm wanting to develop a music podcast which is why I'm looking at audio interfaces and I obviously want it to sound as good as possible. A producer mate is currently recording his show via a Focusrite interface into Audacity on his laptop with great results. I don't mind upgrading the lite version(s) of the software at a later stage as long as it provides enough usability to get me up and running. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mitch Posted March 29, 2021 Share Posted March 29, 2021 In terms of podcasting, a entry-mid range mic with a stand of some sort (note the correct mic and setup for the scenario you’re trying to capture is the most important thing) and an entry level interface would be sufficient to get going. When considering the listener at the other end, it’s streamed at a low bitrate and people are typically listening on budget earphones while getting the train to/from work, so the difference between audio interfaces is not going to be heard in the final product. Don’t need to spend heaps of money. P.s. Also ensure podcast is mixed correctly before uploading (so annoying trying to listen when mixed poorly). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PhonicAssassin Posted March 29, 2021 Author Share Posted March 29, 2021 Absolutely, the key is going to be nailing a vinyl mix in one take! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mitch Posted March 29, 2021 Share Posted March 29, 2021 I was more meaning the post-prod mixing, ensuring the mic(s) are balanced correctly with the other audio elements and the overall levels are correct etc... but I guess get the DJ mixing right too! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PhonicAssassin Posted March 29, 2021 Author Share Posted March 29, 2021 I'll be recording the voiceover work separately for that exact reason. I'm currently tossing up between the Rode Podmic and the Audio Technica AT2020. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mitch Posted March 29, 2021 Share Posted March 29, 2021 The AT2020 requires phantom power, so keep that in mind when choosing the interface. The Rode does not need phantom power, as well as being manufactured in Australia 👍 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PhonicAssassin Posted March 29, 2021 Author Share Posted March 29, 2021 Yeah I'm leaning towards the Rode as it has an inbuilt pop filter and like you pointed out, its Australian made. Interface-wise I'm leaning towards the PreSonus Studio 24c.It's almost a hundred bucks cheaper than the Focusrite and has an extra feature or two apart from coming with a shit ton of software to boot. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mitch Posted March 29, 2021 Share Posted March 29, 2021 The 24c only has 2 inputs. If you’re looking to record vocals in separately to your DJ mixer at the same time, you’ll need a third input (L and R channels out of your mixer, with the third for your mic). Otherwise you’ll either need to do one of: Change cables around and record the vocals separately, after the DJ mix is done Route the mic through the DJ mixer, which you lose the ability to balance them in post-prod The Presonus studio 68c has 4 inputs which would solve the problem, however, it’s nearly double the price. The Focusrite Scarlett 4i4 has 2 * line and 2 * mic/inst inputs which would also do the trick, it’s bus powered (meaning no separate power pack - the 68c needs USB + power) and it’s a bit cheaper. The Focusrite comes bundled with Ableton, and the PreSonus with Studio One (both lite versions). Ultimately, the DAW you use is personal preference, however, there’s lots more online help available for Ableton and the stock instruments and fx are great. Disclosure: I personally use the Scarlett 6i6 and Ableton Live Suite currently. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PhonicAssassin Posted March 29, 2021 Author Share Posted March 29, 2021 Store DJ are doing the PreSonus range bundled with Ableton Live Lite as well as Studio One. The 26c is $549 PreSonus Studio 68c 6x6 USB-C Interface w/ Studio One Artist & Ableton Live Lite | USB Audio Interfaces - Store DJ The Focusrite 4i4 3rd Gen is $509 and comes bundled with Ableton Live Lite and Pro Tools Focusrite Scarlett 4i4 Gen 3 4-in/4-out USB Audio Interface | USB Audio Interfaces - Store DJ As I mentioned, my preference is to record all of the voiceover component separately in order to maintain maximum control over the mixing and as such I feel like a two channel unit should suit my needs however it's good to have an extra channel when you need it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LabRat Posted March 29, 2021 Share Posted March 29, 2021 My money is on the Scarlett. I've had mine for years and I love it. More outputs is good and depending on your budget you can pick up some with more than others. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PhonicAssassin Posted March 29, 2021 Author Share Posted March 29, 2021 12 minutes ago, LabRat said: My money is on the Scarlett. I've had mine for years and I love it. More outputs is good and depending on your budget you can pick up some with more than others. Yeah a producer/DJ mate in the UK swears by the Scarlett. I'm tossing up between these two. Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 Gen 3 2-in/2-out USB Audio Interface | USB Audio Interfaces - Store DJ $359 PreSonus Studio 24c 2x2 USB-C Interface w/ Studio One Artist & Ableton Live Lite | USB Audio Interfaces - Store DJ $289 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mitch Posted March 29, 2021 Share Posted March 29, 2021 5 hours ago, PhonicAssassin said: Store DJ are doing the PreSonus range bundled with Ableton Live Lite as well as Studio One. The 26c is $549 PreSonus Studio 68c 6x6 USB-C Interface w/ Studio One Artist & Ableton Live Lite | USB Audio Interfaces - Store DJ The Focusrite 4i4 3rd Gen is $509 and comes bundled with Ableton Live Lite and Pro Tools Focusrite Scarlett 4i4 Gen 3 4-in/4-out USB Audio Interface | USB Audio Interfaces - Store DJ As I mentioned, my preference is to record all of the voiceover component separately in order to maintain maximum control over the mixing and as such I feel like a two channel unit should suit my needs however it's good to have an extra channel when you need it. Yeah exactly. An interface with more inputs will allow recording of both the vocals and the DJ mix at the same time into your DAW but as separate tracks, retaining that level of post production control. IMO you both save time and get a more natural sounding outcome this way (feels more like a radio show) compared to recording the vocals over the top afterward. This is the benefit of the 4 inputs. Otherwise either of the 2 input interfaces are sufficient. PhonicAssassin 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PhonicAssassin Posted March 31, 2021 Author Share Posted March 31, 2021 On 29/03/2021 at 9:25 PM, Mitch said: Yeah exactly. An interface with more inputs will allow recording of both the vocals and the DJ mix at the same time into your DAW but as separate tracks, retaining that level of post production control. IMO you both save time and get a more natural sounding outcome this way (feels more like a radio show) compared to recording the vocals over the top afterward. This is the benefit of the 4 inputs. Otherwise either of the 2 input interfaces are sufficient. As I understand it you still only have two built in pre-amps which would be utilised for the mix itself and then your mic would need to go through one of the spare channels without pre-amp. Would that be correct? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mitch Posted March 31, 2021 Share Posted March 31, 2021 6 hours ago, PhonicAssassin said: As I understand it you still only have two built in pre-amps which would be utilised for the mix itself and then your mic would need to go through one of the spare channels without pre-amp. Would that be correct? In the case of the Scarlett, inputs 1 and 2 have pre-amps, so you’d plug the mic into one of those. Inputs 3 and 4 (on the back) are a fixed level line input with no additional amplification, which is fine for a DJ mix as the signal out from your mixer is already amplified. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PhonicAssassin Posted March 31, 2021 Author Share Posted March 31, 2021 2 hours ago, Mitch said: In the case of the Scarlett, inputs 1 and 2 have pre-amps, so you’d plug the mic into one of those. Inputs 3 and 4 (on the back) are a fixed level line input with no additional amplification, which is fine for a DJ mix as the signal out from your mixer is already amplified. Of course! That makes perfect sense. BTW, just found a Scarlett 4i4 3rd Gen for $409 Mitch 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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