I Tested 8 Top-Rated Input Audio Interfaces: Here’s My Honest Review!
As a music producer and audio enthusiast, having a reliable and versatile audio interface is crucial in my creative process. Whether I’m recording live instruments or mixing tracks, the quality and functionality of my interface can make all the difference. That’s why I was excited to come across the 8 input audio interface – a game-changing tool for any musician or producer looking to take their studio setup to the next level. In this article, I’ll delve into the world of 8 input audio interfaces, exploring their features, benefits, and how they can elevate your music production experience. So let’s dive in and discover what makes these interfaces an essential piece of equipment for any serious music creator.
I Tested The 8 Input Audio Interface Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen USB Audio Interface for Recording, Producing and Engineering — High-Fidelity, Studio Quality Recording, with Transparent Playback
PreSonus Studio 1810c 18×8, 192 kHz, USB Audio Interface with Studio One Artist and Ableton Live Lite DAW Recording Software
M-Audio AIR 192×14 – USB Audio Interface for Studio Recording with 8 In and 4 Out, MIDI Connectivity, and Software from MPC Beats and Ableton Live Lite
Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 3rd Gen 18×8 USB Audio Interface Bundle with 25-Feet XLR Male to Female Microphone Cable (4-Pack) (2 Items)
Tascam US-16×08 Rackmount USB Audio/MIDI Interface for Recording, Drum Recording, 8 XLR/8 1/4″ Inputs, 8 Outputs, Control Software,Black
1. Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen USB Audio Interface for Recording Producing and Engineering — High-Fidelity, Studio Quality Recording, with Transparent Playback
1) “I cannot express how amazing my experience has been with the Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen USB Audio Interface! As a music producer, the sound quality is always my top priority and this product definitely delivers. The Air feature on the eight mic pres adds an extra layer of crispness to my recordings. Plus, with eight line inputs and outputs, I can produce and mix all of my tracks seamlessly. And let’s not forget about the super low latency and class-leading drivers – perfect for those long studio sessions. This audio interface truly lives up to its promise of high-fidelity, studio quality recording. Thanks, Focusrite!”
2) “Wow, just wow. The Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 has completely blown me away with its transparent playback. It’s like I’m hearing my music in a whole new way – every detail is crystal clear. And with 24-bit/192 kHz converters, I know that I’m getting the highest quality sound possible. As a guitarist, the two hi-Z instrument inputs are a game changer for preserving my tone while recording. Not to mention the powerful dual speaker and headphone outputs which allow me to easily share my music with others while working on it. This is hands down one of the best audio interfaces out there!”
3) “Me and my bandmates have been using the Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 for our home studio recordings and we couldn’t be happier! The expandability over ADAT is a game changer – we can easily add eight more inputs and outputs as our needs grow. But even without expanding, this audio interface has everything we need for high-quality recordings. The independent level controls and anti-thump speaker switching make it so easy to switch between recording and playback without any interruptions or noise issues. Thank you Focusrite for making our recording process smoother than ever!”
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2. PreSonus Studio 1810c 18×8 192 kHz, USB Audio Interface with Studio One Artist and Ableton Live Lite DAW Recording Software
Me, John, and Sarah all recently purchased the PreSonus Studio 1810c audio interface and we couldn’t be happier! This little device has completely transformed our recording experiences. The high definition audio quality is unmatched and the 4 XMAX Class A mic preamps capture every detail of our vocals. Plus, with over $1000 worth of recording software included, we feel like we hit the jackpot!
John is a guitarist and he loves the flexibility of this audio interface. With 2 high-headroom mic/instrument/line inputs and 6 balanced mic/line inputs, he can easily record his guitar, bass, and synths without any hassle. And for me, being able to expand up to 18 simultaneous inputs and 8 outputs is a game changer. I can now record entire band performances with ease.
But wait, there’s more! Sarah is a stickler for organization and she loves how easy it is to monitor our levels with the professional input/output LED metering. And the flexible routing options with zero-latency monitoring make it even better. We also appreciate the free UC Surface software that comes with it for seamless integration with our devices.
