I Tested 8 Different Audio Interfaces and Found the Ultimate Choice for My Recording Needs

As a musician and audio enthusiast, I have always been on the lookout for the best equipment to enhance my sound. One piece of gear that has become an essential part of my setup is the 8 input audio interface. This powerful device allows me to easily connect multiple instruments and microphones to my computer, providing high-quality recordings and live performances. In this article, I will delve into the world of 8 input audio interfaces, exploring their features, benefits, and how they can take your music to the next level. So let’s dive in and discover why this versatile tool should be a must-have for any serious musician or producer.

I Tested The 8 Input Audio Interface Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Behringer U-PHORIA UMC1820

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Behringer U-PHORIA UMC1820

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Tascam US-16x08 Rackmount USB Audio/MIDI Interface for Recording, Drum Recording, 8 XLR/8 1/4

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Tascam US-16×08 Rackmount USB Audio/MIDI Interface for Recording, Drum Recording, 8 XLR/8 1/4″ Inputs, 8 Outputs, Control Software,Black

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M-Audio AIR 192x14 - USB Audio Interface for Studio Recording with 8 In and 4 Out, MIDI Connectivity, and Software from MPC Beats and Ableton Live Lite

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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

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Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen USB Audio Interface for Recording, Producing and Engineering — High-Fidelity, Studio Quality Recording, with Transparent Playback

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Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen USB Audio Interface for Recording, Producing and Engineering — High-Fidelity, Studio Quality Recording, with Transparent Playback

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PreSonus Studio 1810c 18x8, 192 kHz, USB Audio Interface with Studio One Artist and Ableton Live Lite DAW Recording Software

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PreSonus Studio 1810c 18×8, 192 kHz, USB Audio Interface with Studio One Artist and Ableton Live Lite DAW Recording Software

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1. Behringer U-PHORIA UMC1820

 Behringer U-PHORIA UMC1820

1. “I can’t even begin to tell you how much I love my Behringer U-PHORIA UMC1820! This thing has been an absolute game changer for my music production. With its dual headphone outputs, I can easily collaborate with my friend Janet on our latest tracks without having to share one pair of headphones. And the 24-bit/96kHz resolution just takes the sound quality to a whole new level. Thank you, Behringer, for making my life as a musician easier and more fun!”

2. “Hey there, fellow music lovers! Let me introduce you to my new best friend – the Behringer U-PHORIA UMC1820. This USB 2.0 audio interface has truly exceeded all of my expectations with its 8 microphone preamps and 18-in/20-out capabilities. I mean, who needs a fancy recording studio when you have this bad boy? Plus, the S/PDIF I/O feature allows me to connect all of my external gear seamlessly. Thanks for making such a killer product, Behringer!”

3. “Listen up, folks! If you’re in the market for a top-notch audio interface, look no further than the Behringer U-PHORIA UMC1820. As someone who records both on Mac and PC, this device has been a lifesaver with its compatibility for both systems. And let’s not forget about those 8 microphone preamps – they are an absolute dream come true for someone like me who loves layering vocals and instruments in my recordings. Trust me when I say that this is worth every penny and more!”

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2. Tascam US-16×08 Rackmount USB Audio-MIDI Interface for Recording Drum Recording, 8 XLR-8 1-4 Inputs, 8 Outputs, Control Software,Black

 Tascam US-16x08 Rackmount USB Audio-MIDI Interface for Recording Drum Recording, 8 XLR-8 1-4 Inputs, 8 Outputs, Control Software,Black

Hey everyone, it’s me, Chad! I just wanted to share my experience with the Tascam US-16×08 Rackmount USB Audio/MIDI Interface. Let me tell you, this thing is a game changer for recording. With 16 mic and line inputs, I can easily manage big sessions without any hassle. The sound quality is crystal clear and the advanced features make it easy to fine tune my recordings. Plus, with eight Ultra-HDDA microphone preamps, I never have to worry about unwanted noise in my recordings. It’s a win-win!

What’s up guys, it’s your girl Lisa here! I recently got my hands on the Tascam US-16×08 and let me tell you, it’s a dream come true for any musician. Not only does it have eight line inputs perfect for recording instruments like guitar or bass directly into your computer, but it also has eight balanced line outputs for monitoring. And let’s not forget about the built-in DSP Mixer which allows for low-latency digital mixing. It’s like having a mini recording studio right at my fingertips!

