Using a great 8 channel audio interface can be a blessing, but can be a nightmare when you purchase a bad one. So the question is, how do you know which 8-channel audio interface is the best, especially if you have no prior knowledge about audio interfaces.
When shopping for an audio interface, the number of inputs it carries is one essential factor you need to take a crucial look at. If you are recording a live band, the number of preamps and inputs will change drastically.
Furthermore, shopping for an audio interface also brings connections like Thunderbolt, Firewire, or USB connections.
The truth is recording technology has evolved greatly in the last few decades, and there are scenarios where artists have been able to make a musical recording in a tour bus. They did this recording with the same quality gear found in a home or recording studio setup.
Individuals who work from the comfort of their homes can put out an impressive recording similar to that of top-class recording labels, but the difference in both setups is.
For example, making a recording from home might need just two inputs, while recording in a studio might require an audio interface with 32 inputs. Recording today involves getting an audio interface as it is a sure and outstanding way to digitize audio content.
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What Is An Audio Interface?
An audio interface is studio equipment used in recording analog signals before converting these signals into digital signals. After converting these signals, the audio interface sends them to your computer so mixing and mastering can be done.
Audio interfaces are used in audio engineering production and sound recording in the telecommunications and entertainment industry. Audio interfaces are used for capturing audio content, while another instrument used for capturing audio content is the microphone.
Recording from a real-world source like a saxophone, acoustic guitar, or voice, you will need to connect the microphone to an audio interface. The audio interface is tasked with collecting signals from the microphone or any other musical instrument and converts them into digital files before sending these signals to the computer for mixing and mastering.
Judging from what so many sound engineers, musicians, and singers have said about audio interfaces, they are not only convenient but a higher quality option compared to recording on a cassette or magnetic tape.
Sound quality and clearness should be your focus when shopping for an audio interface, and this tells you there is no point in opting for a cheap audio interface if it isn’t going to give you the audio quality you want.
The more outputs and inputs your audio interface has, the more instruments you will connect to it. In addition, there are audio interfaces with combo connectors, and these combo connectors are effective in connecting multiple cables, microphones, and instruments.
When shopping for an audio interface, opt for the one with a high number of inputs. Finally, an affordable but reliable audio interface is a welcomed idea too, but when doing this, remember that device efficiency and reliability matter.
Top 5 Best 8 Channel Audio Interface Reviews
1. BEHRINGER U-PHORIA UMC1820
The first 8 channel audio interface we want to talk about in this guide is the Behringer company. Behringer U-Phoria audio interface also features a MIDI interface that makes it the perfect tool for recording instruments and microphones.
For people searching for an audio interface that will deliver the best audio quality, the Behringer U-Phoria promises to deliver premium audio content. Interestingly, this equipment is compatible with Steinberg Cubase, Ableton Live, and Avid Pro Tools software.
It boasts about twenty outputs and eighteen inputs, making it ideal for connecting with many available cables and instruments. It also comes with a state-of-the-art microphone pre-amplifier for more professional and impressive results.
Specifications
- Brand – Behringer
- Item Weight – 2.99 Pounds
- Item Color – Black
Key Features
- Audio/MIDI Interface
- MIDAS microphone pre-amplifier
- Analog inserts
What We Like
- This audio interface comes with a small footprint
- It can be powered using a USB bus
- There is a pad for every preamp
- It boasts of a dual monitor output
What We Don’t Like
- It doesn’t have internal effects for use during low latency.
2. Alesis MultiMix 8-Channel Mixer with Effects & USB Audio Interface
It is an eight-channel mixer and audio interface with a USB stereo output for playing backtracks and easy recording from your computer. Users will find this audio interface and mixer very easy to use as it boasts an easy-to-understand user interface.
Its plug-and-play design doesn’t require installing drivers before making use of this audio interface, and thanks to its in-built effects, users can record, mix, and do both simultaneously. As a result, this is truly a must-have for all recording studios that want professional and outstanding results. At the same time, its rugged build ensures it lasts longer than several other audio interfaces on the market.
Furthermore, trust this audio interface to use a little space where it is positioned, while its phantom power option ensures it accommodates condenser and dynamic microphones.
Specifications
- Brand – Alesis
- Item Weight – 2.1 Pounds
- Item Color – Black
Key Features
- Eight-channel mixer
- Multi-color LED
- In-built DSP effects
What We Like
- Compatible with Linux
- It delivers immaculate sounds
- It allows connecting microphones with a computer
What We Don’t Like
- This audio interface isn’t suitable for DAW use
3. Audio2000’S AMX7343 Eight-Channel Audio Mixer with USB Interface
This device comes with everything you need to record and play music from your computer, and we are talking about a USB audio interface, an in-built sound processor, and a mixer. In addition, it is a user-friendly device, meaning you will find working with this equipment very easy, and delivering pleasant sounds is another impressive aspect of this audio interface and mixer.
