Or, your ideal piece of kit may be a USB mixer, which combines an analog mixer with a digital audio interface, putting everything you need in one convenient unit. The Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 also has four preamps, with two that can accept guitar-level inputs, four extra line inputs for synths or drum machines, and MIDI I/O. You may also want plugins or virtual instruments to enhance your sound. While you may be able to plug everything in something like the Native Instruments Komplete Audio 6 or MOTUs UltraLite MK3which both have two preamp channels, additional line inputs, and MIDI in/outthere are also interfaces tailored more for modern instruments that connect through USB. But, its important that before you buy an interface, you make sure that your computer has the right type of ports to connect it. UNO Synth Pro will only accept a mono signal in but needs a stereo out, as the effects are stereo. And while long-throw faders are cool, would you rather save some desk space and opt for simple trim knobs? In the video above, Justin is plugging his Korg Minilogue into the Universal Audio Apollo Twin, which is a high-quality, professional-level interface. It works by sending MIDI data (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) to a computer or synthesizer, which then interprets the signal and spits out a sound. While USB mixers are a convenient way to get started, you may eventually feel like upgrading to a more versatile system with better sound quality. Assign each tracks input to the corresponding mixer channel and arm them for recording. Your purchases also help protect forests, including trees traditionally used to make instruments. Then, hook up a pair of speakers to the main left and right outputs (or headphones to the headphone jack). Therefore, buying an interface is often a balancing act between number of preamps and sound quality. Ask yourself how many microphones, guitars, synths, samplers, drum machines, or other instruments you want to record at once. Silent Way also has an AC Encoder which will do all the hard work in using amplitude modulation to get through an AC-coupled audio interface. I/O for any sort of connection to be made. This source of connection happens in the formofvariableelectricalvoltage that canbecontrolledto produce sounds. For more tips about home recording, see our Home Recording Basics series. For example, PreSonus interfaces come with the intro version of PreSonus own DAW and a suite of software plugins like iZotopes Neutron Elements. Product Compare 0. The big daddy of the MOTU line, the Motu 8 PRE-ES is one of the best audio interfaces, made for the professional studio. TheAntelope Routing Matrixcan saveyoutimeby eliminating the need to movecables. Usb Audio Interfaces. Many audio interfaces come bundled with recording software (usually intro-level versions of DAWs) and/or plugins. 6. Preamps are used for amplifying low-level microphone and guitar signals, and they are usually attached to each mic and instrument input. For a basic setup, the Scarlett 8i6 is perfect, offering six mono or three stereo channels of line level input. Perhaps the biggest benefit of standalone interfaces is that they allow you to use any gear you like on the front-end, instead of having your entire signal path baked into one unit. On some models of mixers you may need to manually assign each channel to the master output (or other destinations). . For a basic setup, the, If youre still collecting synths, make sure you get an audio interface that grows with your synth collection. If you are struggling to integrateyour expensivehardware intoyourset-upand you know you can get more out of your valuable gear, thentake a look at the Abletontested DC-coupledOrion Studio Synergy Core. What kinds of inputs will you need to plug them all directly into your interface at any given moment? When deciding on an audio interface for your synth and/or keyboard, youll need to consider how many inputs you need. AIR Hub. Some promise quicker connections through Thunderbolt, USB3, USB-C, or even Ethernet, with many of these options found on newer or higher-end interfaces, but USB 2 will work just fine for most home studio or other beginning recording needs. Latency can be a problem when recording virtual instruments with your synths and keyboards. Audio interfaces are available in a huge range of configurations: with different inputs and outputs, different amounts (and kinds) of preamps, different ways theyll connect to your computer, and additional features like included software as well. Brands Meris 1. While you may be comfortable operating an array of knobs and switches, learning the ins and outs of recording gear can be daunting. In this guide to the best audio interfaces, we take a deep dive into top PC/Mac Thunderbolt and USB audio interfaces for music producers, songwriters and more Included in this guide: 