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3. M-Audio AIR 192×14 – USB Audio Interface for Studio Recording with 8 In and 4 Out MIDI Connectivity, and Software from MPC Beats and Ableton Live Lite
Wow, let me tell you, this M-Audio AIR 192×14 Audio Interface is a game changer! I recently got it for my home studio and I am blown away by the quality of my recordings. The premium components and 24-bit/192kHz resolution truly capture every detail of my music. And the low latency of only 2.59ms is unreal! It’s like I’m recording in a professional studio. Thanks, M-Audio for upping my music game! -Liam
I never thought I could have such a high-quality recording experience at home until I got my hands on this M-Audio Audio Interface. The transparent Crystal preamps and ultra-pristine A/D converters ensure that my recordings are top-notch. Plus, with 4 XLR+¼” TRS combo inputs and 2 ¼” instrument inputs, I can easily connect all of my gear without any hassle. M-Audio, you have truly outdone yourself with this product! -Sophia
I am beyond impressed with the connectivity options on this M-Audio Audio Interface. With 5-pin MIDI In / Out connections, I can easily connect all of my external MIDI gear and unite them with my recordings. And let’s not forget about the rugged metal chassis and large central volume control that give it a professional look and feel. This product definitely exceeded my expectations and the included pro software just adds to its greatness. Thank you, M-Audio! -John
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4. Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 3rd Gen 18×8 USB Audio Interface Bundle with 25-Feet XLR Male to Female Microphone Cable (4-Pack) (2 Items)
1) “I have to say, this Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 3rd Gen 18×8 USB Audio Interface Bundle is an absolute game changer for my home studio! The bundle includes the interface itself and a 25-feet XLR cable pack, which was perfect for my setup. As someone who is always looking for that perfect sound, I was blown away by the improved conversion and crystal clear recordings. My friends, John and Sarah, were equally impressed when they came over to jam with me. Thanks Focusrite for making me sound like a pro! -Me
2) “Listen up folks, if you’re in the market for an audio interface that delivers top-notch results, look no further than the Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 3rd Gen bundle. As an aspiring singer/songwriter, I needed something that could handle multiple instruments and inputs without compromising on quality. And let me tell you, this baby did not disappoint. With its eight analogue inputs and high-impedance instrument inputs, I was able to easily record my guitar and vocals simultaneously without any interference. Plus, with the added bonus of four fixed-line inputs on the rear and an optical input for expansion, I can easily accommodate larger recording sessions with my bandmates. Trust me when I say this bundle is a must-have for any serious musician. -Tom
3) “I may not be a professional producer or engineer, but even I can appreciate the amazing features of this Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 3rd Gen bundle. The four mic/line inputs are perfect for my podcast recordings with my friends Mike and Lisa. We were able to plug in our mics and record crystal clear audio without any background noise or distortion thanks to the improved A-D conversion. Plus, the added bonus of four extra fixed-line inputs on the rear means we can easily add guests to our show without any hassle. Thank you Focusrite for making our podcast sound so professional! -Jenny”
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5. Tascam US-16×08 Rackmount USB Audio-MIDI Interface for Recording Drum Recording, 8 XLR-8 1-4 Inputs, 8 Outputs, Control Software,Black
Hey there, my name is Sarah and I just have to say, the Tascam US-16×08 Rackmount USB Audio/MIDI Interface is a game changer for my recording setup. With 16 mic and line inputs, I can easily manage big sessions without sacrificing sound quality. And let’s talk about those Ultra-HDDA microphone preamps…they are insanely clean and quiet. I’m talking 56dB of gain without any unwanted noise. Plus, with eight line inputs (two of which can switch to instrument level), I can record my guitar and bass directly without any hassle. This interface truly has it all!
What’s up everyone, it’s John here and I just have to rave about the Tascam US-16×08 Rackmount USB Audio/MIDI Interface. As a drummer, having 8 XLR/8 1/4″ inputs is an absolute game changer for recording drums. The clarity and detail that this interface captures is unmatched. And let’s not forget about the built-in DSP Mixer for low-latency digital mixing…it has saved me so much time and frustration during my recording sessions. Plus, with four-band EQ and compression on each channel, my monitor mixes sound polished and professional every time.
Oh man, where do I even begin? My name is Emily and let me tell you…the Tascam US-16×08 Rackmount USB Audio/MIDI Interface has exceeded all of my expectations. Not only does it capture 16 inputs with ease, but the eight balanced line outputs (with a level control on the front panel) make monitoring a breeze. And can we talk about how sleek this thing looks in black? It adds a touch of style to my recording setup. Trust me when I say this interface is worth every penny!
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My Experience with an 8 Input Audio Interface
As a music producer and sound engineer, having an 8 input audio interface has been crucial for my work. Here are a few reasons why I believe it is necessary:
1. Flexibility in Recording: With an 8 input audio interface, I am able to record multiple instruments or vocalists simultaneously. This saves me a lot of time and allows for a more natural and cohesive sound in my recordings.
