Question

I’m trying to record drums on 8 tracks.  My previous knowledge of the USB Audiobox is that, even if I have 8 XLR inputs, once it hits the PC I’ll only have two separate tracks (essentially a right and left).  I really need for each of these 8 tracks to remain separated after they enter StudioOne.  Do newer USB-C models give me this feature?  I know FireWire and a thunderbolt do but that’s out of my price range.

Answer 1

You are right. The AudioBox only can record 2 tracks, cause this Audio Interface/Soundcard only can handle 2 inputs.

You need an Audio Interface/Soundcard, which can record or already has 8 or more channels.

Option 1

You could buy an Audio Interface (https://www.presonus.com/products/Quantum-4848) and 8 Pre Amps (https://www.presonus.com/products/DigiMax-D8 or https://www.presonus.com/products/DigiMax-DP88). This would be a professional option.

Option 2

You buy an Audio Interface, which already has 8 Pre Amps (https://www.presonus.com/produkte/de/Studio-1824 or https://www.presonus.com/produkte/de/Studio-192 or https://www.presonus.com/produkte/de/Studio-192-Mobile). Or a cheaper solution would be B ehringer UMC1820.

This would be much cheaper, and also really good sounding option.

Have in mind, that an Audio Interface is not a Pre Amp

I hope this helps you. If you have any questions, feel free to ask

Answer 2

I completely agree with the previous answer and verify it technically and I can speak from experience to the Umc 1820, i OWN ONE and it does a fabulous job of 8 separate tracks at 24/96 and is by far the greatest value at its price point if all things are equal at 24/96 and your levels are reasonable. MIC quality for what you are doing is key, the 1820 is also expandable with one of the 8 pre's mentioned using Adat lightpipe connection. set up the interface with 8 mono ins and 4 stereo ins and you'll have all possible input configurations possible in tracking like combining your two overheads onto a stereo chanell  along side of those same 2 overheads in each in mono....