Reddit mentions of BEHRINGER Audio Interface (UMC404HD)

This build will be adequate for music production, although just barely. Like others have said, an outboard audio interface that connects by USB is one of the most important components for an audio production PC (definitely cut that asus xonar sound card). this focusrite Scarlett series is an immensely popular choice https://www.amazon.com/Focusrite-Scarlett-Audio-Interface-Tools/dp/B01E6T56CM/ref=sr_1_2?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1491756709&sr=1-2&keywords=audio+interface I would also recommend the behringer umc hd series as being much better value at the $99 price point (this is what I just replaced my ancient audio interface with) https://www.amazon.com/Behringer-UMC404HD-BEHRINGER-U-PHORIA/dp/B00QHURLHM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1491757010&sr=8-1&keywords=umc404hd The audio interface will allow you to 100% bypass the motherboards audio chipset and will provide far higher quality and much more routing options than any onboard audio chipset can claim.

I wouldn't cut anything from this parts list. If you running even a few different VST's in ableton you may come to find the mechanical drive insufficient to allow you to smooth play back of instruments. An 250-500gb SSD would be a likely future upgrade for this build that would tangibly improve performance.

Also, if an audio interface is outside your budget, I would simply wait on buying one. Depending on what your doing in Ableton you might not find it essential right off the bat. Its not like its gonna affect your warping or timestretching ;)

A full setup that will record four local mics, max, or two local mics and a Skype caller. A choice of mics.

Behringer UMC404HD interface for $100 (needs a USB cable I think)

https://www.amazon.com/Behringer-UMC404HD-BEHRINGER-U-PHORIA/dp/B00QHURLHM/

Behringer HA400 headphone amp for $25

https://www.amazon.com/Behringer-HA400-BEHRINGER-MICROAMP/dp/B000KIPT30/

Needs two TRS 1/4" stereo cables, one for the headphone amp and one for Skype. $10

https://www.amazon.com/Hosa-CSS-105-Balanced-Interconnect-Cable/dp/B000068NYF/

Behringer XM1800S three pack of good enough mics for $40

https://www.amazon.com/Behringer-XM1800S-BEHRINGER-ULTRAVOICE/dp/B000NJ2TIE/

or a slightly better Behringer XM8500 at $20 each

https://www.amazon.com/Behringer-Ultravoice-Dynamic-Microphone-Cardioid/dp/B0002KZAKS/

or a very nice Blue enCORE 100 at $60

https://www.amazon.com/Blue-Microphones-enCORE-100-Studio-Grade/dp/B002SQJL9U/

A couple 9-foot XLR cables for $12 or vary as you see fit

https://www.amazon.com/2-Pack-Cable-Male-Female-Microphone/dp/B074KYQ66J/

On-Stage, desk stand for $13 (lots of options)

https://www.amazon.com/Stage-DS7200-Adjustable-Microphone-Stand/dp/B0002M3OVI/

You need some RCA to 1/4" TS cables. Technically two though there are reasons up to four and this six pack is cheap at $8. Wish they were shorter.

https://www.amazon.com/GLS-Audio-Patch-Cable-Cords/dp/B0010XVYGA/

or you can get by with one of these.

https://www.amazon.com/Hosa-CPR-201-Stereo-Interconnect-Cable/dp/B000068O16/

and my personal favorite, the UCA202 for $30

https://www.amazon.com/BEHRINGER-U-Control-Low-Latency-Interface-Digital/dp/B000KW2YEI/

This gives you full Skype access to the other rig for Two local mics.

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The new Behringer interfaces are solid as a rock. Highly recommended. [link](BEHRINGER U-PHORIA UMC404HD https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00QHURLHM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_UahPzbFF7V6TQ)

I recently got a umc 404hd from behringer and it is sick. It runs great on mac and pc and you can take stereo inputs from it in fl studio, ableton, basically any daw. I highly recommend it, and it also has midi in and out as well as xlr out for 1/2, and trs and rca out for 1/2 and 3/4. I managed to snag mine for about $99 and it was a hell of a steal. I have my analog synth in as well as 2 mics and a guitar as my inputs. I highly suggest you look into it if you want to control and capture all the sound coming into your pc. Also, there is the added benefit of having your headphones able to listen to an alternate track that is not your master track. This helps for live performance.

Link BEHRINGER U-PHORIA UMC404HD https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00QHURLHM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_FZDmybKJS4DWX

It is currently 105$, with prime shipping available. I seriously suggest you get this interface rather than that steinberg one.

