Recording
- 1.It converts analog signals created by a mics\/headsets into digital streams suitable for recording.
- 2.It converts digital streams sent by computers or mobile devices into analog signals suitable for headphones\/headsets and speakers.
If you have a USB mic or headset, the audio interface is built in.
If you have XLR mics, you'll need to buy an audio interface.
Input | Price | Inputs | Interface Type | Phantom Power |
$100 | 2 XLR | USB | Yes |
I'm Team Audio Interface (or recorder, although you can't do a mix-minus Skype setups with a Zoom H6). But in an attempt to be fair and balanced:
Mixer
- ☑︎ Physical knobs and sliders are cool and fun
- ☑︎ If compressor/limiter, useful for live/live-to-tape scenarios
- ☒ Built-in USB output typically only 2 channels
- ☒ Built-in A2D hardware typically offers mid-range quality
Audio interface
- ☑︎ Captures one track per input (easier to process, edit)
- ☑︎ Typically better A2D hardware
- ☑︎ Typically supports better sample rates/resolutions
- ☑︎ Allows for a far more compact setup, easier to store/transport
- ☒ Clumsier for live/live-to-tape scenarios
Mixer | Price | Inputs | Interface Type | Phantom Power |
$230 | 4 XLR | USB | Yes |
Traditionally, podcast recording setups included a mixer, whose job is to mix several audio inputs — for example, multiple mics — into a stereo output suitable for recording.
Lately, "mixer-free" setups are becoming more popular.
(TBD)
- DO record and save and edit on your primary drive (vs. an external or network drive). You can always copy or move files after.
Last modified 1yr ago