unfa🇺🇦

🎤 I am planning to make some videos testing various audio interfaces with Linux, focusing on "bedroom producers". 🎵

However - I need YOU to answer a few questions before I can begin my work.

Your input will help me choose devices to buy. Please take some time to research the options - there's a lot that you may have not heard about, that could present great value.

https://pad.gieszer.link/form/#/2/form/view/JymeM9cGdGGRHh8r6peMoGnNYCOG2MelPt4AhSe5DJ4/embed/

PS: Feel free to boost this toot :)

#unfa #Linux #MusicProduction #FOSS #OpenSource #Libre #FreeSoftware

CryptPad

Sep 6, 2021 at 11:39amWeb
Show threadunfa🇺🇦Oct 8, 2021
The poll is OVER! Thank you :)
Here's a littel video where I promoted it to get more data, and it worked!
https://youtu.be/ayoIw6Bgmks
I need your help (a.k.a Garbage Day)

YouTube
Show threadJoel Oct 8, 2021
@unfa that thumbnail feels kinda Brodie-esque, noice
Show threadCharles 𝄢 HSep 6, 2021

@unfa

I am excited that it might be possible to use a focusright with linux, but i am completely confused by the instructions for the survey.

Am I supposed to put a green check under the items I DON'T want to ever purchase?

(Honestly, I've only ever considered class-compliant devices because linux, so I don't know much about the fancier ones. The only thing I'd rule out is behringer for their generally poor behaviour including online antisemitism.)

Show threadunfa🇺🇦Sep 6, 2021
@celesteh Thanks for your input! I've corrected the description to hopefully make it clear. Can you please check again and let me know if it's better now?
Show threadCharles 𝄢 HSep 6, 2021

@unfa

Thank you, this is very good.

Show threadunfa🇺🇦Sep 6, 2021
@celesteh Thanks! I'm glad you've let me know so quick so I could fix it before more people got confused!
Show threadPixelflowersSep 6, 2021

@unfa I also have some feedback about the survey itself.

(this may sound obvious but I'd make it clearer in your question) I'd only consider to buy an interface if you made a video about it...*and the review outcome was very positive*.

I'm not familiar with any of those interfaces except the one I know. I don't see the point for me to learn more about them / familiarize with them when the aim is you reviewing them. The moment I've evaluated them, I don't need a review.

Checking each interface also looked time-consuming so I didn't bother to. Providing direct links near the interfaces may push more people to actually check them?

The cross mark / green checks were a bit confusing too.

I've selected the Focusrite 2i2 3rd generation,

Show threadPixelflowersSep 6, 2021
@unfa (hey sorry: I hope my feedback doesn't sound rude, it wasn't meant to...your work is greatly appreciated)
Show threadunfa🇺🇦Sep 6, 2021
@pixelflowers Yeah, I expect that one to be the most popular option, even stats on Thomann.de show it's by far the most popular I/F in that class. But I want to review more than just this one device, and also take a look at some lesser-known but maybe still excellent devices.
Show threadcosSep 6, 2021
@unfa as @pixelflowers said, It would help if you'd add links to the devices in the list so we could check them out easily. I don't know any of them by name.
Show threadunfa🇺🇦Sep 6, 2021
@cos @pixelflowers I see. It should've probably collected the links when I was making the form. I thought it'd be problematic. I've now added a list of links so it's easier to research the devices. Thanks for the feedback!
Show threadHueySep 6, 2021
@unfa I don't know the details of any of those interfaces. If I were in the market, I'd look for one with two mic preamps, digital input, direct monitoring, and preferably midi ports. Or if I got the band back together, the absolute cheapest way to get 16 or so inputs.
Show threadA mighty fleaSep 6, 2021
@unfa I filled out the survey; looking forward to that comparison.
Would you consider adding the Zoom H5 to the review?
It is of course a mobile recorder first and an audio interface second, but for someone just starting out it is an interesting "One device that can do it all" option. (This is why I chose it 😆 )
Show threadunfa🇺🇦Sep 6, 2021
@Mightyflea That's an interesting idea. I did not think about it, as it's a bit outside the target price range though...
Show threadA mighty fleaSep 6, 2021
@unfa Yes it is more pricey; but if you add the price of a microphone to a USB interface, it is not that far off.
Myself, I wanted the mobile recording anyway, so the USB capability meant I didn't have to shell out for a proper USB interface right away.
Show threadA mighty fleaSep 6, 2021
@unfa (I find the handling as an audio interface awkward, so if I wind up recording at home more often I might get a dedicated interface anyway.)
Show threadunfa🇺🇦Sep 7, 2021
@Mightyflea I think it might be actually a very nice option for a "studio in a pocket" solution. The first audio recorder / interface I ever got was Zoom H2. It was money well spent and gave me both home recording and field recording options.
However the portable ones are a different category entirely. I am afraid if we're considering it, then we should consider much more. And at that point it becomes apparent this should be a separate project.
Show threadagarbathiSep 6, 2021
Focusrite Saffire Series (24/40/56) - RME Fireface
Show threadClaudius (legacy account)Sep 6, 2021
I looked into some of these a year ago. I almost bought one, but then choosing a matching microphone completely broke my budget and also my capacity to look even further down the rabbit hole. I would like to suggest giving hints for microphones alongside. Maybe a budget option, a decent one and a "nice" one. Of course this could also be in the form of a "that blog/test/video over there covers it all!"
Show threadEric LathropSep 7, 2021

@unfa I got the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 gen3 working really easily.

Then I needed more inputs, so I got the M-Audio Air 192|14, which sorta works. I can't get it to work with Reaper in PulseAudio, but it does work in ALSA, but there's some clipping. It might work better with JACK, but I don't know how to set that up.

Show threadMads KjeldgaardSep 7, 2021
@unfa the Behringer ones are really good (because of the Xmos chip) (And as someone else pointed out - one has to live with the company's harassment strategies). Another honourable mention is the Fireface UCX II - probably the highest quality interface for Linux (and a price tag that goes with it).
Show threadunfa🇺🇦Sep 14, 2021
@madskjeldgaard I have bought some Behringer hardware before I've learned about their very ethically questionable "business" decisions. I would prefer to not promote their stuff for that reason, unfortunately their gear is the cheapest you can get.
Show threadMads KjeldgaardSep 14, 2021
@unfa yeah that's understandable. They really are terrible
Show threadMads KjeldgaardSep 7, 2021
@unfa And one thing that is often overlooked when testing interfaces on linux: Sample rates. Some interfaces have trouble changing to 96k or 192k even though they advertise it because their CC drivers are half assed