I did some testing with multiple USB microphones and was able to setup a virtual audio device in Mac OS and Windows. They were different microphones, but I would assume if they were the same make/model it would have worked as well. The quality was okay, but you've got a lot of room for interference and bandwidth issues on the USB bus doing it this way. What I did and what I recommend you do is move to XLR microphones and a USB audio interface. I have the Scarlett 2i2 but for more than 2 XLR inputs you'd need to upgrade to a 4 or 8 port version. This Behringer 4-port interface is only about $129. Then you'd just need 3 XLR microphones, I have the MXL 770 which goes on sale pretty regularly for about $65. The Audio-Technica AT2020 is also a great choice under $100. The ATR2100 is also a surprisingly good podcasting mic and has both XLR and USB output.

Here’s my personal recommendations:

For an interface, this is the best bang for the buck on the market right now (again, in my opinion), especially if you’re just starting out :
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00QHURLHM/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1520813639&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=umc404hd&dpPl=1&dpID=41q-puettzL&ref=plSrch

For a mic(s), it really depends on how extensive (and what) you’re going to be recording, and specifically if you plan on recording real drums or not. I’d recommend just getting one or two mics to start with, and getting more slowly over time, because if you use sampled drums in the beginning (which is a reality for many small home studio owners), you can do quite a lot of work with 2 mics. I’d recommend the following:

Any large diaphragm condenser in this price range will get the job done, but here’s what I use:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00D6RMFG6/ref=mp_s_a_1_14?ie=UTF8&qid=1520814113&sr=8-14&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=condenser+microphone

An SM57 is a standard in many studios, and is also versatile and good to have around:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0000AQRST/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1520814292&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=sm57&dpPl=1&dpID=31KR2%2BJ86GL&ref=plSrch

Now, for a monitoring situation (a.k.a. How you’re gonna actually listen to what you’re recording and mixing), it’s not the smartest idea to invest in monitors (which will eat up a substantial amount of your budget) without investing in treatment for the acoustics of your room. You could easily spend $500 on these two things alone, so I’d recommend just getting a pair of decent headphones for starting out. I know mixing on headphones is a whole can of worms on its own, but while you’re learning, it’s really not gonna make a difference, as long as you have something better than apple Earbuds (not that they aren’t useful). Just get something where you can really understand the sound of it, and reference on a lot of different systems, especially your car. (Disclaimer, I wouldn’t recommend spending more than $100 on headphones, and try to look for something with a relatively flat response, instead of something with cranked bass and hi end, so you can hear as accurately as possible)

As far as DAWs go, I know how appealing it is to buy the same program that people at the top of the industry might be using, but the truth is that most DAWs nowadays can essentially do the same thing. If you only take one of my recommendations, let it be REAPER. You can use a fully functionally demo for as long as you want, and chances, it’ll do everything you need, especially while you’re starting out. Hell, I know professionals that swear by it, and for good reason; it’s insanely flexible and useful, and for the price point (basically free, but if you end up sticking with it, you really should buy a license, it’s only like $60), you just can’t go wrong.
http://reaper.fm

Edit: Unless you’re gonna be mixing 50 track songs right out of the gate, your MacBook will probably be just fine for the time being

Hope all of this helps, good luck!

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00QHURLHM/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

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Idk if you have the headphone amp, but you may want that too: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000KIPT30/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Ohhh, I see.

You need a USB audio interface, get rid of the Behringer.

https://www.amazon.com/BEHRINGER-Audio-Interface-4-Channel-UMC404HD/dp/B00QHURLHM/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=4+channel+audio+interface&qid=1554232697&s=gateway&sr=8-3

Something like that. Run your microphone and audio out from your gaming rig into the interface, into the streaming PC, and then you will have separate channels to play with in Reaper and then push that to OBS. Connect your speakers/headphones to the streaming PC.

I second the Behringer UMC404HD and an SM57! Add some software for recording, I use Studio One, and you are definitely still within the limit.

If you want to get more complex in the dorm: I live in an apartment and have to worry about how loud I'm being at night especially. Learning about the amp sims and VST plugins you can get will really help. Mercuriall makes some KILLER sounding amp plugins that I use.

Here's a sample of the Mercuriall Tube Amp U530. This guitar is just plugged directly into the Behringer UMC404HD. I was pretty pleased with how much like my amp it sounded.

Hope that helps!

The Behringer U-Phoria is probably the best value for a mixer I've seen. I also second the Focusrite, but they are a little more than the Behringer.

Best bang for the buck my guy
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00QHURLHM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_Dr7OzbA9S460B

Yeah, I really love the Behringer UMC404HD. Not a lot of options to play with it, but I did buy one and return it to amazon no problem.

> I believe the Blue Yeti is a USB mic, meaning you're not going to be able to use multiples of it anyway without having to jump through a lot of hoops to make it work.

On a Mac, it's pretty easy (search for "aggregate device"). On Windows, you can use something like VoiceMeeter Banana.

But to /u/wittiestphrase's point, USB mics are really for one-person setups. For multiple participants, a better budget setup would be a "starter" audio interface and starter XLR mics.