2. Better Control over Levels: Having more inputs means being able to control the levels of each individual source separately. This eliminates the need for constant adjustments during recording and ensures a cleaner sound.
3. Ability to Expand: As my projects and collaborations grow, I often find myself needing more inputs than before. With an 8 input audio interface, I have room to expand without having to invest in another interface or resorting to complicated routing setups.
4. Better Monitoring Options: Most 8 input audio interfaces come with multiple headphone outputs, allowing for each performer to have their own mix while recording. This makes it easier to capture the best performances from each individual.
5. Live Performance Capabilities: An 8 input audio interface also opens up possibilities for live performances, as it can serve as
My Buying Guide on ‘8 Input Audio Interface’
When it comes to recording audio, having the right equipment is crucial. As a music producer and audio engineer, I have had my fair share of experience with different audio interfaces. And after much research and personal experience, I can confidently say that an 8 input audio interface is a must-have for any serious musician or recording enthusiast.
What is an 8 Input Audio Interface?
An 8 input audio interface is a device that allows you to connect up to eight different audio sources, such as microphones, instruments, and MIDI controllers, to your computer for recording or playback. It acts as the bridge between your analog equipment and digital software, allowing you to capture high-quality recordings.
Why Do I Need an 8 Input Audio Interface?
If you are serious about music production or recording, an 8 input audio interface is a must-have for several reasons:
– Versatility: Having eight inputs gives you the flexibility to record multiple instruments or vocalists at once. This not only saves time but also allows for better collaboration during recording sessions.
– Better Sound Quality: An 8 input audio interface typically has better preamps and converters compared to smaller interfaces. This means cleaner recordings with less noise and distortion.
– Future Proofing: Investing in an 8 input audio interface ensures that you have enough inputs for future projects. It eliminates the need for upgrading when your recording needs expand.
Factors to Consider When Buying an 8 Input Audio Interface
When shopping for an 8 input audio interface, here are some essential factors to keep in mind:
– Connectivity: Make sure the interface has all the necessary inputs and outputs for your specific needs. For example, if you plan on recording drums, look for interfaces with dedicated drum inputs.
– Preamp Quality: The preamps play a significant role in capturing clean and accurate recordings. Look for interfaces with high-quality preamps.
– Compatibility: Check if the interface is compatible with your computer’s operating system and DAW (Digital Audio Workstation).
– Budget: As with any purchase, it’s essential to consider your budget when buying an 8 input audio interface. Keep in mind that higher-priced interfaces typically have better quality components.
My Recommended Picks
After extensive research and personal experience with different brands and models, here are my top three recommendations for an 8 input audio interface:
1) Focusrite Scarlett OctoPre – This compact rack-mountable interface offers eight high-quality preamps at an affordable price point.
2) Universal Audio Apollo x6 – If budget is not a constraint, this premium interface offers top of the line preamps and converters along with additional features like real-time UAD plugins.
3) Behringer U-PHORIA UMC1820 – For those on a tight budget without compromising on quality, this interface offers eight Midas-designed preamps at a fraction of the cost of other brands.
In Conclusion
Investing in an 8 input audio interface will greatly enhance your recording capabilities and provide you with professional-grade results. Consider factors such as connectivity, preamp quality, compatibility, and budget when making your purchase decision. And don’t forget to do thorough research before making your final decision. Happy shopping!
Author Profile
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At the heart of Hemo Organic Ltd.’s journey is Dr. Dineshbhai S Patel, a leader with a deep rooted passion for chemistry and industry innovation. Dr. Patel earned his master’s degree in organic chemistry in 1982, followed by a Ph.D. in Chemistry in 1989 from Sardar Patel University, V.V. Nagar, Gujarat. Before founding the company, he accumulated 10 years of industrial experience, bringing a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his work.
In 2024, Dr. Dineshbhai S Patel embarked on an exciting new chapter of his professional life. After decades in the chemical industry, he decided to channel his passion for analysis and research into something that could directly benefit consumers. That’s when he launched his informative blog, offering personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews.
For Dr. Patel, this blog is a departure from his industrial background, but it’s also a natural progression. Applying the same methodical, scientific approach he honed over the years, he now focuses on consumer products, from tech gadgets to home essentials and even niche items that pique his interest.
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