Does the DAW interface I want exist?

[cornsound]

I'm on the hunt for an USB interface with basically as many analog inputs as I can get. I have my front end covered, so my mic pre's etc. are using every line input of an 8 channel Lexicon Ionix IO82. Life has gotten more complicated and I'm having to plug/unplug a couple of sources whenever I need to switch inputs. Ideally I need at least 12 line inputs, 16 would be gravy. Built in mic pre's are not necessary, but I would like to have 2 instrument inputs and 2 headphone outputs like the Lexicon. I don't want a full blown mixer, just a small desktop or rack interface. At this point I'm ok with an ugly 1U rackspace box, and multi-pin snakes to get what I want.

I think I'm SOL because the only thing that sort of comes close that I could find was an Antelope Audio Goliath, which is a complete monster and too fussy for my needs. There are stage/PA/installation boxes too, but they're not really studio oriented. I've looked at most of all the major/popular makers and feel I may have missed something somewhere.

[numberthirty]

I take it you don't want to mess with an interface and ADAT expansion going to another piece of equipment?

[cornsound]

Basically my needs boil down to this:

Mic pre's, assorted line level stuff (synth, tape machine, etc) ---> line inputs on USB interface ---> computer

I used some more creative search terms and found a company called ESI that make this:

https://www.esi-audio.com/products/u168xt/

I'm checking to see if the power supply will run on US power.

[numberthirty]

Basically my needs boil down to this:

Mic pre's, assorted line level stuff (synth, tape machine, etc) ---> line inputs on USB interface ---> computer

I used some more creative search terms and found a company called ESI that make this:

https://www.esi-audio.com/products/u168xt/

I'm checking to see if the power supply will run on US power.

https://gearspace.com/board/electronic- ... -card.html

[cornsound]

Thanks for that - somebody on that forum linked to another piece which might be a better option:

https://www.roland.com/global/products/studio-capture/

p.s. are you the same numberthirty from the Electrical Audio forums?

[randrohe]

I would look at RME UFX.
Usb or FireWire, 12 line inputs, 4 of which are mic pres, 2 separate ADAT ports, s/pdif available over AES.
The included TotalMix and Digicheck software are excellent.
The unit just works great!
I’m a fan, I have 2 separate units on two different computers, mostly just because I wanted a spare in case.
And their driver stability is legendary.
I’m a fan…..

[randrohe]

Wasn’t sure how to edit above post, just wanted to add the DUREC usb recording option available on the unit itself which allows all inputs to be recorded.

[Nick Sevilla]

Several companies come to mind:

https://focusrite.com/en/clarett-plus

https://www.steinberg.net/

If you don't absolutely need USB, there is Dante, which is through Ethernet.

[digitaldrummer]

you found Antelope... Why not the Orion 32 or Orion Studio?

https://www.frontendaudio.com/antelope- ... interface/

https://www.frontendaudio.com/antelope- ... converter/

(or they can be found used too)

or a Lynx Aurora

https://www.frontendaudio.com/lynx-auro ... converter/

but if you are looking for something a little lower priced, the Clarett that Nick suggested is good, or this one:

https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail ... -interface
and
https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail ... mic-preamp
(you can always use outboard pres and bypass the internal pre)

[cornsound]

^ some of these you guys posted look like they top out at 8 channels max. Unless I'm blind?

The Antelope Orion and RME look very decent. They both do lots of fancy tricks and I've used a FireFace for eons and it has never failed. But I don't really need a bunch of DSP/plugin doodads, or onboard preamps because my #1 front end is 10 mic pre's from a Studer 169 (need I say more?). A bunch of line inputs is what I'd like.

Being frugal at heart, the ESI & Roland boxes are more compelling.

[numberthirty]

Thanks for that - somebody on that forum linked to another piece which might be a better option:

https://www.roland.com/global/products/studio-capture/

p.s. are you the same numberthirty from the Electrical Audio forums?

Yep. A couple of the other regulars here are members over there as well.

(Unless my posting over there makes you want to throw things...)

As for your interface, that Roland looks like almost exactly what you wanted. No?

I'd also imagine it would be a bit more "Future..." proof.

[cornsound]

Yeah, I'm thinking the Roland is going to win out this Pepsi Challenge. It's basically the same kind of loadout as my Lexicon w/ more inputs plus a few extras. And I can mount it in an angled desktop rack which is a big plus.

I had to get off the EA forums, I don't know what happened since they restored them but something changed. I never ventured outside the Tech Room, but even so, I posted something remotely out of line with the orthodoxy echo chamber and got a bunch of screechy pearl-clutching nonense in return. Who's got time for that noise.

[digitaldrummer]

^ some of these you guys posted look like they top out at 8 channels max. Unless I'm blind?

most of them have ADAT/SMUX to get you past 8 inputs (and then of course you need a 2nd I/O unit). Most interfaces with USB connectivity do top out at 8 pres, so the Roland is probably the way to go if it works for you. I don't know anyone who has used one so can't comment on the sound quality, drivers, support, etc. Maybe get it from a place you can return it if it doesn't work out? Motu also makes some interfaces with more than 8 I/O.

I have a bunch of 500 series preamps and other outboard preamps so I use a UA Apollo (just I/O, no preamps) but it's the older firewire unit. Working fine for me though. I got it used so I didn't pay the ridiculous UA cost new. If I had to replace it I'd probably look seriously at an Orion 32 with USB which would give me 32 I/O (I actually had one before the UA Apollo but I got rid of it because at the time it didn't fit my workflow - now it would).

[Scodiddly]

bunch of screechy austisic nonense

Hey now, if you're going to make fun my of my neuro-ethnic group at least have the courtesy to spell it correctly.

[drumsound]

bunch of screechy austisic nonense

Hey now, if you're going to make fun my of my neuro-ethnic group at least have the courtesy to spell it correctly.

Yeah, please refrain from those types of comments using conditions as slurs. Otherwise, we're glad to have you here posting, especially if you feel your old posting home is no longer a place for you.