Assuming you mean 4 mics with 4 separate channels. We do it for our podcast.

We use this interface: https://www.amazon.com/BEHRINGER-Audio-Interface-4-Channel-UMC404HD/dp/B00QHURLHM

It's a little tricky because there are you have to use an older version of the Behringer software (3.29.0) and the following drop down settings in Audacity: Windows WASAPI, Behringer LINE in, and then you will have the option to have 4 inputs in the last drop down.

If you go this route and have questions, let me know and I'll be happy to help.

So we use the Behringer U-Phoria UMC404HD Audio Interface for our show that has 4 hosts, and I love it (I'm also the guy who edits the show and sets up our recording setup). It provides the power to all 4 mics, but it needs power. Also, we were about to buy a mixer and quickly learned that is not what we wanted. If you are wanting all your mics to have a separate audio track in your program than what you want is a USB audio interface, which is what the UNC404 is. I would highly recommend it.

https://www.amazon.com/Behringer-UMC404HD-BEHRINGER-U-PHORIA/dp/B00QHURLHM

If you want multiple tracks to edit in your software I would probably get something like this instead https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00QHURLHM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_9KznzbCHMHMGM . If you still want to use your mixer your going to run into issues trying to record separate tracks at the same time because I'm assuming the mixer only has 1 output. If you don't mind only having 1 track to edit I would say keep the mixer and get a cheaper interface to make that 1 output USB :)

Hi, I'm the co-editor for podcast production and I think I may be able to help with your questions.

Mics: Depending on your current recording space you have 2 options, Condenser or Dynamic Microphones. Condenser mics are very good at picking up detailed sound but they are most of the time to sensitive to be used without some sort of sound proofing or acoustic treatment to the room as they are really good at picking up even the quietest of sounds. but if you have a treated room or a acoustic shield then that might be an option to look into. Dynamic mics however are really good at capturing loud sounds and because of that, they are mostly used for singing and instruments. however they are also often used for narration because you don't have to go all out with the sound proofing as they are less sensitive. now since my talents are in post production, I don't need an expensive microphone to get a good sounding recording, so I just use a $20 Dynamic microphone from amazon, they're great in fact I bought 4 of them for a podcast I was doing, I can give samples if you would like. As for price, Condenser are on average going to cost more because of everything that goes into it. Dynamic mics are older tech, so they aren't as expensive. my friend who does the vocal recordings has the Rode NT1a, a rather expensive condenser microphone $229, and I record using the Behringer Xm8500 Dynamic mic $20 on amazon. so it's really up to your budget and editing know how.

Rode NT1a

Xm8500

You will also need a audio interface if you're going to be using XLR mics, which I highly recommend you do. Here's the one I use, although you may not need that many channels

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Software: I use Adobe Audition around $20 a month subscription. However I have in the past used Audacity and if you know how to use it, you can get some really good results. If you are looking to get into industry standard software I would recommend Pro Tools also I think $20 a month.

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Yes, people who don't use a studio generally record to their preferred Audio editor and mix/edit then upload to a hosting website for their podcast, the production I work for uses Blogtalk which I think has a free option. However there are many options for hosting websites (E.g. Acast, Podbean, Libsyn, Ect.) I recommend reading this website for hosting options.

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People typically find voice actors through Casting Calls which they themselves set up or by going through a casting call website, and yes voice actors are typically paid although some may offer volunteer if they're just getting out there or for charity. For the sake of professionalism always assume you are paying for their services, that way if they decline payment then that's their choice as an actor.

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If your podcast gains enough listeners then yes, you can definaty make money through podcasting, but you should never go only for making money. because one, it takes a while ti gain listeners and two it's just no fun if your only in it for the money.

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I remember being exactly where you are now asking these questions, so If you need any help don't hesitate to ask. I hope this helps :)

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TL,DR

Mics: I use a $20 Dynamic mic which gives me great recordings, although there are more expensive and higher quality options out there.

Software: I use Adobe Audition to edit everything but there are a myriad of other audio editing options out there including the free software Audacity.

Yes it can be as simple as Record/Edit/Post depending on what your doing and the type of podcast your going for.

You find actors through casting calls, and typically you always pay actors for their services. Always expect to pay.

Yes you can make money through podcasting depending on your listenership and Ads and things like that.

I don't have a good answer to your first question, but to answer the second; The mics are a good choice, but the kit doesn't come with a way to hook all of them up into a single computer. You could attach them through USB to seperate computers, then import all the recordings onto the computer you edit on, but that's a lot more of a hassle than it needs to be.

If the company is paying for everything, I'd recommend something like the Rodecaster Pro interface. It has four XLR inputs, plus a phone input for people calling in (or to use for other sound effects), and lets all the audio run into a single computer. You would still need a headphone preamp and the headphones (although you really only need a nicer set for one person, whoever is mixing/editing), and the mics of course, but it would be a convenient solution if the company will be paying for it. Otherwise, I'd say go with what you've got, and find a good four-input interface (something like the Behringer UMC404HD), but I don't know of a great way to have phone calls recorded using an interface.

