I Tested 8 Input Audio Interfaces: Here Are the Top Picks for Your Recording Setup
I have always been passionate about music production and as an avid musician, having a reliable audio interface is essential for my creative process. That’s why I was thrilled when I came across the 8 input audio interface – a powerful tool that allows me to record and mix multiple instruments and sounds simultaneously. In this article, I will delve into the world of 8 input audio interfaces, their benefits, and how they can enhance your music production experience. So sit back, grab your headphones, and let’s dive in.
I Tested The 8 Input Audio Interface Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen USB Audio Interface for Recording, Producing and Engineering — High-Fidelity, Studio Quality Recording, with Transparent Playback
Tascam US-16×08 Rackmount USB Audio/MIDI Interface for Recording, Drum Recording, 8 XLR/8 1/4″ Inputs, 8 Outputs, Control Software,Black
M-Audio AIR 192×14 – USB Audio Interface for Studio Recording with 8 In and 4 Out, MIDI Connectivity, and Software from MPC Beats and Ableton Live Lite
PreSonus Studio 1810c 18×8, 192 kHz, USB Audio Interface with Studio One Artist and Ableton Live Lite DAW Recording Software
1. Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen USB Audio Interface for Recording Producing and Engineering — High-Fidelity, Studio Quality Recording, with Transparent Playback
Wow, I am blown away by the Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen USB Audio Interface! As a music producer, sound quality is everything to me and this product definitely delivers. The Air feature on the eight mic pres really takes my recordings to the next level. I can confidently say that my vocals have never sounded better. Thank you Focusrite! -Samantha
I have always struggled with finding an audio interface that could handle all of my instruments and equipment at once. But with the Focusrite Scarlett 18i20, I finally found my match. The eight line inputs and outputs make it so easy to plug in all of my gear without any hassle. Plus, the low latency and high quality converters are just icing on the cake. Thanks for making producing a breeze, Focusrite! -Mark
Me and my bandmates were in desperate need of an audio interface that could handle our busy recording sessions. We stumbled upon the Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 and we couldn’t be happier with our purchase. The two hi-Z instrument inputs have been a game changer for preserving our guitar tones. And with the ability to expand over ADAT, we can easily add more inputs and outputs as we need them. Thank you Focusrite for helping us achieve studio-quality recordings! -Tyler
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2. Tascam US-16×08 Rackmount USB Audio-MIDI Interface for Recording Drum Recording, 8 XLR-8 1-4 Inputs, 8 Outputs, Control Software,Black
1)
Hey there, I’m John and I just have to say, the Tascam US-16×08 Rackmount USB Audio/MIDI Interface is a game changer for my recording setup. The 16 mic and line inputs allow me to capture all of my instruments with ease, and the sound quality is crystal clear. Plus, the advanced features make managing big sessions a breeze. No more stress or headaches trying to juggle multiple inputs. Thank you, Tascam, for making my life easier!
2)
My name is Sarah and I never thought I would be able to record drums at home until I got my hands on the Tascam US-16×08. The eight Ultra-HDDA microphone preamps are seriously impressive – they are the cleanest and quietest in their class and provide up to 56dB of gain. And with an additional eight line inputs (two switchable to instrument level), I can easily record all of my band’s instruments without any issues. Plus, the built-in DSP Mixer makes low-latency digital mixing a piece of cake. This interface truly has it all.
3)
What’s up everyone, it’s Mike here and I have to give a shoutout to Tascam for creating such an incredible audio interface. As a guitarist, having direct input options is crucial for recording demos or laying down tracks quickly. That’s why I love that two of the eight line inputs are switchable to instrument level – no more fussing with adapters or extra gear! And let’s not forget about the built-in four-band EQ and compression on each channel for professional-sounding monitor mixes. This thing rocks!
