USB interface selection... Help me decide

[colejustesen]

Hey guys, I want to hear your opinions on what recording device. I am looking at 3 units and would appreciate your input on them.

I am looking at these:

Roland Quad Capture
Native Instruments Komplete Audio 6
Focusrite Scarlett 6i6

What I like about all of these is that I can record at 24-bit/96kHz (with the Roland at 24-bit/192kHz). They all seem to have great preamps built in (as far as my reading has lead me), but from I what I have gathered the Roland VS pres are really awesome. Which one is better, I have no idea, I will let you guys inform me I can't see really any downsides to any of these units except, the Roland has its headphone out coupled to the monitor out... So it doesn't have a dedicated output for a headphone amp. I typically use my monitors, but I find this to be a nuisance and really don't know why the engineers thought this was a good idea. One feature that stands out from the Roland is the auto sense function. Seems like this could be very useful to get optimal results, that being said it isn't hard to watch the clip/peak indicator for proper levels. What I like about the Komplete Audio 6 and the Scarlett 6i6 is that I get more inputs and the function switching (i.e. +48V switching, Hi Z, etc.) are better placed for ease of switching.

I have listened to tons of reviews on YouTube, as well as demos and they all sound good to my ears. I especially like what I hear from the Quad Capture. The Quad Capture seems to have a type of warmth to it, whereas the Komplete Audio 6 and the Scarlett 6i6 seem to have a more articulate sound. The Quad Capture coloration is very pleasant to my ears, but the clearness of the other 2 units sound great too.

As far as powering goes, the Roland and the Komplete Audio 6 use power from the USB port, whereas the Scarlett uses a power supply. In my head, the power supply would be a better way to go, as it won't still resources from the computer to power it up. This could me minimal (as I have no idea just how much power is needed), but I like the idea of getting power from a power supply.

I will be using this to record myself at home, so I don't need too many inputs. Enough for a microphone or two (for vocals and cabinet mic'ing), plus some inputs for my DigiTech GSP1101 to record direct. I plan on using the Hi Z function on each to record my bass direct too. I like that these all have MIDI ports, so that I can run a keyboard through them for synth/keys/drums mapping in my DAW (Reaper and Tracktion 4).

I am not really concerned about the included software, but the Native Instruments package seems like a lot of options. I should also mention that I will be using these with Windows 7 64-bit, so I would like to get one that has a stable driver. From what I have read the Roland drivers are top notch!

What do you all think? Right now I am leaning more towards the Native instruments Komplete Audio 6, then the Scarlett 6i6, then the Quad Capture.

Thanks!!!

Cole

[RustyMetal]

From the Komplete reviews I read, you might want to make sure that's the right choice for you. Here's a couple of reviews that stood out:

"When it is good it is very very good and when it is bad it is horrid. Audio clicks and pops, which are most likely driver issues are yet to be addressed by Native Instruments. I have heaps of NI gear and software and love it all but I just can't recommend this product to anyone. Before you buy this go over to the Native Instruments forum to educate yourself before you put your hard earned money down. ..."

"Do your homework and you'll find some negatives across the web about this unit. Just a few are:
Problems with the registration process
Popping and crackling
Buyers unhappy with the included software for various reasons
No volume control on 3/4
Not enough phantom power to power two mic's
Audio can stutter
Headphone volume is low
Driver issues
Only USB powered instead of a separate power supply to insure enough power ..."

Seems like the majority of users were DJ's, but I'm not sure.
http://www.amazon.com/Native-Instrument ... Descending



The Scarlett is a solid choice, but I lean more towards the Roland.

[colejustesen]

Thanks for the reply! What makes you lean towards the Roland if you don't mind me asking?

Cole

[RustyMetal]

One of the things that jumps out at me is the Scarlett only does a 96khz sample rate max, where the Roland does 192khz frequency, although only 2x2 at that high of definition, but still much better.

Pull up the specs (about mid page) on each and compare the features you care the most about:

http://www.amazon.com/Roland-QuadCaptur ... oland+quad

http://www.amazon.com/Focusrite-Scarlet ... s=scarlett

Your opinion, needs, or priorities are the ones that matter. The Scarlett may have something you want or need that the Roland doesn't.

[Markdude]

E-MU 0404 USB! It can do all of those things (well there's no auto sense, but you can enable the built in soft limiter) and it has great preamps for the price. The 64 bit driver is beta but I've never had a single issue with it.

[colejustesen]

E-MU 0404 USB! It can do all of those things (well there's no auto sense, but you can enable the built in soft limiter) and it has great preamps for the price. The 64 bit driver is beta but I've never had a single issue with it.

Is that what you have been using to do those awesome direct recordings of your amp? I will definitely look into this one too! Thanks Mark, I forgot about Creative/E-Mu products.

Cole

[Loins of Fire]

Not sure why you would want to record at 96khz or make a decision based around that. Recording at that high of a sample rate is going to do nothing but eat up recourses and processing power with no audible difference compared to 44.1 or 44. I know Andy Sneap (one of the biggest recording engineers in the business) records at 24/44.1.

That said, Ive heard good things about the Scarlett.

[TurboPablo]

I use a Emu also. It's been good to me.

[colejustesen]

Thanks guys. Recording at the higher rate isn't a necessity, it is a bonus. I really need more inputs than what I have now and want to get a better overall interface.

I will keep the 0404 in the mix.

Cole

[nakedzen]

I agree that there's simply no point in recording higher than 24bit 44kHz. Sometimes I've gone 48kHz but that was because the hardware at that time only had the option for 48.