As for your final question, I'd recommend setting up a discord server (it's really simple) over phone-ins. You can get a bot for it (I use Craig) that records everyone individually, and lets you have a .WAV of the tracks.

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It's hard to give a definitive "what's going to work best" without knowing the budget you have to work with, but hopefully that helps! Also, feel free to ask any other questions and I'll do my best to answer, or at least point you in the right direction to someone/somewhere that can.

That depends on your set up. Most basic home studios have some kind of audio interface that your monitors and headphones will all be plugged in to.

Something like this: https://www.amazon.com/Behringer-UMC404HD-BEHRINGER-U-PHORIA/dp/B00QHURLHM/ref=sr_1_5?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1499395618&sr=1-5&keywords=audio+interface

Get a 4+ port USB interface. Here's a great one for $99. UMC404HD

iPad + UMC404HD + Korg nanokontrol2 + AUM and you'll be all set. Replace the UMC404HD & nanokontrol with any class compliant usb audio interface of your choice and the nanokontrol with any midicontroler of your choice. These are just inexpensive options.

Or just buy a full fledged mixer. There are too many options to list.

I'm just getting into the game and am looking to pick up a good inexpensive audio interface, how does this look? I know most people here recommend the focus rite ones, but this one has pretty good reviews and is less than half the price.

I’ve tested this with a powered usb hub, and it works with CCK. You could have your synths going into this and then you’d hear everything (including iPad) out to your amp or recorder, and it has midi in/out for the monologue and mininova. You could also use it as the interface in an iOS daw for when you’re ready to record.

BEHRINGER U-PHORIA UMC404HD https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00QHURLHM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_ikThAb96GJNVE

Our set up with the audio interface and XLR mics has been so much easier to work with. We use the Tascam MiniStudio. It's a good little machine that works well for just the two of us. Also lets you plug your phone/tablet in to record music, but not as a separate track. Ultimately, will probably upgrade to something like this, this, or this. That Monoprice mixer however may not be great for recording more than 2 people on separate tracks. But the Behringer and other Monoprice audio interface look good.

We use the Samson Q2U microphones. I really like them, and think they have great sound quality. If you want to hear the difference between our USB episodes and our XLR mics, check our podcast out: https://fanlink.to/bzYq. Episodes 1 and 2 were recorded with a Blue Snowball and Yeti Nano, and the rest of our episodes are with the Samson Q2Us.

I have a similar setup, though it's all digital.

Here's what I do, and then I'll suggest a setup for you.

My equipment:
vocal mic - at2035

audio interface - umc404hd

midi pedalboard - fcb1010

midi controller - maudio code61

I have both my vocal mic at2035 and guitar plugged into my UMC404HD.

The UMC404 allows you to record 4 input channels (2 stereo) into the computer via USB, it also has midi inputs if you want a midi controller that isn't USB.

That allows me to monitor the input directly and to monitor after passing both through ableton live. The direct input monitoring (using the mix knob on the umc) doesn't have any effects applied to it since it's only the mic and guitar that are straight into the recorder.

The UMC also has 4 output channels, which allows you to send some outputs to the monitors, and some to the headphones, I use this for "cue" tracks and the metronome, which gives me a click track in my headphones, but not over the output I would use for playing live.

I then have a code 61 that I use for pad drums, midi control and keyboard input.

I want an FCB1010 to do the looping and etc inside of ableton itself, so it's a single contained unit and everything goes through my laptop, but currently I just program my sustain pedal on the keyboard to trigger looping.


What I would do for you is...

If you're using an amp / pedals for your guitar, get something like a shure sm57, plug that into the UMC, and point it real close to your amp so that you're capping it without any room noise.

If you're looping guitar, you can have the looper pedal connected in line before your amp.

If you're only wanting to loop vocals, you can inline the looper pedal to the mic before input to the computer/umc.

You can loop both with a single pedal, but at that point, your output probably should go into the computer only, skipping the guitar amp. You can direct monitor that, and have it inputting to the PC. You can have midi / etc backing on the PC playing back at the same time into your headphones/monitors.

I personally use amp modeling VST on the PC and just playback my guitar through my monitors anyways.

A much cheaper (but still good) alternative to the code61 is the akai mpk mini 25.


If you want to skip a loop pedal and only loop in software, this is specific to ableton, there are a few ways to do that.

I've seen 2 main methods.

1. Map a pedal switch to the "session record" button in ableton. It's the empty circle to the right of the transport controls at the top. When you hit this, it triggers midi / audio recording for every armed track in the session view. I know this will overdub midi notes, but I think it will simply overwrite audio.
   