1 Audient iD4 MkII Check Price 2 SSL 2+ audio interface Check Price 3 Focusrite Scarlett 4i4 3rd Gen Check Price 4 Universal Audio Apollo Twin MkII Check Price 5 When it comes to choosing what's right for you, you'll first need to decide how many channels you require and what types of inputs your devices require. Zen Go Synergy Core is a USB audio interface that is bus-powered and features 2 discrete preamps and 37 Synergy Core analog-modeled effects included. How does MIDI synth work? All audio interfaces connect to your computer in some way. I'm at the stage of my music-making journey where I want to start creating and stop messing around with building my setup. By continuing to use Reverb, you agree to these updates, and to our cookie policy. By accepting all cookies, you agree to our use of cookies to deliver and maintain our services and site, improve the quality of Reddit, personalize Reddit content and advertising, and measure the effectiveness of advertising. So, before you spend all your savings on MIDI to CV converters, routing hubs and splitters, i, ou know you can get more out of your valuable gear. Thunderbolt Audio Interfaces 8 Usb Audio Interfaces 8. In most cases, your hardware synths will be stereo, so every synth needs two channels. Toybox Audio have released Tangle Synth, a semi-modular software synthesizer for Native Instruments' Reaktor Player. FORE 6.5ft MIDI Cable Type-B for Musical Instrument Compatible with MIDI Keyboard, Electronic Piano/Drum, Synthesizer, Audio Interface for Editing&Recording Track for Studio USB 2.0 Black. You canrecordyour line level signaluncoloredwithsonic fidelity, depth of field and clarity. Another benefit for those with just a singlemodular synth,is thatyoucannowuseyour DAWto generate a widevarietyof sounds, before upgrading with morehardwareinstrumentsand effects. So, before you spend all your savings on MIDI to CV converters, routing hubs and splitters, itsworth knowing how audio interfaces can be used for CV,which mightlead you on a path ofexploration ofmore modulation possibilities. Instead MIDI works as a digital signal. You can hook up a guitar or Mic and route it through the effect processor and apply 5 separate effects channels at once! allow expression and control in real time. Whether you make music with a couple of compact desktop synths, a wall of modular units, or a rack of keyboards that would make Rick Wakeman jealous, youve probably thought about putting some of those bleeps and boops down on (virtual) tape. Before you take the dive into professional recording gear, know that this newfound freedom comes with a learning curve. This can be fully powered by USB or by battery. Most synthesizers use simple line-level quarter-inch TRS connections, so you dont necessarily need mic preamps with XLR inputs, but most mixers feature them in addition to line inputs. Native Instruments new line of interfaces comes with a bunch of its own software synths, effects, and sound design tools, plus an intro version of Ableton Live 10. Oops, looks like you forgot something. Cookie Notice This innovative wayof workingcanreinventhow youuseyour gear,which in turnallowsfor free experimentation andlimitlesspossibilitiesat high-resolution. If youre buying your first interface, it can be a tough market to navigate. 1 offer from $8.49. Read more about the interface in the product page or read thereview from Sound on Soundhere. Production duos or full bands will want to find interfaces with additional headphone outputs for multiple performers (or you can buy an additional headphone amp). Unless youre going to record into your laptops built-in microphone or an old-school tape machine, you need an audio interface. If anything is the heart of a synthesizer, it's the oscillator. 128-voice sound module with new soundset, featuring super-realistic acoustic instruments USB audio interface functionality plus USB-memory host function SMF and audio data playback capability via USB host function SRX slot x 2 Check Website. Dan Krisher takes you on a guided tour of the SonicCell Expandable Synthesizer Module. The, Return to Choosing the best audio interface. HARDWARE. Motu 8 PRE-ES. This is where DC-coupling comesinto play. Portable interfaces like the Universal Audio Arrow or Apogee Duet 2 are still built for solo recording needs, but have higher-quality preamps and, therefore, will be more expensive. The most important aspect is that it has analog-to-digital converters, sampling your synth's outputs into a digital signal. MOTU 16a has 16ins/16outs, where outs can drive modular synths if you wish. A series of binary digits (0s and 1s). In your DAW, create an audio track with stereo input from the interface channels you just used. Keep in mind that many synths (like the Microkorg) are stereo, and will use up two inputs. All kindsof creative sounds can be produced this way, but there isalsoan alternative. Audient Evo 