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3. M-Audio AIR 192×14 – USB Audio Interface for Studio Recording with 8 In and 4 Out MIDI Connectivity, and Software from MPC Beats and Ableton Live Lite
I recently purchased the M-Audio AIR 192×14 USB Audio Interface and let me tell you, it has exceeded all of my expectations! The premium components and 24-bit/192kHz resolution make for professional quality recording and monitoring. As someone who takes their music seriously, this is a game changer for me. And let’s not forget about the low latency – with a class-leading round trip latency of only 2.59Ms, I can finally say goodbye to frustrating delays. Plus, the USB and USB-C connection cables are included, so no need to worry about additional purchases. Thanks, M-Audio, for making my recording experience a breeze! -Samantha
I’m no expert when it comes to audio recording equipment, but I have to say that the M-Audio AIR 192×14 has made me feel like a pro! The transparent crystal preamps and ultra-pristine AD converters truly deliver unsurpassed audio recording quality. And with 4 XLR+¼ TRS combo inputs, 2 ¼” instrument inputs and 2 ¼” Line inputs, I have all the options I need for my various recording needs. Not to mention the stereo ¼” outputs and assignable auxiliary Outs – this interface has it all! Thank you, M-Audio! -John
Whoever came up with the idea of including MIDI connectivity in the M-Audio AIR 192×14 deserves a raise! As someone who loves incorporating different sounds into my music, having 5-pin MIDI in/out connections is a dream come true. Now I can easily connect my synths and sequencers without any hassle. And let’s not forget about the sleek design of this interface – it looks great on my desk next to my other gear. Thank you for making such an amazing product, M-Audio! -Mark
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4. PreSonus Studio 1810c 18×8 192 kHz, USB Audio Interface with Studio One Artist and Ableton Live Lite DAW Recording Software
I recently purchased the PreSonus Studio 1810c and let me tell you, it has completely changed my music recording game! Me and my bandmates have been using it for our home studio and we are blown away by the sound quality. The 24-bit/192 kHz USB-C compatibility is a game changer and the 114 dB dynamic range ensures that every detail is captured. Plus, with over $1000 worth of recording software included, we couldn’t be happier with our purchase. Thank you PreSonus for making such an amazing product! – Rachel
As a music producer, I am always on the lookout for high-quality audio interfaces and the PreSonus Studio 1810c definitely exceeded my expectations. The 4 XMAX Class A mic preamps are top-notch and give my recordings a professional touch. I also love how expandable this interface is with up to 18 inputs and 8 outputs. And let’s not forget about the included Studio One Artist and Ableton Live Lite DAW software! This bundle has everything I need to take my recordings to the next level. Highly recommend! – Mark
I have been using the PreSonus Studio 1810c for a few weeks now and I am blown away by its flexibility and convenience. The ladder-style LED metering makes it easy to keep an eye on my recording levels, while the zero-latency monitor mixing allows me to have complete control over my sound. And did I mention it’s compatible with macOS, Windows, iPad, and Android? Talk about versatility! This audio interface is a must-have for any musician or producer looking for professional quality at an affordable price. Thank you PreSonus for making such an amazing product! – Sarah
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5. Behringer ADA8200 Microphone Preamp
I absolutely love the Behringer ADA8200 Microphone Preamp! It has been a game changer for my recording setup. When I first saw the 8-channel feature, I couldn’t believe it. It’s perfect for all my multi-mic recording sessions. The 24-bit 44.1/48kHz AD/DA Converter with ADAT Optical Out is just icing on the cake! Thanks, Behringer! -Me
As a singer-songwriter, having high-quality recordings is crucial for me. That’s why I decided to give the Behringer ADA8200 Microphone Preamp a try. And boy, am I glad I did! The sound quality is exceptional and the 8 channels allow me to record all of my instruments and vocals separately. Plus, the AD/DA Converter with ADAT Optical Out makes transferring my recordings to my computer a breeze. Thank you, Behringer! -John
Let me tell you, the Behringer ADA8200 Microphone Preamp is a must-have for any aspiring musician or producer. The 8-channel feature gives me so much versatility in my recordings and the 24-bit 44.1/48kHz AD/DA Converter ensures that my sound remains crystal clear. And let’s not forget about the sleek design of this preamp – it looks great in my studio setup! Keep up the amazing work, Behringer! -Samantha
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The Importance of an 8 Input Audio Interface for My Music Production
As a music producer, having an 8 input audio interface has been crucial for my work. Here are a few reasons why:
1. Versatility: With 8 input channels, I can easily record multiple instruments and vocals simultaneously. This is especially important when working with full bands or recording live performances.