I'll throw the Steinberg UR28M into the mix as well, it has the same i/o as the Roland but two line inputs on top of that.

[colejustesen]

I agree that there's simply no point in recording higher than 24bit 44kHz. Sometimes I've gone 48kHz but that was because the hardware at that time only had the option for 48.

I'll throw the Steinberg UR28M into the mix as well, it has the same i/o as the Roland but two line inputs on top of that.

l originally had that in the mix but I read that that these have a high failure rate at about one year. Have you used the UR28M, as I would love to hear some opinions on it.

Thanks!

Cole

[Markdude]

Yep, I've been using the EMU for a long time now. They're great for direct recording. This is my second one (sold the first when I was in bad financial shape and knew I'd want to get another one). And a lot of people swear by their A/D converters. I've also seen that they have quite a following on head-fi.org as a quality headphone amp.

How many inputs do you need? The EMU only has 2 analog inputs (mic/line/hi-Z combo), unfortunately. As well as 2 S/PDIF inputs (one optical, one coaxial) and a MIDI input. But if you're on a budget and don't need more than 2 inputs, I swear by these things.

They're discontinued and I don't think Creative does much support for them any more (hence the 64-bit drivers being in beta, but once again, they've worked great for me on 3 different systems), but there are still some stores selling new old stock ones. Amazon has one selling it right now.

[colejustesen]

Yep, I've been using the EMU for a long time now. They're great for direct recording. This is my second one (sold the first when I was in bad financial shape and knew I'd want to get another one). And a lot of people swear by their A/D converters. I've also seen that they have quite a following on head-fi.org as a quality headphone amp.

How many inputs do you need? The EMU only has 2 analog inputs (mic/line/hi-Z combo), unfortunately. As well as 2 S/PDIF inputs (one optical, one coaxial) and a MIDI input. But if you're on a budget and don't need more than 2 inputs, I swear by these things.

They're discontinued and I don't think Creative does much support for them any more (hence the 64-bit drivers being in beta, but once again, they've worked great for me on 3 different systems), but there are still some stores selling new old stock ones. Amazon has one selling it right now.

I was getting excited about the E-mu and then you mentioned the number of inputs. I also started looking into the UR28M, but it doesn't have MIDI ports. As I was checking that unit out, I came across Steinberg's newest concept in the UR line, the UR44 and it seems like it would be ideal. I was planning on spending no more than $250, but for an extra $50, I get 4 mic pres, plus 2 additional TRS inputs on the rear panel and no issues with having a headphone output being tied to the main output for monitors.

So right now I think I am going to wait until the UR44 is released, and then revisit the competition at that point. Thanks for all the input guys!

Cole

[ovid9]

I said the Focusrite 6I6 as I have a Focusrite Sapphire 6 and its great. Now, I don't use it all that much, but it works great so I'm only assuming their newer stuff is even better.

[colejustesen]

I said the Focusrite 6I6 as I have a Focusrite Sapphire 6 and its great. Now, I don't use it all that much, but it works great so I'm only assuming their newer stuff is even better.

I currently own a Saffire 6 USB, and while I like and have had no issues, I am curious about the other players out there. Also, I am not going to lie, I am a huge Yamaha fan and they make the UR line for Steinberg. The pres on the UR line are what are used in higher grade Yamaha preamps.

Right now though, it really is looking more like the Steinberg and the Focusrite are neck and neck. Thanks for the input!

Cole

[ovid9]

Ahh, cool.

I'm interested to see what comes out of the Yamaha/Line 6 marriage. Could be really good for both parties.

[ajaxlepinski]

Komplete 6 comes with a great software package.
If you plan on using a keyboard controller, the software is pretty cool: Vienna Symphony, Kontact Band, Kontact World and a few other synth programs.
They give you Guitar Rig which is a pretty cool amp and cabinet simulator and it comes with Cubase.
IMHO: If the someone had problems with clicking or latency, they most likely didn't check the specs for comparability before they purchased.

I bought Komplete 9 Ultimate software but, I'm using M-box Pro 3 for the converter so, I can only tell you that the software is killer.

Focusrite is getting a lot of good reviews so, if the Komplete software doesn't interest you, you can't go wrong with Focusrite

[colejustesen]

Ahh, cool.

I'm interested to see what comes out of the Yamaha/Line 6 marriage. Could be really good for both parties.

Me too! Instead of POD HD, we will have a POD THR Pro

Cole

[ovid9]

Ahh, cool.

I'm interested to see what comes out of the Yamaha/Line 6 marriage. Could be really good for both parties.

Me too! Instead of POD HD, we will have a POD THR Pro

Cole

The toanz. TEH TOANZ!!!!!

[guidedbyechoes]

I just bought the focusrite this year. I don't use the included software besides the mixer because it allows you to configure the inputs. IT also comes with some vst demos that are decent but there are plenty more out there just as good or better for free. I had a couple issues setting it up but most of them were simple setting that I just needed to adjust in order to get what I wanted out of it. I'm not experiencing any noticeable latency with it and the device its self is well built but the knobs could be more rigid. There is some play with them. Plastic shafts you know. I think the best part is dual head phone outs. The scarlett includes phantom power also. The power supply comes with an adapter to suit 3 different regions of power. US,UK and another I'm not familiar with.

[JerEvil]

I have the Focusrite Saffire Pro 24 and really like it.

[colejustesen]

Thanks guys! I decided on the Focusrite, but I decided to step up to the 18i8, it should be here tomorrow! Thanks for all your input!!!

Cole