Best home studio interface mostly for analog synth inputs

asked Aug 2, 2020 in Computer Based Recording & Production by martinvonsiebenthal (240 points)

Hi all, I'm looking for a new audio interface / digital mixer for my home studio and I think Presonus has a lot to offer. Unfortunately, as usual, there is not THE one product that matches all my needs. So I was wondering which one you would recommend based on my ideas and needs:

Home studio, not professional
Mostly for recording analog synths (mono and lots of stereo)
In total up to 30 channels
I don't need a lot of mic-preamps (1 would be enough)
If possible direct access to level of each channel
I have 2 pre-amps that I would like to be able to run the signal through
In terms of space, it would be nice to keep it as sleek as possible
I don't need it really to mix stuff, only for recording
Has to run standalone (without computer)
Also has to serve as a multi-channel interface (on Mac, USB-C/Thunterbolt 3 if possible)

Does this make sense or is it a complete unrealistic unicorn-like wishlist that is never possible to achieve? Which product do you think would suit best?

Many thanks!

Martin

2 Answers

answered Aug 17, 2020 by AlexTinsley (925,350 points)

Best answer

Home studio, not professional
- No problem, our gear is meant for either
Mostly for recording analog synths (mono and lots of stereo)
- StudioLive Series III features 1/4" / XLR combo jacks which can be run in mono or stereo pair configurations.
In total up to 30 channels
- StudioLive Series III has models with 32 inputs and total network inputs up to 64
I don't need a lot of mic-preamps (1 would be enough)
- Since you require stand alone functionality a professional mixer is the only way to go which will have all Mic Pre's. Most mixers only have XLR, there are a lot synth nerds that work at PreSonus so the newest series of Series III all feature 1/4" / XLR combo jacks.
If possible direct access to level of each channel
- With StudioLive Series III - Yes
I have 2 pre-amps that I would like to be able to run the signal through
- No problem
In terms of space, it would be nice to keep it as sleek as possible
- Series III are relatively light and don't take up a lot of space
I don't need it really to mix stuff, only for recording
- StudioLive can be used as an audio interface with a control surface using DAW mode.
Has to run standalone (without computer)
- StudioLive Series III was designed to do this first and foremost.
Also has to serve as a multi-channel interface (on Mac, USB-C/Thunterbolt 3 if possible)
- Analog Input configurations up to 64 total inputs.

From the author, who also collects, builds and rebuilds analog synths, my synth studio has a 64S, a 16R and an NSB 16 all networked with every analog / digital synth all plugged in. Everything is recorded into Studio One via USB from the main console.

The StudioLive Series III meets ALL of your requirements.

answered Aug 2, 2020 by martinvonsiebenthal (240 points)

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