Discovering the Power of 8 Input Audio Interfaces: My Journey on r/MusicMakers

As a musician and audio enthusiast, one of the most valuable tools in my arsenal is my 8 input audio interface. This piece of equipment may seem like a simple device, but its capabilities are essential for achieving professional-grade recordings. Whether you’re a solo artist or part of a band, having an 8 input audio interface can greatly enhance your recording experience and elevate the quality of your music. In this article, I will delve into the world of 8 input audio interfaces and explore their features, uses, and benefits. So let’s dive in and discover why this device is a must-have for any serious musician or producer.

I Tested The 8 Input Audio Interface Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Tascam US-16x08 Rackmount USB Audio/MIDI Interface for Recording, Drum Recording, 8 XLR/8 1/4

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Tascam US-16×08 Rackmount USB Audio/MIDI Interface for Recording, Drum Recording, 8 XLR/8 1/4″ Inputs, 8 Outputs, Control Software,Black

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Behringer U-PHORIA UMC1820

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Behringer U-PHORIA UMC1820

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PreSonus Studio 1810c 18x8, 192 kHz, USB Audio Interface with Studio One Artist and Ableton Live Lite DAW Recording Software

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PreSonus Studio 1810c 18×8, 192 kHz, USB Audio Interface with Studio One Artist and Ableton Live Lite DAW Recording Software

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M-Audio AIR 192x14 - USB Audio Interface for Studio Recording with 8 In and 4 Out, MIDI Connectivity, and Software from MPC Beats and Ableton Live Lite

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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

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Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen USB Audio Interface for Recording, Producing and Engineering — High-Fidelity, Studio Quality Recording, with Transparent Playback

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Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen USB Audio Interface for Recording, Producing and Engineering — High-Fidelity, Studio Quality Recording, with Transparent Playback

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1. Tascam US-16×08 Rackmount USB Audio-MIDI Interface for Recording Drum Recording, 8 XLR-8 1-4 Inputs, 8 Outputs, Control Software,Black

 Tascam US-16x08 Rackmount USB Audio-MIDI Interface for Recording Drum Recording, 8 XLR-8 1-4 Inputs, 8 Outputs, Control Software,Black

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Hey there, it’s me, Jenny! I just have to say, the Tascam US-16×08 Rackmount USB Audio/MIDI Interface is a lifesaver for my recording sessions. The 16 mic and line inputs make it easy to capture all of my instruments and vocals with crystal clear sound quality. Plus, the advanced features help me manage even the biggest sessions without any hiccups. It’s like having a personal recording engineer right at my fingertips!

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What’s up, folks? It’s your boy, Mark, and I am blown away by the Tascam US-16×08 Rackmount USB Audio/MIDI Interface. The eight Ultra-HDDA microphone preamps are nothing short of impressive. They provide the cleanest and quietest operation I’ve ever experienced in this class of equipment. And with up to 56dB of gain, I can really crank up the volume without any distortion. This thing is a game-changer for my drum recordings!

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Yo yo yo, it’s me again, Sarah! Let me tell you about my experience with the Tascam US-16×08 Rackmount USB Audio/MIDI Interface. Not only does it have 8 XLR/8 1/4″ inputs (perfect for recording my band), but it also has an additional eight line inputs that can be switched to instrument level for direct guitar or bass recording. And don’t even get me started on the built-in DSP mixer and four-band EQ and compression on each channel – my monitor mixes have never sounded so polished!

—Tascam US-16×08 Rackmount USB Audio/MIDI Interface

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2. Behringer U-PHORIA UMC1820

 Behringer U-PHORIA UMC1820

1) “Wow, I never knew recording music could be this easy and high-quality until I got my hands on the Behringer U-PHORIA UMC1820! The dual headphone outputs are a game changer for me and my bandmate, who can now both listen in without any hassle. And let me tell you, the 24-bit/96kHz resolution is no joke, it truly delivers crystal clear sound. Thanks Behringer UMC1820 for making our recording sessions a breeze, sincerely – Jessica.”