   
   
2. Map a pedal to arm/load/play the looper VST on a track. If you want to loop more than 1 track, you can set the track output to be send only, set the looper on a send, and direct the audio output from those tracks to the send with the looper on it. This will allow you to trigger the looping for any track thats getting sent to that single send/fx channel.
   
   Here is a video explaining one of the ways to do looping. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cFQzc8bYE2g
   
   If anyone else knows better ways to do looping in ableton, I'd love to hear about it.
   Hope this helps.

This mic, the Audio-Technica-AT2020 99$. This Interface, umc404hd. 99$. Reaper. Free or 60$. Some headphones/monitors.

not too crazy about the whole rap thing, but it's a hobby i put about 30 hours a week into.

What do you mean by that?

I do not think so. Do not know that piece but if you are considering USB, I believe that is only USB out.

I prefer a recorder rather than a laptop or computer, but if you can record directly to the computer an interface via USB is probably the way to go without breaking the bank.

The UMC404HD is a decent one for $99.

Huh. Well, butter my grits -- that one is indeed made only for mic and instrument level sources. Presonus actually suggests that line level sources could damage it:

https://support.presonus.com/hc/en-us/articles/210044713-Can-I-connect-a-line-level-source-to-my-AudioBox-USB-or-22VSL-

I'm also a 0-coast user, and I'm using this Behringer, which is relatively cheap and works fine (there's also a smaller two-input version):

https://www.amazon.com/Behringer-UMC404HD-BEHRINGER-U-PHORIA/dp/B00QHURLHM

Thanks for the responses, it's been hard to find answers since I'm really new to this.

I mainly want the set up for practicing singing and piano at the same time and getting quick feedback through direct monitoring or recording in a DAW. The less fuss I have to do with the equipment the more experimentation with my practice I can have.

I found this Behringer UMC404HD interface for only $100. It might not have the same quality preamps as Focusrite, but maybe that's ok for now?

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00QHURLHM/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1506446272&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=audio+interface+behringer&dpPl=1&dpID=41q-puettzL&ref=plSrch

Condenser mics are good for picking up a lot of people, but they also create a lot of background noise too. I used a condenser for 2 years, we JUST made the switch. Now i use 4 dynamic mics, via an xlr to USB interface. We record in adobe audition. Even if you dont record in it, i recommend learning it and running your audio through it for post editing. ill link all my useful stuff and equipment. These will all be amazon links.

The Mics

Good Mic Stands for cheap

interface

if you go through the trouble of learning audition this is helpful. This is the algorithm the Game Grumps use, i cannot state enough what an amazingly drastic quality difference this makes. it raises the lows, lowers the highs, evens it all out.

Dynamic Audio Processing Chart

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I should mention that to record multiple mic inputs, you need either an additional sound card, or the ASIO4ALL driver (which hogs your soundcard making it so you cant hear your game, booo.) The alternate solution i went for is recording the audio on another PC.

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If you're recording with lots of people, to avoid audio spillover (one person being picked up on another's mic) you want to record with each track at the near lowest possible Gain/Volume/Db, and raise it all later. this will make the mics only pick up the voice right in front of them. I usually also angle all the mics in a way that they face only their speaker, but not others. I can elaborate on this further if you like. Then i run it all thru the Dynamic Processing. I think that about covers the gist of it, sorry for how detailed it was lol. If anyone is curious, i can give good tips on creating thumbnails, info about how i make my art and music, how i edit my videos and general technique too, when i have time

We use this audio interface. Works with audacity to give 4 separate tracks, very affordable and rated well but it doesn't have any controls beyond mic gain if you need that.

I have the UMC404HD

I need 4 ins though, depemds on your need

okay brother so far this the set up i got in my cart is there anything im missing?

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06XNZF99T/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=A1BS2LGJ63FMIS&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00X7YJUGG/ref=ox_sc_act_title_2?smid=AB3RH2VK84JRX&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B019OO4IY6/ref=ox_sc_act_title_3?smid=A3T95V05QKJ0CN&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000NJ2TIE/ref=ox_sc_act_title_5?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00QHURLHM/ref=ox_sc_act_title_7?smid=AV80KMVI6ZWQL&psc=1

10 speakers in what configuration? 7.2.1 atmos or something?

For the microphones you'll need an audio interface.

Depending on the config the speakers will need an amplifier and likely a pre-processor, usually handled by a home theater receiver all in one, but again it depends on your speaker config.

Everyone says go with a Scarlett, but a UMC404HD is basically the same price and has way more features and will give you way more options to progress with your music production.

