the options you are considering are/were typically 2in-2out devices, yet will support many channels plugged in. are you sure you want only 2 recording channels? if not, consider stepping up to a VS-100, or a motu, or as meantioned the scarlett. the advantage of the VS-100 other than better integration with sonar, a control surface, a motorised fader, SD card recording, etc is that you can use it without the computer as a standard digital mixer, and with the computer as an 8 in 6 out device.

i wouldnt go near anything behringer if i was serious about audio quality, their preamps are rather poor.

also, remember usb 1.1 vs 2.0 is just a question of speed and bandwidth. it doesnt matter which it is, because the manufacturer's choice of 1.1 vs 2 will be governed by how much throughput they need, ie in teh case of the zed 14, there are only 2 channels in/out, so usb 1.1 is more than enough. for more, usb2.0 is required.

also consider motu,and rme. the interfaces you are listing vary GREATLY in quality and cost. the behringer isnt in the same ballpark. is cost an issue? if not, then just get a VS-700 and call it a day, or a high end motu / rme

and yes, affects are nice in live situations, but genearlly not that great when you're trying to hear exactly what is comming out of your speakers.

good luck with your choice, and keep us posted

Have you seen the focusrite 2802? http://global.focusrite.com/consoles/control-2802

dahjah


Have you seen the focusrite 2802? http://global.focusrite.com/consoles/control-2802

This is a killer piece of gear ...priced ~ $4000usd
But Wow....

Unless you have a specific need for an external mixer, any usb interface will probably be a better deal all around, unless you can spring for something like the old  A&H R-16 or whatever it was callled.

The Roland, the RME or focusrite series ought to do all you want w/ great sound quality and no patching - if you get enough inputs.  The soft mixers should work fine unless you are doing a lot of analog inserting.

@

The Focusrite mixer is a killer unit, as above, but doesn't include an ADDA.  However, you can use the motorized faders to mix analog w/o changing the volume hitting your digital or analog comps/eqs etc.

@

bobguitkillerleft


Hi Mystic 38,I'am interested in the N.I. Audio 6,as a USB interface upgrade,from my cakewalk UA25-EX,which works well enough,but it is only USB 1.1,and the Audio 6 apparently gets gets good marks for decent low latency performance.

What's the lowest you can run it with your listed setup,and still get decent performance?

Thank You
Bob

hi Bob,
Was out at the boat so somewhat out of touch.. The Komplete Audio 6 runs pretty good at almost any setting... I have as my default set it to 192 samples and a 1mS USB buffer.. why?... simply because when you change the driver setttings in the ASIO panel, 192 samples is the lowest setting that the X1 makes a "chirp" rather than an electronic noise  "i have changed the driver" "click".. If there is anything else you need let me know..

jason r


Given the choice what would be the best option that anyone would choose.

1. Roland M-16DX
2. Roland Octa-Capture
3. Behringer Xenyx X1622USB

I only record one input at a time so multi recording is not really needed for me, but I do like to have my 4 synths/devices connected for quick playing during a project.

Anyone help me in making a decision please.

One thing I must add is that a number of searches reveal that room acoustic eq (a function I quite like the idea of and is a big plus in the M-16DX) is not ideal for putting across your master buss and interfering with the monitors, I do have treatment in the studio such as foam and bass traps so would I need this function at all.

Jason,
 
2c,
 
Given your setup is similar to mine, i would suggest to isolate choice of mixer from your audio interface.. as a mixer, in its price range, the x1622 is a good mixer for you.. it has low noise, good isolation, the long range faders, mute/solo buttons and 2 busses allows for you to play/monitor your multiple synths/PC on one bus while recording only selected parts on t'other.. its pre-amps are not top flight, no, but they work, its fully balanced i/o is a necessity for so many synths. however as an audio interface, i would view it as a backup only...
 
With a number of hardware synths i would strongly suggest an audio interface with 4 outs and 4 ins as a minimum... you may wish to route audio thru a synth for fx, or use multiple outputs from a synth... so imo Roland Quad capture is short on connectivity for a synth guy... focusrite 8i6 or NI KA6 are both quality interfaces at the $250 range..

I would suggest using one of the many audio interfaces offerings out there (Presonus, Focusrite) and use the internal mixers. If you want more control over the monitors then also add a small mixer. 

I have a fairly inexpensive setup these days that would suit you well. I use a soundcraft notepad 124 (paid ~$80 last year on MF) and a delta 1010 (used on ebay ~$100). Great sounding interface with plenty of inputs to keep everything plugged in and a clean sounding monitor path. Going this way would also allow for some of the interface/mixer cash to be applied to an outboard preamp if you don't already have one.

Just a thought...

jason r


Given the choice what would be the best option that anyone would choose.

1. Roland M-16DX
2. Roland Octa-Capture
3. Behringer Xenyx X1622USB

I only record one input at a time so multi recording is not really needed for me, but I do like to have my 4 synths/devices connected for quick playing during a project.

Anyone help me in making a decision please.

One thing I must add is that a number of searches reveal that room acoustic eq (a function I quite like the idea of and is a big plus in the M-16DX) is not ideal for putting across your master buss and interfering with the monitors, I do have treatment in the studio such as foam and bass traps so would I need this function at all.

I'd opt for the OctaCapture...

Several "bonuses"

1.  8 inputs with nice preamps
2.  Hardware compression (not a great bonus, but still a bonus)
3.  Interconnectivity...if, for some reason you want more inputs...just buy another one and 16 inputs
4.  Extremely low latency
5.  192 Khz recording capability.

I currently use a Quad-Capture, and the VS preamps are quite nice for a device
in it's price range...

I will either buy a StudioLive 16.0.2 for my next interface (provided I upgrade my pc with firewire)
or an Octacapture...


I would also consider, seeing as that you'd like to connect 4 synths and still have channels available...
The Presonus 1818 VSL...you get 8 inputs, decent preamps, and the Virtual Studio Live software
with the Phat Channel effects..

But, that's just my opinion, and they're like A**holes...everybody has one...

You might want to consider the Motu Track16 as well...

Take a look...

http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/Track16