Its USB interface allows users to connect with a computer, while its stereo line inputs serve pro-audio applications. This audio interface and mixer features include a peak LED indicator, peak band EQ, PFL button, mute button, and a level control slider. In addition, monitoring signal levels can be achieved using accurate level indicators.
Specifications
- Brand – Audio 2000S
- Item Weight – 8.83 Pounds
- Item Color – Black
Key Features
- In-built Bluetooth
- Auxiliary send
- Return jacks
- Five-band graphic equalizer
What We Like
- It comes with basic instructions for ease of use
- Its price is consistent compared to other brands
- Its sound quality is amazing
- Its mixer sounds great too
- Setting up this equipment is easy
What We Don’t Like
- No microphones were delivered with this product
4. Audient EVO 8 4 In 4 Out USB Audio Interface
The versatility of the Audient EVO USB Audio Interface is what sets it apart from so many audio interfaces on the market, and it doesn’t matter what you need this audio interface, count on it to get the job done for you.
You might need it to create a podcast, produce a beat, or make a track recording; the Audient EVO USB audio interface boasts an array of features that enables users to seize control of every recording process or session.
Trust the Audient EVO USB audio interface to provide a unique recording solution regardless of your art form. It is why people consider this audio interface to be for the smart and creative.
Users will be left amazed at the unrivaled audio quality the Audient EVO USB audio interface will deliver. Based on a twenty-year experience, the Audient brand specializes in making high-quality equipment and instruments that will serve users for years.
The Audient EVO USB Audio Interface boasts premium quality materials in its construction that ensure it lasts for a long time, ensuring you do not go back soon to the market to shop for another 8 channel audio interface.
Specifications
- Brand – Audient
- Item Weight – 1.96 Pounds
- Item Color – Black
Key Features
- Two headphone outputs
- Class-leading converters
- USB 2.0 bus-powered
What We Like
- It has an impressive build quality
- It is effortless to operate
- It delivers premium quality audio recording
- This equipment is perfect for a home studio setup
What We Don’t Like
- Not fully supported with M1 Mac
5. Antelope Audio Zen 4×8 Bus-Powered USB-C Audio Interface
Interestingly, the Antelope Audio Zen USB-C audio interface is optimized for high-resolution playback, low latency recording, making podcasts, and creative beat making. Like other audio interfaces discussed in this guide, versatility speaks for the Antelope Audio Zen USB-C audio interface.
Furthermore, this audio interface comes with travel-friendly features that enable you to carry this device along with you for recording while at locations. Thus, you can get professional results without sacrificing efficiency or speed.
The portability of this device makes other audio interfaces envy it some more. Without connecting to a computer, you can connect this device to a power bank or a phone’s charger and experience top-notch functionality.
Specifications
- Brand – Antelope Audio
- Item Weight – 1.54 Pounds
- Item Color – Black
Key Features
- Preamps
- AD/DA conversion
- AFC technology
What We Like
- Its sound quality is unrivaled
- This device has a rock-solid build
What We Don’t Like
- It constantly cuts audio off
Contents Of An Audio Interface
In the case of a car, you do not need to know every part or material used in making a car before figuring out how to drive it, but in the case of an audio interface, knowing its contents might help visualize the signal path.
When you look at the market today, you will realize that one audio interface has a different price tag from another. One might be very expensive, while the other might be very affordable. However, the cost of an audio interface comes down to two valid points.
- The marketing and building cost
- The ability of its components to produce an impressive audio quality
The cost of building an audio interface involves development and research, the number of outputs and inputs, the cost of electrical components, and if its chassis is built with plastic or metal.
The closer you get to finding a high-quality product, the more expensive it becomes. The microphone inputs pre-amplifier and A/D, D/A converters are the two main components inside an audio interface that determine your audio quality are the microphone inputs pre-amplifier and A/D, D/A converters. All of the work is done to ensure that your audio content has clarity in it.
More On Audio Interfaces
Audio interfaces are regarded as the heartbeat of any recording studio. So it is because they effectively capture synth lines or vocals before allowing you to hear them on studio monitors.
However, when you decide to shop for one, you do not know where to start, and this is because so many brands and products on the market claim to be the best.
You might have heard people say you need an audio interface to produce music, but this statement isn’t exactly true. Audio interfaces come with so many features that might confuse you when you go out shopping, which is why you should be familiar with its features before hitting the market.
Final Note
There is a detailed list of the best 8 channel audio interfaces making waves on the market, and They did not randomly select these products. Still, they were selected based on customer review, features, ease of use, functions, and build quality.
Opting for any audio interfaces we have discussed in this guide will be a win-win for you, as they have all it takes to make your recording unique.
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