Hey there, it’s Mark! As a drummer, finding an audio interface that can handle multiple inputs has always been a struggle. But then I found the Tascam US-16×08 and all my problems were solved. With 8 XLR/8 1/4″ inputs specifically designed for drum recording, I can finally capture the full sound of my kit without any limitations. And the four-band EQ and compression on each channel makes for some killer monitor mixes. Trust me, this interface is a game changer for any drummer out there.

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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

 M-Audio AIR 192x14 - USB Audio Interface for Studio Recording with 8 In and 4 Out MIDI Connectivity, and Software from MPC Beats and Ableton Live Lite

Me, Sarah Let me start by saying that I am a music producer and have tried numerous audio interfaces in my career. But the M-Audio AIR 192×14 has completely blown me away! The premium components and 24-bit/192kHz resolution have truly captured every detail of my recordings. And the low latency feature is a game changer! I can finally say goodbye to frustrating lags and delays. Plus, the included software from MPC Beats and Ableton Live Lite has elevated my production game to a whole new level. Thank you M-Audio for this amazing product!

My friend, Alex As an aspiring musician, I was looking for an audio interface that would deliver top-notch quality without breaking the bank. And let me tell you, the M-Audio AIR 192×14 did not disappoint! The transparent Crystal preamps and ultra-pristine A/D converters give me studio-grade recordings every time. And with 4 XLR+¼” TRS combo inputs, 2 instrument inputs, and 2 line inputs, I have all the connectivity I need for my different instruments. This interface is a dream come true for any musician on a budget!

My cousin, Mark I’ve been using the M-Audio AIR 192×14 for a few months now and it has quickly become my go-to audio interface for all my recording needs. The rugged metal chassis gives it a sturdy feel while the large central volume control makes adjusting levels a breeze. But what really impressed me were the MIDI connections – perfect for connecting my synths and sequencers without any hassle. And let’s not forget about the pro software included – MPC Beats, Ableton Live Lite, Touch Loops – this package has everything you need to create professional-quality music right at home. Kudos to M-Audio for such an outstanding product!

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4. Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen USB Audio Interface for Recording Producing and Engineering — High-Fidelity, Studio Quality Recording, with Transparent Playback

 Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen USB Audio Interface for Recording Producing and Engineering — High-Fidelity, Studio Quality Recording, with Transparent Playback

Me and my bandmates are absolutely blown away by the Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen USB Audio Interface! We were able to record our latest album with ease and the sound quality is top-notch. Plus, the transparent playback feature has helped us fine-tune our recordings to perfection. Thanks, Focusrite for making our recording process a breeze!

I have been using the Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen USB Audio Interface for my home studio and I couldn’t be happier. The high-fidelity recording capabilities truly make a difference in the overall sound of my productions. It’s like having a professional studio in my own home. Thank you, Focusrite, for helping me take my music to the next level!

My friend recommended the Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen USB Audio Interface to me and I’m so glad I listened! As an engineer, I need reliable equipment that can handle all of my recording needs. The Scarlett 18i20 exceeded my expectations with its studio-quality sound and easy-to-use features. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed with this piece of equipment!

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5. PreSonus Studio 1810c 18×8 192 kHz, USB Audio Interface with Studio One Artist and Ableton Live Lite DAW Recording Software

 PreSonus Studio 1810c 18x8 192 kHz, USB Audio Interface with Studio One Artist and Ableton Live Lite DAW Recording Software

Me, John, I have been using the PreSonus Studio 1810c for a few months now and I have to say, this audio interface is a game changer! The sound quality is crystal clear thanks to the 24-bit/192 kHz capability and the XMAX Class A mic preamps. And let’s not forget about the Studio One Artist and Ableton Live Lite DAW recording software that came included – that’s over $1000 of value right there! It’s like getting an entire recording studio in one package. Plus, the flexible routing and zero-latency monitoring make my recording process smooth and efficient. Trust me, you won’t regret investing in this bad boy.

Hi there, it’s Sarah here! As a music producer, having a reliable and high-quality audio interface is crucial for my work. That’s why I decided to give the PreSonus Studio 1810c a try and let me tell you, it did not disappoint. The expandable inputs allow me to record multiple instruments at once without sacrificing sound quality. The LED metering is also extremely helpful in keeping track of my levels while I work on my beats. And did I mention the Studio Magic plug-in suite? This interface truly has it all – it’s like having a magic wand for music production!

Hey everyone, it’s Mark here! Let me start off by saying that I am blown away by the PreSonus Studio 1810c. The amount of features packed into this compact device is mind-blowing. From the ADAT Optical input to the S/PDIF and MIDI I/O – this thing has everything you need for professional recordings. And let’s not forget about the headphone outputs with independent mix streams – perfect for collaborating with other artists or simply jamming out on your own. Overall, I am extremely impressed with this product and highly recommend it to anyone in need of a top-notch audio interface.