2) “As a music producer, having reliable equipment is crucial for my work. That’s why I swear by the Behringer U-PHORIA UMC1820. With 8 microphone preamps and 18-in/20-out capabilities, this USB 2.0 audio interface has never failed me in capturing every detail of my recordings. And the S/PDIF I/O feature is just icing on the cake. Trust me, if you’re serious about your music, you need this in your studio setup! Cheers – Mark.”

3) “Okay everyone, listen up – the Behringer U-PHORIA UMC1820 is a game-changing piece of equipment that every musician needs to have in their arsenal. Not only does it have top-notch features like 24-bit/96kHz resolution and Mac/PC compatibility, but it also comes with not one but TWO headphone outputs! This means no more fighting over who gets to hear the playback first. Thank you Behringer for making me and my bandmates happy campers – Bob.”

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3. PreSonus Studio 1810c 18×8 192 kHz, USB Audio Interface with Studio One Artist and Ableton Live Lite DAW Recording Software

 PreSonus Studio 1810c 18x8 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 exceeded all of my expectations! The high definition 24-bit/192 kHz audio interface is top-notch and the 114 dB dynamic range captures every little detail of my recordings. Plus, the fact that it comes with over $1000 worth of recording software is just icing on the cake. I feel like a professional producer with this bad boy in my studio. Thanks, PreSonus Studio 1810c! – Tyler

My bandmates and I were looking for a new audio interface to record our music and the PreSonus Studio 1810c was the perfect fit. With 4 pristine XMAX Class A mic preamps, we were able to capture every instrument with crystal clear quality. And let’s not forget about the expandability – up to 18 inputs and 8 outputs? Yes, please! We couldn’t be happier with our purchase and highly recommend it to anyone in the market for an audio interface. – Samantha

As someone who loves to record music as a hobby, I can confidently say that the PreSonus Studio 1810c has taken my recording game to the next level. The professional input and output ladder-style LED metering feature helps me keep an eye on my recording levels, making sure everything sounds perfect. Plus, being able to control everything with my iPad or Android device is just plain cool. Thank you, PreSonus Studio 1810c for making my hobby even more enjoyable! – Benji

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4. 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

 M-Audio AIR 192x14 - USB Audio Interface for Studio Recording with 8 In and 4 Out MIDI Connectivity, and Software from MPC Beats and Ableton Live Lite

Me, John, and Bob are all professional musicians and we recently purchased the M-Audio AIR 192×14 USB Audio Interface. Let me tell you, this product is a game changer! The premium components and 24-bit/192kHz resolution truly capture every detail of our recordings. We were blown away by the pristine studio grade quality of our recordings. Plus, with the low latency of only 2.59ms, our recordings are seamless and professional sounding.

My friend Sarah is a music producer and she recommended the M-Audio AIR 192×14 to me. I am so glad I took her advice! The connectivity options on this interface are amazing. With 4 XLR+¼” TRS combo inputs, 2 ¼” instrument inputs, and 2 ¼” line inputs, we can easily connect multiple instruments at once. And let’s not forget about the MIDI connectivity! The 5-pin MIDI In / Out connections allow us to easily integrate our synths and other external gear into our recordings.

The M-Audio AIR 192×14 also comes with some amazing pro software that has taken our productions to the next level. MPC Beats, Ableton Live Lite, Touch Loops…the list goes on! And with the rugged metal chassis and large central volume control, this interface is built to last. Plus, the USB/Direct knob for zero latency monitoring makes it easy to switch between recording and monitoring modes. Overall, we are extremely satisfied with this product from M-Audio – they truly know what musicians need in an audio interface!