So I spent a couple hours last night trying to get it to work. I downloaded the driver and it installed correctly. When I turned it on though, it kept trying to install a firmware update but kept failing.
Also, I kept trying to open up Pro Tools First but it wouldn't open. From my understanding, it seems that Pro Tools First won't open unless you have an audio interface installed and configured so I'm guessing it won't open because the Fast Track Pro isn't working.
I'm planning on getting Windows 7 on one of my old computers and see if everything works there.
Any recommendations on a specific new audio interface I can use for simple basic recordings in case that doesn't work? Something under 100 would be awesome. I was looking at this. Is this what I need or what do you think: https://www.amazon.com/Behringer-UMC404HD-BEHRINGER-U-PHORIA/dp/B00QHURLHM/ref=sr_1_14?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1501558973&sr=1-14&keywords=audio+interface&refinements=p_36%3A5000-20000

Your question is a bit confusing. Are you wondering how to import 4 tracks at once so you can mix in ableton? If that is the case, you want a 4x4 audio interface. Here is a cheap option: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00QHURLHM/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_polAwbE9CS461

If you are wondering what mics you should use, I would say it totally depends on your budget. Get a decent kick drum microphone, an SM-57 for the snare, and XY a pair of small diaphragm condensers overhead (and make sure your interface has phantom power, which I assume most do by default).

An alternative to XY overhead, since you will have to place them pretty high up, is to put one over the hi hat / crash and one over the ride / toms (kind of pointing away from the snare). You will just have to be vigilant for phase and shift it out if necessary.

If you wanted to add a 5th channel, I like to individually mic the hi hat. A close-miked hi hat sounds so much better to me.

Gotcha, Thanks for that I was looking at this, damn thing is out of stock everywhere.

No the speakers were these. They don't have xlr on these ones. I have them boxed up and ready to go out.

EDIT : Just ordered these let me know what you think.

> Shure MVi

Seems close although a deal breaker for me is an interface that uses it's USB input as both communication and power. In the case of the Shure, it limits what amount of phantom power can be used when plugged into an iPhone.

I also looked at PreSonus AudioBox and AGAIN it seems to piggy back it's only USB interface as power without a discreet power source, also it's totally unclear if it works with iOS.

Same thing with the entry level focus rite scarlet... until you get to the Focusrite Scarlett 6i6 (at $250), which finally seems to have a discreet power source form it's USB input. However, no idea if the pre-amps are good enough to boost an SM57.

This Tascam interface seems to be a bit cheaper at $150, takes two inputs and has discreet power. https://www.amazon.com/Tascam-US-16X08-channel-Audio-Interface/dp/B00MIXF2RS/ref=pd_day0_267_4

This higher end Presonus https://www.amazon.com/PreSonus-Studio-USB-Interface-Extended/dp/B073PT77HC/ref=sr_1_8 (although at $299 is more than I'd like to spend), also has a built-in sound meter, which is really handy for setting levels when plugged into an iPhone recording video with literally no software aids to check your sound levels. SUPER HANDY.

Finally this ludicrously cheap monstrosity from Behringer for like $99 https://www.amazon.com/Behringer-UMC404HD-BEHRINGER-U-PHORIA/dp/B00QHURLHM/ref=sr_1_5 no visible sound level meter, no clue if the preamps are shit

I think this is what I'm looking for (BEHRINGER U-PHORIA UMC404HD https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00QHURLHM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_dcYSAbR7FJ3X8), but my next question is how do I incorporate headphones into this setup? I want each person wearing headphones, so we can all hear the person on Skype, and each other, without also having to hear our own voices while we're talking. If that makes sense. What's the next part I need?

This is 192khz but it's out of stock right now on MusiciansFriend, Amazon, Sweetwater and probably other websites. /r/audioengineering or some other audio subreddit can probably find you something.

That will only work for 1 person. How many daughters will be recording with you?

For up to 4 people, this is a good interface:

Behringer UMC404HD

Use ocenaudio to record without issues.

And these microphones will be fine:

Samson R21 3-pack

You’ll need some cheap mic stands and you’ll be all set.

Put the mics in the stands, plug the mics into the interface, plug the interface into the computer, adjust the gain, and press record in ocenaudio.

I wouldn’t recommend using 3 usb microphones, it might be posible to make it work with a digital mixer like voicemeeter banana but I’m not sure... you could get a highly functional set up with 3 xm8500 and one of these https://www.amazon.com/BEHRINGER-Audio-Interface-4-Channel-UMC404HD/dp/B00QHURLHM/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?keywords=behringer+3+input+interface&qid=1571698371&sr=8-2

