Re: multichannel interface recommendations?

Studio Channing <studiochanning@xxxxxxxxx> · Thu, 02 Apr 2015 09:34:23 -0600



    On 04/01/2015 12:46 PM, Jeff Sandys
      wrote:

    
              Date: Tue, 31 Mar 2015 09:39:01 -0600

              From: Studio Channing <studiochanning@xxxxxxxxx>

              Subject:  multichannel interface recommendations?

              Message-ID: <551ABF95.2040606@xxxxxxxxx>

              
              we are searching for a new audio interface for a project
              studio and

              interested in the experiences others have had

              
              requirements are:

              * 8 (or more) channels simultaneous recording to computer

              * at least 4 preamps for mic level inputs

              * USB2 preferable to Fireware, but..

              * 100% linux compatible, ideally with a stock kernel

              * under $500 USD if possible

              
              less important is real-time monitoring functionality -
              this will mostly

              be used for bands playing live

              ...

              anybody have any recommendations
            

            I have been looking for a similar device, 4 mic inputs
              to record a string quartet, and bought a Focusrite
              Scarlett 18i8.  I haven't used it for recording yet but I
              did plug it into my Fedora 21 mini computer, started
              qjackctl and all the inputs and outputs were exposed.  It
              has 4 front panel mic inputs, 2 can be switched* to line,
              48v phantom on each pair, 4 TRS balanced inputs in the
              back, S/PDIF in and out, and ADAT optical in for an
              additional 8 channels in, 2 balanced channels out on the
              back with 2 stereo (headphone) outs on the front, plus
              midi in and out.  It lists at $400 at several online
              retailers, I bought mine used on ebay.

              
            There is an windows and mac mixer app, and you need to
              use the app to switch the two channels from mic/line to
              instrument and change other configurations.  Focusrite
              states that they don't guarantee Linux compatibility but
              they have published enough interface information that at
              least two programmers have created Scarlett Mixer python
              apps on Github, one is by Linux audio guru Robin Gareus. 
              With the program you can assign the headphone output as
              zero latency input monitoring or as output from your
              computer.

              
              http://us.focusrite.com/usb-audio-interfaces/scarlett-18i8

              https://github.com/x42/scarlettmixer

              https://github.com/trrichard/ScarlettMixer

              
            It seems to have solid stage worthy construction and a
              power supply with US, UK and Euro plugs.

              
            -- Jeff Sandys

            
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    Thank you! We were unaware of the hardware support and
    scarlettmixer, at one point a couple of years ago there was a
    smaller Focusrite USB here and that did not work under Linux - it
    was probably the Saffire 6 and it seems that has now changed too:

    
    http://www.digitalstroopwafel.com/?p=141

    
https://focusritedevelopmentteam.wordpress.com/2012/04/23/linux-and-focusrite-novation-products/

    
    So we are seeing USB support for multiple Focusrite devices, nice. 

    
    Between Focusrite and Presonus it looks like we have several decent
    options in our price range.

    
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