seeking wisdom from you home studio wizards

[knob?]

hi all, im trying to piece together a small setup to record simple song ideas at home using garage band on my macbook. what im seeking guidance on is what to get for an audio interface. it seems the most popular these days is the focusrite 2i2 setup and other similar desktop AI units. recently ive been looking in to using a mixer with usb out to use as a recording interface such as the Allen & Heath ZED-10FX. does anyone here go the mixer - computer route? pros and cons on either setup? for my needs i would be fine with a max of 4 xlr in and 48v phantom power. this will not be used for a band situation just my own demo needs at home.
thanks for your time.

 

[TwilightOdyssey]

Re: seeking wisdom from you home studio wizards

Hi there,

A mixing desk is typically used for MIXING. If you are primarily using the interface for recording and then mixing in the box, an outboard desk will be an unnecessary complication in my opinion.

I have a mobile session tracking gang vocals tonight. Bringing the 2i2 because that's all that is needed.

 

[BurningShrine]

Re: seeking wisdom from you home studio wizards

A two-channel interface is fine for your needs.
One channel usually used for a mic (guitar amp, vocals)
Second channel for another mic (acoustic guitar) or the direct signal of your electric guitar.

 

[Kamanda~SD]

Re: seeking wisdom from you home studio wizards

Desk is overkill for you IMO. Plus, a mixer with usb out usually just does a stereo out so....

focusrite 2i2, Steinberg UR22 etc. will all get you where you need to go!

 

[TwilightOdyssey]

Re: seeking wisdom from you home studio wizards

Some people have had headroom issues tracking DI into the 2i2. Depends a lot on how hot you are coming into the interface. I have never had a serious issue and you can put a DI in front of it if clipping becomes a constant issue, but you should be forewarned. Focusrite has addressed the issue somewhat in later versions, and it only occurs on the 2i2.

That being said, I use the 2i2 mainly for mixing ITB, and use the 18i20 for recording, which has a lot more available headroom in the preamps.

 

[beaubrummels]

Re: seeking wisdom from you home studio wizards

I used a mixer at first, because I happened to have one, and later dispensed with it because I was mainly using the monitoring section. I use a Focusrite Saffire now, because it's affordable, sounds clean, and I can control it's clock from better devices when I need. I use a Mackie BigKnob for managing monitoring, which I'm not as happy with, I get occaisional electrical buzz through it which I don't get if I disconnect and go direct to my monitors, but I need the routing of the Mackie. Sometimes it seems studio work and upgrades are never done.

 

[Chris of Arabia]

Re: seeking wisdom from you home studio wizards

I'm going from a Yamaha MG166cx onto a Focusrite 18i6. Not strictly necessary, but I do like being able to grab a physical fader when I need to, and it's what I got used to.

 

[everdrone]

Re: seeking wisdom from you home studio wizards

I would start cheap and see if you like it, then expand from there

I have a presonus audiobox 22vsl, ezdrummer, and reaper

thats pretty much all you need to start

 

[TwilightOdyssey]

Re: seeking wisdom from you home studio wizards

I would start cheap and see if you like it, then expand from there

I have a presonus audiobox 22vsl, ezdrummer, and reaper

thats pretty much all you need to start

I agree 1 million percent.

 

[knob?]

Re: seeking wisdom from you home studio wizards

Thanks for the imput guys. ive decided on an akai eie. should be here by friday or monday so we'll see how it goes.