Audio interface options for your studio
You’ve probably heard or used the term “in the box” to describe mixing and recording practices using a digital audio workstation. If you’re not familiar with it, the phrase refers to the practice of doing everything – recording, editing, mixing and sometimes mastering all within the DAW. One thing that obviously can’t always be done in the DAW is getting the source audio recorded – most of the time that comes from a microphone or DI. This time around we’ll take a look at some different options for the “front end” of your DAW that combines elements of the traditional mixer with an integrated audio interface.
You may already have an audio interface that you use which may be a simple USB or Firewire device with a couple of mic/line inputs or it may be a full-fledged console. If you’re looking to expand the inputs in your studio, you might want to check out the all-in-one approach by considering a mixing board with a built-in audio interface and a mixer section that can double as a control surface. These types of devices consolidate preamps, multi-channel audio, a tactile mixing surface and an audio interface all into one unit. What follow are some mid-line options in this category (under $3,000 USD).
- Mackie Onyx 1640i: 16 channels of audio over Firewire. Good Onyx preamps on every channel, great EQ, flexible configuration. Avg. price is around $1,700 USD (the 1640i is new for 2010 and has improvements over the original Onyx 1640).
- Presonus StudioLive: 16x4x2 or 24x4x2 Firewire mixers with substantial built-in FX, EQ, Presonus’ XMAX mic preamps, and sophisticated configuration for playback and monitoring. Avg. price is around $1,995 USD.
- Tascam FW-1082: Budget-priced 10-channel Firewire interface and mixer. 4 Mic pres, line inputs and SPDIF I/O. Advantage of the FW-1082 is that it is also a control surface allowing tactile control of your DAW. Also has a built-in MIDI interface. Avg. price is around $600 USD on clearance from some retailers.
-Cakewalk V-Studio 100: USB audio interface and mixer (8 input channels, mixer portion is control surface for DAW). Integrates with Cakewalk SONAR and includes a number of great plugins and virtual instruments. Another nice feature is an SD card recorder which means you can record limited tracks away from the computer and import later. Avg. price is around $600 USD.
- Allen&Heath ZED R16: 16 channel Firewire mixer with EQ, good preamps, great monitoring section, talkback and dedicated MIDI transport and fader control. All 16 audio channels can be flipped to become MIDI faders for control surface functions. Avg. price is around $1,999 USD.
- Digidesign Digi 003 Factory Pro Tools Workstation: Pro Tools focused system with 18 channels of Firewire audio. 4 mic pres, MIDI interface. Control surface tied in directly with Pro Tools software for high levels of integration and control. Avg. price is around $2,200 USD.
This is a sampling of what’s out there in this category and new stuff seems to be coming out all the time. Before you take the plunge, make sure your DAW has the right ports to connect (some computers lack Firewire for example). You’ll still be able to use your outboard preamps and gear if you choose carefully for your needs and with so many options, there’s bound to be a fit for your studio.