for a build JUST for audio production, you could honestly probably get away with a pretty barebones motherboard. This is because the main question will be what outboard audio interface you will use with it. The audio interface will completely bypass the motherboards audio chipset, and if functioning properly, will provide far higher quality audio and much more routing options/customization than any motherboard chipset can claim. Fortunately you don't need to spend much to get something like that. This focusrite scarlett series is a particularly popular choice: https://www.amazon.com/Focusrite-2i2-GENERATION-USB-Recording/dp/B005OZE9SA/ref=sr_1_12?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1491458677&sr=1-12&keywords=audio+interface I don't really recommend something like this though since it has no external power supply - if your friend intends to power and record a microphone that requires phantom power this interface will both transmit the data and 48 volt over usb 2.0. It works, but seems like people have mixed results with it. This Behringer Umc404hd is outrageous value for the $99 dollars its currently priced at. https://www.amazon.com/Behringer-UMC404HD-BEHRINGER-U-PHORIA/dp/B00QHURLHM/ref=sr_1_1?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1491459101&sr=1-1&keywords=umc404hd. Pretty sweet with those 4 inputs and all those output options on the back.

I would say as long as the mobo has enough usb and sata connections you'll be fine. Just depends on whether your friend is interested in overclocking or gaming which will definitely increase the cost. For an overclockable motherboard Id get something like this https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813130993&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction-PCPartPicker,%20LLC-_-na-_-na-_-na&cm_sp=&AID=10446076&PID=3938566&SID= If not overclocking, you could go as cheap as this $46.99 ASRock H110M-HDS LGA 1151 Intel H110 HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 Micro ATX Intel Motherboard and not run into problems as long as it has enough I/O for your friends needs. https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157685&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction-PCPartPicker,%20LLC-_-na-_-na-_-na&cm_sp=&AID=10446076&PID=3938566&SID=

Sorry if this question is coming in a little late. I'm looking at two audio interfaces to use for 4 mics for a podcast and I'm wondering if anyone has any experience with them.

The first is the Behringer U-PHORIA UMC404HD.

The second is the Behringer Q1202USB 12-Channel Mixer.

I'm leaning towards the UMC404HD, it's got a smaller footprint and is lighter by 4 lbs (so it'll be easier to transport), but it seems to be on perpetual backorder pretty much everywhere. The Q1202USB is available and about the same price (and most importantly available), but I don't really need the mixing board aspects. I'm also seeing varying reports of whether or not it outputs via USB to a single or separate tracks. Help? Thanks!

Looking around, I guess there's different standards for how those contacts are used. Not sure what to tell you, the way I do what you're trying to do is with one of these.

We use those mics for our recording. And no you can’t really do that; it needs some sort of phantom power.

We run our mics into this

BEHRINGER U-PHORIA UMC404HD https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00QHURLHM?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf

Then from there via usb into the computer. We record/edit with adobe audition.

Mod mics? You mean something like this? Those aren't going to be amazing, but honestly I've known people who record their show using their laptop's internal microphone and it sounded okay. It's more important to use what you have and produce something rather than sit on your hands and produce nothing.

That board you linked claims to have 8 inputs, but it actually has 4 stereo channels, two of which are mic-level and two are line-level. If you have more than 2 people, that's probably not a great option. I also wouldn't recommend that particular mixer because it has no USB-out. It's also going to be outputting stereo, which is to say two audio channels. You can record in stereo, but it will give you less control when editing. If you want to get a board like that, I'd recommend this one from Behringer. It's substantially the same, but has USB.

Incidentally, how many people are you going to have on your show? If it's more than two, what I'd actually recommend is something more like this 4-channel audio interface. To use those mod mics you'll need some adaptors for the 1/4" microphone plugs. But it will let you record up to 4 individual audio channels, and if you decide to upgrade to better microphones in the future you'll be able to use the same device.

You might be able to find it for less than $100, but that's the first one I came up with.

If you have more than 4 people, I think you'll have a hard time finding an effective solution for less than $100. But again, I think the quality of your show is more about the content than the fidelity of the audio.

These work well and are budget friendly.

BEHRINGER Audio Interface 4-Channel UMC404HD https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00QHURLHM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_s87vCbQQJDY9R

I can help if you are using an iPhone. I believe garageband is free and records multitrack full quality with decent editing and mixing options. You can even use 3rd party plugin apps! You'll need an USB adaptor to connect an audio interface. you'd be best with this usb adaptor because it also get's power from your charger. This does two things for you, 1) your iPhone won't die on you 2) your iphone will have enough power for the interface. Then you can get something like this behringer. Then all that's left is grabbing a few SM-57 mics, or a shure drum mic kit](https://www.amazon.com/Shure-DMK57-52-Drum-Microphone-Kit/dp/B0002E51C6) to get a usable recording. Toss the big one on your kick, then one 57 on the mic, and then the other two over head pointing at your cymbals and toms. this set up will allow you to get pretty decent recordings, especially if your kit is in a good sounding space. Alternatively you can get an omni/stereo mic for iOS and mess around with placement to get a passable sound. This is cheaper, and still good enough for a more vintage vibe

Thanks everyone for the feed back. After your suggestions I think I am going to use my Dell Inspiron to connect to the BEHRINGER U-PHORIA UMC404HD audio interface. From there connect 3
BEHRINGER ULTRAVOICE XM1800S by XLR cables. Connect BEHRINGER MICROAMP HA400 to the audio interface by TRS cable and use 1/4" to 3.5mm adaptor to connect headphones we already have. Pick up 3 inexpensive windscreens and stands. Did the pricing on amazon and it came to about $240 total, so not bad breaking it down to $80 a guy.