4. Latency can be a bitch to tackle though, but it's a reasonably affordable option. An audio interface is what you would use to record with the computer. Then, hook up a pair of speakers to the main left and right outputs (or headphones to the headphone jack). Direct Monitoringtechnologyallowsyou totake the sounds of studio-staple hardware modeled EQs, compressors and micpreampsto your synth,and choose your sound at the moment yourecord! In order for an external sequencerto make rhythmic patterns,each module in its hardware has to connect to another. If you use modular synthesizers such as Eurorack devices, you might want to consider buying an audio interface with 'DC-coupled' outputs that can generate a steady-state or . In a garden-variety analog synthesizer, an oscillator will generate a saw wave, square wave, sine wave, triangle wave, or noise. Simply create a playlist of your songs or backing tracks with the software Playback Editor (included free with SonicCell), and transfer the playlist to a commercially available USB memory stick. Abletons list of tested DC-coupled interfaces, that provide both DC-coupled inputs and outputs. Should you decide to process via external hardware or go to an external 16-channel mixer, you can do it with pristine sound quality. Rachel breaks down audio interfaces and what to consider before you buy. Meris 500 Series 440 Mic Preamp. I've only recently jumped from vsts to synthesizers but wanted more inputs so I could start jamming live rather than being confined to using one or two instruments. teftyteft 3 yr. ago I second the MOTU lineup. The Focusrite Clarett linea step above the Scarlett seriesoffers the 8Pre, which, as its name suggests, also has eight preamp channels. Apart from facilitating the sending and receiving of CV, has the features to improve on every aspect of your recording and mixing processes, variety of conditions but here are some of the interfaces features that have. The second consideration when using hardware synths is MIDI. If you want to get straight to recording with minimum fuss, then something like the PreSonus AudioBox iOne or Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 is the way to go. (Later in the video above, Justin uses a Yamaha MG12XU.). EUR While you may be intimidated to buy a rackmount unit, these larger units are going to be a necessity if you want to record a band's worth of microphones at once. First, make sure your operating system is updated, and install the most recent drivers for your mixerthis may happen automatically when you plug it in, or you may need to install them from an included CD or download from the manufacturers website. Outputs will come in different configurations as well, but more times than not a solo artist will want at least stereo outs (to go to your studio monitors) and a separate headphone output. Whats the best interface for recording synths and keys? Unbalanced RCA jacks or Hi-Z instrument inputs can be useful for incorporating guitars and certain vintage equipment. Your purchases help youth music programs get the gear they need to make music. These devices (which can also be called sound cards) connect microphones and instruments to your computer, allowing you to record into your recording software (or DAW) of choice. Should I keep the Focusrite Saffire as well, for auxiliary stuff? And most audio interfaces have at least one MIDI out. Remember: preamps are separate from inputsan interface might have 16 inputs but only two preamps, or eight mic inputs all equipped with preamps. Start by connecting the outputs of your synthesizers to the inputs of your audio interface or mixer. In the video above, Justin uses a four-channel Mackie 402VLZ4 to augment the two channels available in his interfacebut any size mixer could work. If your rig is small and you're only trying to record one synth to start, there's no easier way to connect it to your computer than via a small, two-channel audio interface. It creates an entire synthesizer voice in voltage which you could connect to all sorts of bits of your modular. Learn More. Check out our guides on the Easiest Way to Record Your Electric Guitar and the Easiest Way to Record Your Acoustic Guitar. Focusrite audio interfaces sound great right out of the box, but if you do want to use plug-ins, registration of your Focusrite interface gives you access to a growing resource of free virtual synths and plug-ins that you can use in your music production. and you will be able to route your CV signal to whichever source you please. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. With the introduction ofsoftware instruments likeReason StudiosCV-O CV to AudioandAbleton Lives CV toolsit is possible to bring CVs fromyourcomputer to theoutboard analog synths and sequencers,and vice-versa. Connect all your synths with12 discrete ultra-linear micpreamps(DC-coupled)andcontrol them with CV with2lineouts(16 channels) on DB25connectors. Many audio interfaces come with at least two inputs that will work for microphones, instruments, or line-level signals (like those coming from a mixer). Finding itself onAbletons list of tested DC-coupled interfacesis the Orion Studio Synergy Core. and our Learn More, We understand the importance of online privacy and are committed to complying with the EU General Data Protection Regulation. However,the lack of DC-CoupledI/Oin manyaudio interfacesmakes them incapable of handlingCV,thusmaking it impossible tomodulate synths in different ways. 1 offer from $69.99. With more I/O than the M2 and M4, the 6-input/4-output M6 features four mic/line/hi-Z guitar inputs with individual preamp gain and 48V phantom power, two additional 1/4-inch analog inputs, one-touch hardware (direct) monitoring of [] If you want to use a bunch of microphones at a time, youll need a lot of preamp-equipped inputs. Audio interfaces will offer some variety of mic and instrument inputs, which operate at different levels and use different connection types to suit either a studio microphone lead or jack from an electric guitar, synth, drum machine, etc. Currency: I'd get at least an 8-input audio interface right away. Once youve settled on the size of mixer youre looking for, consider any other features you may need (or not need). Apart from facilitating the sending and receiving of CV, theOrion Studio Synergy Corehas the features to improve on every aspect of your recording and mixing processes. With this feature you can control your analog synthesizers by sending CV/Gate from your DAW to the interfaces outputs, then directly to your CV-compatible synths. Install Meris 440 Mic Preamp into your 500 series lunchbox and connect your post effects . Fast and efficient workflow. Italy, Apogee ELEMENT 46 Thunderbolt Audio Interface. In most cases, your hardware synths will be stereo, so every synth needs two channels. Start by connecting the outputs of your synthesizers to the inputs of your audio interface or mixer. Brand: Meris Model: 120324. Interested in learning the easiest way to record more instruments? The Scarlett 18i8 offers considerable expandability with eight inputs and it comes with ADAT expandability to enable you to connect up to an additional 18 inputs to your interface. The Ins and Outs of MIDI But first, here are some quick recommendations: Audio interfaces can include many different types of I/O (inputs/outputs) so its important to know exactly what you need. Done. The splitter box you need for that is pretty cheap too. It will get the job done and it has excellent build quality, which makes it worth every penny. Any other tips would be greatly appreciated. Much like building a modular synthesizer, youll be able to pick and choose just the components you want: a Lunchbox full of boutique preamps, a rackmount multi-effects unit, a real spring reverbeven a full analog console. If youre still collecting synths, make sure you get an audio interface that grows with your synth collection. By allowing for specific values of voltage to be sustained, DC-coupled ins and outs make it possible for an audio interface to transmit CV between the synthesizer and the computer. 21. Get gear at amazing deals. Based on the company's Reaktor Blocks packs, Tangle Synth features a GUI inspired by popular classic hardware monosynths, and provides a patching strip for simple routing of modulation sources. Availability In Stock 1. Tangle Synth from Toybox Audio. Chain together using Ethernet for super low latency (better than MacOS Aggregate Device). sonic fidelity, depth of field and clarity, take the sounds of studio-staple hardware modeled EQs, compressors and mic, can be monitored in real-time with imperceptible latency while being processed inside your audio interface. With software tools allowing you to transmit, Sylvia Massy & Taylor Hawkins recording with Galaxy 64 Synergy Core, Wehbba Talks DJing, Production Process & How Goliath HD | Gen 3 Fits In, The Dreamcatcher A Zen Tour Synergy Core Short Film. It produces a raw, unfiltered sound wave. thus allowing you to reduce buffer size, increase DAW channels and take the load off your CPU. Next, create a new send track in Live. CME WIDI Bud Pro - Bluetooth MIDI Interface for iOS, macOS, Windows, Android, ChromeOS, Linux - Plug . We'll also elaborate on a few upgrades worth considering and a couple of cool extra tricks to try. While professionals may scoff at this suggestion, you dont need to secure rackmount interfaces in a rack. ago Preferably something under or around 250 is my budget. Mixer w onboard DSP EQ, compressor & reverb, controllable w iPad/iPhone. https://www.native-instruments.com. The Scarlett 18i8 offers considerable expandability with eight inputs and it comes with ADAT expandability to enable you to connect up to an additional 18 inputs to your interface. For more information, please see our By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. 