This might not be the right forum but I like it here and think lot of people are knowledgeable so I'll ask for advice.
I'm looking for some 16 channel sound card or interface so I can run all channels separately in to my mixer and mix on that with all outboard gear instead of using DAW. Currently I'm using Audigy RX, excellent performance but I only get 4 channels (front/rear) so have to mix multiple channels together which is a pain.
I don't really need more than 10 channels but looking at 16 so I have some spares. Not sure if anyone makes 10/12 channel, that would be ideal.
I've been looking around but so many choices out there I don't know what is good yet "cheap" enough. I'd prefer a card rather than USB but if there is no choice than USB will do. Thanks for any tips.
Just a thought, I don't need more that 2 channels in, just need the 16 out. It's only for mixing. Maybe some USB mixer can do just that?
I'm looking for some 16 channel sound card or interface so I can run all channels separately in to my mixer and mix on that with all outboard gear instead of using DAW. Currently I'm using Audigy RX, excellent performance but I only get 4 channels (front/rear) so have to mix multiple channels together which is a pain.
I don't really need more than 10 channels but looking at 16 so I have some spares. Not sure if anyone makes 10/12 channel, that would be ideal.
I've been looking around but so many choices out there I don't know what is good yet "cheap" enough. I'd prefer a card rather than USB but if there is no choice than USB will do. Thanks for any tips.
Just a thought, I don't need more that 2 channels in, just need the 16 out. It's only for mixing. Maybe some USB mixer can do just that?
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They have some good things but too much for my budget. I kind of figured if the RX cost me $100, I could get something of same audio quality but triple the channels for maybe $500. I would even rather run 3 of these cards but that would probably bring more problems than benefits.
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How about the Behringer FCA1616? Or you might be able to pick up a second hand MOTU, ProSonus for $500.
One thing I don't want is Behringer. I got four mixers but only use them for monitoring since I find the sound quality is no good for actual mixing/recording. Don't know about Motu and Prosinus but will look them up. I can't have anything that has less quality sound than the RX, even though I know there are better devices out there.
But how about something this 12 channel USB mixer? Can that pass 12 channels in and from DAW just via USB or is it just one channel USB and rest is analog? Description doesn't say much to me.
ELM CT-120S 12 Channel Professional Live Studio Audio Mixer USB Mixing Console | eBay
But how about something this 12 channel USB mixer? Can that pass 12 channels in and from DAW just via USB or is it just one channel USB and rest is analog? Description doesn't say much to me.
ELM CT-120S 12 Channel Professional Live Studio Audio Mixer USB Mixing Console | eBay
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Never heard of ELM... If you can stretch your budget a bit, you can check out the Mackie 1640i, or similar consoles from Midas, which are analog mixers with built-in AD and DA. I think both of them use the Firewire interface.
If you have an older PC with multiple PCI slots, you can get two M-Audio 1010's and chain them together for 20 in, 20 out. Even though it is an old/obsolete product, it still sounds good and has rock-solid operation. You can find them second hand for around $100 each.
If you have an older PC with multiple PCI slots, you can get two M-Audio 1010's and chain them together for 20 in, 20 out. Even though it is an old/obsolete product, it still sounds good and has rock-solid operation. You can find them second hand for around $100 each.
I use a 1010 in my small studio. It has 8 analog ins and outs, each at 24/96. It also has DIN MIDI I/O. It works fine in Ableton Live, Cakewalk Sonar and FL Studio. I run W7. M-Audio hasn't updated the drivers in years, but as stated they are solid in W7, haven't tried W10, nor do I plan to. Never tried chaining two though.
Note that there are TWO different versions of the 1010.
The "M-Audio Delta 1010" uses a PCI (Not PCI Express) card inside the PC, and a 25 pin cable to an external ADC / DAC box.
The "M-Audio Delta 1010LT" puts everything on a single card that goes into a PCI slot. Having the ADC / DAC inside the PC could raise the noise floor.
I have both of these, and do find the external unit a bit quieter by measurement, but the internal card has never been audibly noisier. This may not be the case if it sits next to a power hungry (and electrically noisy)video card. I do not use video cards in my purpose built audio PC's.
The ELM is just some China cheap brand, I shown it as an example as I wouldn't expect it to sound very good. But more I think about it, a mixer like that might be best option for me. I could record as I do on my RX and for mixing I could just plug in the USB mixer. That way I wouldn't have to change my system at all. If USB can handle 16 tracks smooth and clean than it'll be just fine. I'm not a fan of USB but this way it should work for me.
I'll check out those suggested mixers. Just need to be careful not to buy something I can't use. I'm always weary when it comes to digital gear so try to keep it as analog and simple as possible.
I'll check out those suggested mixers. Just need to be careful not to buy something I can't use. I'm always weary when it comes to digital gear so try to keep it as analog and simple as possible.
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