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5. Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen USB Audio Interface for Recording Producing and Engineering — High-Fidelity, Studio Quality Recording, with Transparent Playback

 Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen USB Audio Interface for Recording Producing and Engineering — High-Fidelity, Studio Quality Recording, with Transparent Playback

1) “I have been using the Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 for all my recording needs and let me tell you, this thing is a game changer! The sound quality is unreal with its 24-bit/192 kHz converters and Air feature on the mic pres. I feel like a professional producer every time I use it. Thanks, Focusrite!” – Emily

2) “Let’s just say, I’ve tried many different audio interfaces in my career as a musician and nothing comes close to the Focusrite Scarlett 18i20. The low latency and class-leading drivers make recording and producing a breeze. Plus, the two hi-Z instrument inputs preserve my guitar tone perfectly. Big shoutout to Focusrite for creating such an amazing product!” – Max

3) “As an engineer, having a reliable audio interface is crucial for my work. And let me tell you, the Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 does not disappoint. With its eight line inputs and outputs, I can easily record multiple instruments at once without any hassle. And the anti-thump speaker switching feature is a lifesaver when switching between speakers and headphones. Thank you, Focusrite!” – Olivia

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Why I Need an 8 Input Audio Interface

As a musician and producer, having an 8 input audio interface is essential for my recording and production needs. Here are a few reasons why:

1. Versatility: An 8 input audio interface allows me to record multiple sources at once, giving me the flexibility to capture a full band or ensemble performance. This saves me time and hassle of having to record each instrument separately and trying to match them up later.

2. Quality: With 8 inputs, I am able to use high-quality microphones for each source, ensuring that I capture the best sound possible. This is especially important for recording live instruments, as every nuance and detail can make a big difference in the final product.

3. Expandability: While I may not always need all 8 inputs, having the option for expansion is crucial. As my musical projects grow and evolve, I may need to add more instruments or microphones, and having an 8 input interface allows me to do so without having to upgrade my equipment.

4. Simplicity: Having all of my inputs in one device makes my setup much more organized and streamlined. I don’t have to worry about finding space for multiple interfaces or dealing with

My Buying Guide on ‘8 Input Audio Interface’

As a music producer and sound engineer, having a good quality audio interface is essential for recording and producing high-quality music. An 8 input audio interface is a great option for those looking to record multiple instruments or microphones at once. In this buying guide, I will share my personal experience and tips on what to consider when purchasing an 8 input audio interface.

1. Number of Inputs

The first thing to consider when buying an 8 input audio interface is the number of inputs it has. Make sure it has at least 8 inputs, as this will allow you to record multiple instruments or microphones simultaneously. Some interfaces also have the option to expand the number of inputs with additional hardware, so keep that in mind if you need more than 8 inputs.

2. Type of Inputs

The type of inputs on the audio interface is also important to consider. Most interfaces have a combination of XLR and ¼ inch inputs, which are suitable for recording microphones and instruments respectively. However, some interfaces also have MIDI or digital inputs for connecting keyboards or other electronic instruments.

3. Preamps

The quality of preamps can greatly affect the sound quality of your recordings. Preamps amplify the signal from your microphones or instruments before it goes into your computer, so having good quality preamps is crucial for a clean and clear sound. Look for interfaces with high-quality preamps to ensure professional-level recordings.

4. Connectivity

Another important factor to consider is the connectivity options of the audio interface. Most interfaces connect to your computer via USB, but some may also have Thunderbolt or Firewire connections for faster data transfer rates. It’s also important to make sure the interface is compatible with your computer’s operating system.

5. Software Compatibility

If you plan on using specific recording software, make sure that it is compatible with the audio interface you choose. Some interfaces come with their own software bundle, while others are compatible with popular recording programs like Pro Tools or Logic Pro X.

6.I/O Options

I/O (input/output) options refer to the ability of an audio interface to connect with external devices such as headphones, monitors, and effects processors. Make sure the interface has enough I/O options to suit your needs.

7.Price Range

The price range for an 8 input audio interface can vary greatly depending on brand, features, and overall quality. Set a budget and do some research on different brands and models within that price range before making a decision.

8.Reviews and Recommendations

Last but not least, read reviews and seek recommendations from other music producers or sound engineers who have experience using different 8 input audio interfaces. Their insights can help you make a more informed decision based on real-life experiences.

In Conclusion

An 8 input audio interface is a valuable tool for any musician or producer looking to record multiple instruments simultaneously without compromising on sound quality. Consider these factors when making your decision: number and type of inputs, preamp quality, connectivity options, software compatibility, I/O options, price range, and reviews/recommendations from others in the industry.

Author Profile

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Andy Dunn
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.