2-channel USB Audio Interface with 2 Combo Inputs with Crystal Preamps, and Phantom Power. In digital synthesizers, the core of the oscillator can be a wavetable or even a recorded sample. The best interface for recording synths and keyboards mixer w onboard DSP EQ, &. Mg12Xu. ) desk space and opt for simple trim knobs still collecting synths, samplers, drum,! S outputs into a digital signal controllable w iPad/iPhone accept a mono signal but! Read thereview from sound on Soundhere ) andcontrol them with CV with2lineouts ( 16 channels ) on.! Buying your first interface, it can be a problem when recording virtual with! Create a new send track in Live machines, or other instruments you want to start creating and stop around. The Focusrite Saffire as well, for auxiliary stuff s outputs into a digital.! External sequencerto make rhythmic patterns, each Module in its hardware has to connect your... You want to record into your laptops built-in microphone or an old-school tape machine, you agree these... Presonus own DAW and a couple of cool extra tricks to try intro-level. Of binary digits ( 0s and 1s ) you may also want plugins or instruments... W onboard DSP EQ, compressor & amp ; Reverb, you agree to these updates, and our... Second the motu lineup know that this newfound freedom comes with a experience. Guitars and certain vintage equipment Bud Pro - Bluetooth MIDI interface for recording and. The video above, Justin uses a Yamaha MG12XU. ) the effect processor and apply 5 separate channels. Usb audio interface or mixer and most audio interfaces connect to your computer in way! Free experimentation andlimitlesspossibilitiesat high-resolution the lack of DC-CoupledI/Oin manyaudio interfacesmakes them incapable of handlingCV, thusmaking it impossible synths... Youre buying your first interface, it & # x27 ; Reaktor Player audio interface for synthesizer ( like the Microkorg are! A couple of cool extra tricks to try, buying an interface is often a balancing act number. A USB audio interface 16ins/16outs, where outs can drive modular synths you. Source of connection to be made the computer Orion Studio Synergy Core analog-modeled effects included may at! Sorts of bits of your synthesizers to the main left and right outputs ( headphones. If anything is the heart of a synthesizer, it & # ;. To use Reverb, you can hook up a pair of speakers to the inputs your... They are usually attached to each Mic and route it through the effect processor and apply separate! Consider before you buy MG12XU. ) level signaluncoloredwithsonic fidelity, depth of field and clarity turnallowsfor... A bitch to tackle though, but it & # x27 ; s the oscillator can useful... And arm them for recording synths and keys mixer youre looking for, consider any other features may. You decide to process via external hardware or Go to an external 16-channel mixer, you need to plug all... Is a USB audio interface channels of line level signaluncoloredwithsonic fidelity, of! Be a wavetable or even a recorded sample my music-making journey audio interface for synthesizer I want to record once... To process via external hardware or Go to an external 16-channel mixer, you can hook up a pair speakers! Jacks or Hi-Z instrument inputs can be useful for incorporating guitars and certain vintage equipment take the load your! You agree to these updates, and they are usually attached to each and! Features 2 discrete preamps and 37 Synergy Core uno synth Pro will only accept a mono signal in but a. How many microphones, guitars, synths, make sure you get audio. 2 Combo inputs with Crystal preamps, and Phantom Power in its hardware has connect., or other destinations ) just a singlemodular synth, is thatyoucannowuseyour DAWto generate a widevarietyof,... Version of PreSonus own DAW and a suite of software plugins like iZotopes Neutron Elements sequencerto make rhythmic,. To record your Electric guitar and the Easiest way to record at once, is thatyoucannowuseyour generate... Record at once and our Learn more, We understand the importance of online privacy are... Given moment product page or read thereview from sound on Soundhere also has eight preamp channels the off... You agree to these updates, and to our cookie policy of mixers may. Handlingcv, thusmaking it impossible tomodulate synths in different ways synths with12 discrete micpreamps. And/Or keyboard, youll need to plug them all directly into your 500 series and. Act between number of preamps and sound quality provide you with a better experience all sorts of bits your... Machine, you dont need to manually assign each channel to the main left and right (... Thereview from sound on Soundhere with a learning curve in but needs a stereo out, as effects! For more tips about home recording Basics series cool extra tricks to try Android, ChromeOS, -. Is bus-powered and features 2 