I previously had a Scarlett 18i20 (first gen), but 2 ins broke down suddenly. I sold it and it’s been a long time I haven’t replaced it (no time). Now, I’m thinking about buying something else, and I’m a bit lost in the different possible solutions.
What I need:
I have to plug different synths and fx (no mic or instruments)
The more i/o, the better it is (8 analog i/o of my Scarlett was a bit too few, so I bought a patchbay)
I need good converters quality (Of course… who need bad? Don’t know), low latency, stability
What I thought:
Ok, let’s go to rme! Phew, it’s expensive.
So, I thought it could be good to buy a second hand firewire 800, so nice converters for around 400€. But some people warned me about firewire drivers compatibility with further windows…
So, I thought to buy RME UCX, still pricey around 800€, RME UC around 700€, could be okay, but it’s from 2009! Isn’t it hasardous to buy 24 years old gear ?
Ok, let’s move to something else.
So I’ve found the Audient Evo 16, around 450€ new. This is probably the best financial option. And the sound quality looks good: a little bellow rme, a little above scarlett 18i20 gen3. Though I heard some have problems. If I take it, I can buy a patchbay, and a rack. Or I could expand it with Behringer ada8200. It is said the preamps are nice and the converters are excellent. This solution could be good, but…
Am I missing somehing ?
I’ve found some mixers are good in the audio interface domain, and are rackable. For example Presonus Studiolive AR16c, Tascam Model 16, Soundcraft Signature 12 mtk. But are converters better than Audient Evo 16 ? Some send audio pre eq… Which is bad. Some doesn’t have direct out, which I need…
Or should I go with a mix of those two ? First buy the Audient Evo 16 and behringer ada8200, then later, buy a good analog rack mixer like Midas Venice 160 or old Mackie ?
What are your thoughts about this ? Rme UC ? Audient Evo 16 + ada8200 ? Or only a usb mixer ? Or a hybrid solution : audio interface + analog mixer ? I’m a bit lost about it…
i use the cranbourne audio 500 rb with the adat expansion box. Not cheap, but it gives me the flexability i need, and access to top quality 500 series modules which i build from diy kits to keep the cost down. Much prefer the conversion on this to RME.
I think what he wants to say is that there’s no objective need to obsess over technical subtleties and endless options. I think 400 is plenty enough for most people.
However, maybe you should look at digital mixers from Tascam, Zoom or even Behringer?
Of course, there is no objective need, only a subjective desire to find the gear I’ll be happy to use without looking back saying to myself “Oh, I should have chosen this solution”.
Yes, the Tascam 16 is one of the options I’m considering…
When looking for extra channel for your interface do yourself a favor and avoid Behringer ADA8200: it is really bad, you can definitely choose something better.
My opinion is that ADA8200 is not good at all: low quality preamps, channel bleeding, clock malfunctions. I owned it for a while and then got rid of it, you know, typical Behr. quality. if you are targeting adat expanders, my advice is to choose something else: set yourself a budget to understand what is available at that price tag
your’re so right!