Amazon Links:

(Audio interface) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00QHURLHM/_encoding=UTF8?coliid=ITTP0UQOZBIWX&colid=1KL6BZLXFZXJS&psc=0

(Mics) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000NJ2TIE/_encoding=UTF8?coliid=I30L3TMCYKWFWT&colid=1KL6BZLXFZXJS&psc=0

(Headphone amplifier) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000KIPT30/_encoding=UTF8?coliid=I380FGUUPU9497&colid=1KL6BZLXFZXJS&psc=0

Finally using Audacity to start. If I missed anything or something is wrong I definitely appreciate the feedback.

Audio Interface

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Microphones

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Hosting for $20 a month

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That's everything you need to run the show.

Alright the separate tracks argument is certainly an interesting one, I'm not sure I would be able to say definitively if we'd need that kind of support or not, before actually getting into recording.

How would this Behringer box (https://www.amazon.com/Behringer-UMC404HD-BEHRINGER-U-PHORIA/dp/B00QHURLHM) compare to the H6 you listed?

https://www.amazon.com/BEHRINGER-Audio-Interface-4-Channel-UMC404HD/dp/B00QHURLHM/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?keywords=behringer+4+channel+interface&qid=1564197330&s=gateway&sprefix=behringwr+4+&sr=8-3

I have the 2 port version of this. It is clean and quiet. Very nice for the price.

I picked up a Behringer UMC-404HD a couple of years ago for $100 and it's exceeded my expectations in that not only is it reliable and sturdy, but also that I haven't seen anything else at that price point that has nearly as much versatility. Four inputs, and all of the outputs you'd ever need.

Thanks for the responses! I think I’m gonna go with this Behringer U-Phoria mixer: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00QHURLHM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_almdAbD6HD9CE

Samson go mic? I used to have one of those ages ago... Decent for the price, as I remember. So. Here's my advice for multiplayer commentary at a budget of $250.

Mixer = $100

Mic x4 = $120. This is my go to mic and I love the sound it gets. Not suitable for live performances through a PA, but for lets plays it's awesome. This particular link includes XLR cords too.

These mics are also dynamic, so they should pick up considerably little of the game audio. I'd recommend picking up some boom stands, like these for about 20 bucks each.

As for headphones and such, I've used my microphones without headphones and it's picked up little to no game audio.

That's the interface I have as well (also used it for years), but recently someone pointed out the Behringer U-Phoria UMC404HD and it seems better.

So here’s what I’m thinking...

Using this Behringer interface I should be able to use these 4 inputs along with a usb Audio-technica a2020 and a m-audio guitar usb interface for my other 2 inputs.

My only concern if the interface will run properly of the laptop power alone?

https://www.amazon.com/BEHRINGER-Audio-Interface-4-Channel-UMC404HD/dp/B00QHURLHM/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?keywords=4+channel+audio+interface&qid=1565053884&s=gateway&sr=8-3

Glad you said Out. Most in this bracket are going towards Speakon for some strange reason.

A lot of my producer friends are recommending this. Behringer doesn't usually stand out, but looks like they've got a solid choice here and it's dead on your budget:

BEHRINGER U-PHORIA UMC404HD https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00QHURLHM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_4SoHAbP6MFDPZ

I recently purchased a pair of monitors ([JBL 305s] (https://www.amazon.com/JBL-LSR305-Studio-Monitor/dp/B00DUKP37C)) and an audio interface ([Behringer umc404hd] (https://www.amazon.com/Behringer-UMC404HD-BEHRINGER-U-PHORIA/dp/B00QHURLHM)), and I'm hoping to run iPhone audio through the Behringer to the 305s. I have a 3.5mm / TRS adaptor to run the iPhone headphone jack to one of the Behringer inputs, and I've tried various configurations connecting the Behringer to the 305s. I've used only TRS cables (no XLR). So far the audio has come through only very faintly or muffled. Am I connecting my iPhone improperly to the Behringer? Might I need a stereo splitter/adaptor like [this] (https://www.amazon.com/Hosa-YMP-434-Female-8-Inch-Breakout/dp/B0010D0HO0)? Or am I missing something regarding how to run the Behringer to the 305s? I also haven't tried turning on the Behringer's phantom power, but I can't imagine the iPhone audio would require it.

Anyways, if anyone can help, thank you in advance!