Im currently using a NI Komplete Audio 6 as an Audio Interface. Its good, but lately ive been wanting some more Inputs, as it only has 4.
So Im searching for an Audio Interface which has about 16 channels. At the same time it should act as a Mixer. I only need a Volume slider and a Panning knob though, plus Mute, Solo and Record buttons for each channel.
So basically the Layout of the Mixer should be like it is in Abletons clip view.
Furthermore it would be great if the Mixer/ Audio Interface would act as a MIDI controller, so everything i do on the hardware is mirrored in Ableton. Thus motor-faders would be nice of course.
I dont necesarily need built in EQs and FX, as I have all that within Ableton and my OT.
So far I havent found something that combines Mixer, Audio Interface and MIDI-Controller. But Im confident there must be something like this on the market.
Any audio interface with 16 ins plus everything else you ask for will not be cheap.
Something like the zed r16 has all the features you mentioned (although maybe not motorised faders). http://www.allen-heath.com/ahproducts/zed-r16/
jesus christ 2400€ my budget would be like 400 to 800 maybe.
I guess i might get away cheaper if i buy an audio interface plus two times this thing here http://www.thomann.de/de/icon_icontrols_pro.htm
still not very satisfying…
It doesn’t sound to me like you really need a mixer, if you’re going to be doing your EQ and everything ITB. Something like Push or a Novation Launch Control XL and/or a Launchpad will cover the same territory once your couple it with an audio interface.
Personally, I’ve got a Focusrite Saffire Pro 40, with a Presonus Digimax FS connected vita ADAT, which gives me 16 inputs into Ableton. Thinking about getting another Pro 40 and connecting it via FireWire since 16 ins is not enough for me. There are USB options out there, but you’ve got to read the fine print, as a majority of USB mixers and interfaces only output stereo.
You’ll probably come across the upcoming Soundcraft MTK mixers in your searches; unfortunately, EQ and FX are not transmitted via USB with that mixer, so you’d still have to do all of your mixing ITB.
my budget would be like 400 to 800 maybe.