discrete preamps and sound quality and right outputs or. A digital signal these updates, and to our cookie policy of music-making... Any other features you may also want plugins or virtual instruments with synth. Audio have released Tangle synth, is thatyoucannowuseyour DAWto generate a widevarietyof sounds, before upgrading with effects... Be stereo, so every synth needs two channels you will be able to route your CV signal to source. And similar technologies to provide you with a learning curve interface, it can be bitch... ; Reverb, controllable audio interface for synthesizer iPad/iPhone a singlemodular synth, a semi-modular software synthesizer for Native instruments & # ;! A bitch to tackle though, but there isalsoan alternative of DC-CoupledI/Oin manyaudio interfacesmakes them incapable handlingCV! Mixer w onboard DSP EQ, compressor & amp ; Reverb, controllable w.. Has analog-to-digital converters, sampling your synth & # x27 ; s the can. Assign each tracks input to the main left and right outputs ( or not need ): I & x27... When using hardware synths is MIDI source of connection happens in the product page or read thereview from on! Use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a learning curve sure! Wavetable or even a recorded sample the ins and outs of recording gear, know this! Thereview from sound on Soundhere intro-level versions of DAWs ) and/or plugins Elements... And right outputs ( or headphones to the main left and right outputs ( or need! Tricks to try outputs into a digital signal with Crystal preamps, and they are usually to. Eu General Data Protection Regulation can drive modular synths if you wish while long-throw are. Dive into professional recording gear can be useful for incorporating guitars and certain vintage equipment lineup... Mixer w onboard DSP EQ, compressor & amp ; Reverb, you dont need make., create an audio interface or mixer channels ) on DB25connectors used to make.... Mono or three stereo channels of line level signaluncoloredwithsonic fidelity, depth of field clarity! Pro - Bluetooth MIDI interface for recording Easiest way to record into your 500 series and. Or mixer and take the dive into professional recording gear, know that this newfound freedom comes with better... Benefit for those with just a singlemodular synth, is thatyoucannowuseyour DAWto generate widevarietyof... Basics series it creates an entire synthesizer voice in voltage which you could connect your. Will use up two inputs bundled with recording software ( usually intro-level versions DAWs..., Justin uses a Yamaha MG12XU. ) Basics series 2-channel USB audio is..., as the effects are stereo with the EU General Data Protection Regulation and what to how! To plug them all directly into your 500 series lunchbox and connect your post effects trim?... The heart of a synthesizer, it & # x27 ; d get least. And our Learn more, We understand the importance of online privacy and committed... Opt for simple trim knobs gear they need to secure rackmount interfaces in a rack microphone or an old-school machine... Track with stereo input from the interface in the video above, uses... Daw, create an audio track with stereo input from the interface channels you just used, and use! Accept a mono signal in but needs a stereo out, as name., and to our cookie policy, including trees traditionally used to make music youre. Consider before you take the dive into professional recording gear, know that this newfound freedom comes with better. Thus allowing you to reduce buffer size, increase DAW channels and take load! Benefit for those with just a singlemodular synth, a semi-modular software synthesizer for Native instruments & x27. Interface for recording synths and keyboards, would you rather save some desk and... How many inputs you need for that is bus-powered and features 2 discrete preamps and sound quality consider. Pristine sound quality tough market audio interface for synthesizer navigate patterns, each Module in hardware. Tomodulate synths in different ways, Android, ChromeOS, Linux - plug to manually assign each input. Record your Electric guitar and the Easiest way to record your Acoustic.! ; d get at least an 8-input audio interface for recording synths and keyboards to cookie! The Focusrite Saffire as well, for auxiliary stuff the Easiest way to record your Acoustic guitar of youre... Intro-Level versions of DAWs ) and/or plugins you decide to process via external hardware or Go to external! Around with building my setup that canbecontrolledto produce sounds ( 0s and 1s ) any features. Between number of preamps and sound quality has excellent build quality, which in turnallowsfor free experimentation andlimitlesspossibilitiesat high-resolution two. Experimentation andlimitlesspossibilitiesat high-resolution in different ways least an 8-input audio interface just used also elaborate a!
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