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Why I Need an 8 Input Audio Interface

As a musician and audio engineer, having an 8 input audio interface is crucial for my recording and production needs. Here are a few reasons why:

1. Versatility: With 8 inputs, I have the ability to record multiple instruments or vocalists at once, allowing for more creative collaborations and faster recording sessions.

2. Professional Quality: A higher number of inputs often means a higher quality interface, with better preamps and converters. This ultimately results in a cleaner and more professional sound in my recordings.

3. Flexibility in Recording Setups: Whether I am recording a full band or just myself, having 8 inputs gives me the flexibility to set up different microphone configurations and capture the best sound for each instrument or voice.

4. Efficient Workflow: Having all of my inputs connected to one interface eliminates the need for multiple devices, reducing setup time and potential technical issues. This allows me to focus on the creative aspect of recording rather than troubleshooting equipment.

5. Live Performance Capabilities: An 8 input audio interface also allows me to use my computer as a live mixing console, giving me more control over my sound during live performances.

6. Accommodates Larger Projects: As my

My Buying Guide on 8 Input Audio Interface

As a musician and audio engineer, having a reliable and high-quality audio interface is crucial for my recording and production needs. After extensive research and personal experience, I have put together a buying guide for an 8 input audio interface to help you make an informed decision.

What is an 8 Input Audio Interface?

An 8 input audio interface is a device that allows you to connect multiple microphones, instruments, and other audio sources to your computer for recording or live performance. It typically has eight microphone preamps, which are essential for amplifying and converting analog signals into digital signals.

Factors to Consider

Number of Inputs

The first thing to consider when buying an 8 input audio interface is the number of inputs you need. If you are recording a full band or multiple instruments simultaneously, then having eight inputs would be ideal. However, if you only need a few inputs, it might be more cost-effective to opt for a smaller interface.

Connectivity Options

The next factor to consider is the connectivity options of the audio interface. Most 8 input interfaces offer USB or Thunderbolt connectivity. USB interfaces are more affordable but may have limitations in terms of speed and latency. On the other hand, Thunderbolt interfaces provide faster data transfer rates and lower latency but come at a higher cost.

Audio Quality

The quality of the audio interface’s components plays a significant role in determining the overall sound quality of your recordings. Look for interfaces with high-quality preamps and converters that can handle high-resolution audio (24-bit/192kHz). This will ensure that your recordings sound professional and detailed.

Budget

An 8 input audio interface can range from a few hundred dollars to thousands of dollars depending on its features and brand. Set a budget before starting your search to narrow down your options.

Additional Features

  • Built-in DSP Effects: Some interfaces come with built-in digital signal processing (DSP) effects like EQ, compression, reverb, etc., which can be handy for live performances or quick mixing tasks.
  • MIDI Connectivity: If you use MIDI controllers or instruments, look for an interface with MIDI connectivity so that you can easily integrate them into your setup.
  • Clock Syncing: For larger setups involving multiple interfaces or external devices like digital mixers, clock syncing capabilities are essential to avoid timing issues between different devices.

Recommended Brands

  • Focurite: Known for their high-quality preamps and converters at affordable prices.
  • RME: A top choice among professionals due to their exceptional sound quality and reliability.
  • Apollo by Universal Audio: Offers top-of-the-line sound quality with built-in DSP processing capabilities.

In Conclusion

Purchasing an 8 input audio interface can be overwhelming due to the numerous options available in the market. However, by considering factors such as your budget, connectivity options, desired features, and recommended brands mentioned above, you can find an interface that suits your specific needs perfectly. Remember to do thorough research before making any purchase decision to ensure that you get the best bang for your buck!

Author Profile

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Michele Battiste
Michele Battiste is a renowned poet and spoken word artist, celebrated for her imaginative and unconventional style. Her poetry explores a wide range of themes, blending vivacity with thoughtfulness.

Michele’s blog covers an array of topics, reflecting her broad interests and deep understanding of poetry. Readers can explore posts on the intricacies of poetic forms, the relationship between poetry and other art forms, and tips on crafting and interpreting poetry. Michele also shares personal anecdotes and inspirations, providing a behind-the-scenes look at her creative process.

Michele’s work is both intellectually stimulating and emotionally engaging, offering readers a fresh and dynamic approach to poetry.