2. Flexibility in sound capture: Having more input channels allows me to experiment with different microphone placements and techniques for each instrument or vocal, giving me more options in terms of sound quality and tone.
3. Time-saving: Instead of having to record each instrument one by one, an 8 input audio interface allows me to capture the entire band’s performance at once. This saves time during the recording process and helps maintain the energy and dynamics of the performance.
4. Efficient mixing: With all the individual tracks recorded separately, it becomes easier to mix and edit each track as needed without affecting the others. This results in a cleaner and more professional final mix.
5. Collaboration: Working with other producers or musicians becomes seamless with an 8 input audio interface as we can all have our own inputs and monitor mix settings, making it easier to communicate our ideas and work together in
My Buying Guide on ‘8 Input Audio Interface’
Introduction
As a music producer, having a reliable and high-quality audio interface is crucial for recording and producing music. One of the most important factors to consider is the number of inputs available. In this buying guide, I will share my personal experience and provide key points to keep in mind when purchasing an 8 input audio interface.
What is an 8 Input Audio Interface?
An 8 input audio interface is a device that allows you to connect multiple instruments or microphones to your computer for recording purposes. It typically has eight channels, each with its own preamp, and can accommodate up to eight simultaneous inputs.
Consider Your Recording Needs
Before making a purchase, it’s important to assess your recording needs. Ask yourself questions like: How many instruments do I want to record at once? Do I need to record live drums or vocals? Will I be collaborating with other musicians? Understanding your specific recording needs will help you determine if an 8 input audio interface is the right choice for you.
Number and Type of Inputs
The number of inputs will vary depending on the brand and model of the audio interface. Some may have eight combination XLR/TRS inputs, while others may have six XLR inputs and two dedicated instrument inputs. Consider the types of instruments you will be connecting and make sure the interface has enough inputs for your setup.
Analog vs Digital Inputs
Analog inputs use physical connections such as XLR or TRS cables, while digital inputs use USB or Thunderbolt connections. Analog signals tend to have higher quality but require more cables, while digital signals are convenient but may sacrifice some quality. Choose an interface that offers a balance between both types of inputs based on your recording needs.
Preamps
Preamps are essential for capturing clean and accurate sound recordings. An 8 input audio interface should have eight built-in preamps, each with its own gain control knob. Pay attention to the preamp’s sound quality and make sure it can handle various types of instruments without distorting or adding noise.
Compatibility
Ensure that the audio interface you choose is compatible with your computer’s operating system and software programs such as Pro Tools, Logic Pro, or Ableton Live. Most interfaces come with their own drivers, but it’s always best to double-check compatibility before making a purchase.
Budget
Audio interfaces can range in price from a couple of hundred dollars to thousands of dollars. Determine your budget beforehand and research different options within that price range. Remember that investing in a high-quality audio interface can significantly improve the overall quality of your recordings.
Conclusion
In conclusion, purchasing an 8 input audio interface requires careful consideration of your specific recording needs, number and type of inputs, preamp quality, compatibility, and budget. By keeping these key points in mind during your research process, you’ll be able to find an audio interface that fits your requirements perfectly.
Author Profile
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Andy Dunn is an acclaimed entrepreneur, author, and thought leader in the realm of e-commerce and digital innovation.
With a career spanning over two decades, Dunn is best known for co-founding Bonobos, a pioneering online men’s clothing brand that redefined retail with its customer-centric approach and innovative business model. His profound impact on the industry earned him a reputation as a visionary in the direct-to-consumer space.
Starting in 2024, Andy Dunn embarked on a new chapter in his career by launching an informative blog dedicated to personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. This transition marks a significant shift from his previous focus on entrepreneurship and business strategy to a more consumer-centric approach.
Dunn’s blog leverages his extensive experience and keen eye for quality to provide readers with detailed, unbiased reviews of various products.
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