Hi again, SP fam. I have what is probably a very nooby question but can't seem to find the answer to it. Okay, so if I wanted to connect my Sp 404sx with a microkorg, an Alesis electronic drum set and a turntable but bring them all as individual tracks into a DAW, would I need an audio interface or a USB mixer?

*Note* I don't yet have a turntable as I'm not too sure about what will work with this kind of setup. All I really need it for is sampling vinyl records but I do not have a model for it. It would just be nice if I could use the interface or mixer to also sample from the turntable to the sp 404 with it.
Thanks!

Same thing.

Either one will convert analog inputs into digital, connect to your computer, and allow you to record.

The big "gotcha!" is usually that most USB enabled mixers offer only a stereo output to computer of the master stereo out, not an output for each channel on the mixer. I have a Mackie 820i mixer which I got because it can give me 8 individual inputs to the computer BUT it is FW and no USB. Now that FW is going away on PC laptops I am kind of bummed. The Mackie is also very quiet which on cheaper devices you will generally find more hiss/noise especially in the preamps if it has them. Anyway- you can go as cheap as $50 and get a Behringer 302USB even. I got one of those too and I really like it. Interfaces with the computer but I can only stream 2 tracks at a time to the computer.

So again, USB/audio interface/digital i/o/etc. are all analog to digital interfaces to the computer with the main features to look for:

1- Max i/o- how many mono digital inputs and stereo mix out can it handle at once vs what you need/want? If you want to midi sync all your gear and record 8 separate tracks into the computer all at once you will pay more.

2- preamps- if you want to plug guitars or other non line level signals and don't have other preamps then you will want an interface or mixer with these. Most have them. I think Presonus even has an 8 channel interface with 6 preamps w XLR and 1/4" inputs. Sounds like you will not relly need those however.

Anyway there are many choices and price points. If I could afford it I would go back and get another RME interface. Best machine I ever had- great support/converters- rock solid but cost me almost $1000. Now I cannot sell it for $250 because it is for PC desktop with PCI slot (card and breakout box)

Anyway hope you find something you like!

C

If you need a USB one, the Alesis Multimix 8 USB2.0 does 8 separate outputs via USB.

Note that it's the 2.0 model (300€), not the first one (150€), that one does only one stereo track!

I looked into that one but read reviews that said it was only mono. And made for podcasts rather than recording music. Haven't checked out the 2.0 though

just read the specs on it, it only records in stereo. You need an interface like say the tascam us1641 through us2000 series is kool. They all have multiple ins and outs. and not too pricey.