Does This Audio MIcrophone Preamplifier Product Exist? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 26, 2021, 07:10:25 am
content: I asked this on the latest Amp Hour, does this product exist?A single USB interface microphone pre-amplifier with the following:- Compressor and De-esser controls- 48 Phantom power- Heaphone output that disables line output whne plugged in.- balanced XLR line outputs for monitoringBasically the same as my Rode AI-1 or Scarlett Solo but with a compressor and De-esser circuit as well.I knowyou can combine products to do all this, but I'm after an all-in-one box.Thinking about maybe designing one myself, because it just kinda peeves me off that such a thing might not exist.Surely I can't be the only one that needs a USB microphone audio interface with real time analog compressor and de-esser controls to tweak your microphone audio?

author: Muttley Snickers
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 26, 2021, 07:51:23 am
content: Quote from: EEVblog on October 26, 2021, 07:10:25 amJust a suggestion, do any of the higher end Zoom or Tascam portable recorders offer these features in a single package?, they might be worth a look at anyway. I have a few digital audio recorders including Philips, Roland, Sony, Tascam and Zoom and each have slightly different attributes, I tend to use the Zoom more often than not.

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 26, 2021, 08:55:49 am
content: Quote from: Muttley Snickers on October 26, 2021, 07:51:23 amNope, not that I am aware of.

author: borjam
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 26, 2021, 10:02:13 am
content: Complicated. As all of this stuff moves to the digital realm (with digital mixing consoles the typical analog outboard like dynamics processors and graphic EQs are tending to be phased out) you can only find kinda expensive options.Have you considered using software? Most of this processing is being doing in software nowadays.In the preamp camp you can find the dbx 286S, which is not expensive and ticks most of your boxes except for the digital output and the headphone jack. So you would still need an audio interface.MOTU offer built in DSP in some audio interfaces like the Ultralite (two microphone preamps) but they don't include a deesser function. Maybe you can persuade them to add sidechain filtering to their compressor, though.Universal Audio has a Thunderbolt interface with plugins but it's overkill.There is a very expensive option, Metric Halo, which includes a signal processing engine that allows you to draw an arbitrary signal processing workflow with EQ and dynamics processing which makes it possible to implement a de-esser for instance. You can use a band pass filter feeding the compressor sidechain.Mac only, the old ones are Firewire (but Metric Halo supports even their oldest products with new boards to use USB and Ethernet). An old ULN-2 would do the trick (two very good microphone preamps) but, again, Firewire unless you update it to "3d" and still Mac only.Have you had a look at an Austalian manufacturer, Rode? Maybe overkill but the Rodecaster includes gate/eq/deesser/compressor. It's a full fledged mixer designed for podcasters and small broadcast stations.They also have an application that works with their NT-USB Mini microphone and the Wireless Go II system that kinda does the same as a Rodecaster (in software).I'll check some other options, but complicated.

author: jim_griff
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 26, 2021, 10:11:49 am
content: While the DBX 286s is your closest competition in the marketplace for a single mic pre solution,it DOESN'T have a built-in USB audio interface.https://dbxpro.com/en/products/286sLinked it in purely for price comparison, in case you were wondering roughly what price a similar solution would be without an integrated USB interface.I've only ever seen two alternative soluitions that have similar features to what you'd like:CHEAPER: TC-Helicon GoXLR (aimed towards streamers / live broadcasts) - doesn't have balanced XLR out.EXPENSIVE (example): MOTU 24Ai (aimed towards pro studios) - fully balanced, but very expensive and unnecessary for your line of work.I'm guessing you want something with hardware controls (knobs/buttons) that is quick to set up and adjust? i.e. A no sh**s/giggles audio interface solution, with all features controlled via hardware knobs/buttons, and works straight out of the box. No fiddling with drivers, software mixers, etc.I would actually love something like that, and would be willing to part with my cash if you could provide a solution like it. I'm sure many audio equipment vendors would be happy to sell whatever you produce, no matter how niche it may appear.EDIT: What I mean is, perhaps a fully analog solution with knobs and all, but with a 2-channel USB audio interface built in.

author: borjam
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 26, 2021, 10:17:25 am
content: True! I was checking TC Helicon's products and I missed the deesser on the GoXLR, I thought it just has compressor and noise gate.Anyway, talk to Rode. Maybe they wish to take on TC Helicon which will surely suffer in the hands of "The Music Tribe".And there's this option,maybe the best.SSL has a special offer, their audio interfaces include the SSL Production Pack for free. Essentially you want VocalStrip 2, which would solve your problem but it is a plugin.https://www.solidstatelogic.com/products/ssl2https://www.solidstatelogic.com/products/ssl2-plushttps://store.solidstatelogic.com/products/ssl-native-vocalstrip-2

author: jim_griff
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 26, 2021, 11:22:23 am
content: Hi Borjam. Apologies, I wasn't responding to your message before, but was still mentioning the DBX 286s. Total coincidence! Great minds think alike!I have an SSL2+ for dedicated Windows audio to keep Windows from using my audio interface and/or the on-board audio. Great interface, but unfortunately the FX are run via VST plugins, so they need a dedicated host to run them through. They can be run through DaVinci and other NLEs as plugins on audio tracks/channels, but I would hazard a guess Dave wants an all-in-one hardware solution.I still can't think of any all-in-one solution on the market that fits the bill. Would be great to have something like it, though. I'd certainly buy one that has all the features he mentioned, if it existed. Would fit the bill for me for certain projects.

author: borjam
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 26, 2021, 11:30:40 am
content: Quote from: jim_griff on October 26, 2021, 11:22:23 amYeah, my lawyer is sending you papers soon!QuoteI am completely lost about the Windows options. I have always been a Unix guy, so the modern Unix workstation is a Mac. There are plenty of programs that can do live audio using plugins. Plugins are not just useful for editing. You can even get away using Au Lab, a development tool.No idea about the Windows situation, though. But assuming that it exists (it should!) a proper podcasting/live audio app capable of using VST plugins will work.Anyway we gave him three optionsNow, time for him to reach for Rode and tickle them to launch a proper product competing against TC Helicon!

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 26, 2021, 11:53:01 am
content: Quote from: borjam on October 26, 2021, 10:02:13 amYes I know about those solutions, this is why I specifically asked if a simplier all in one hardware solution exists.

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 26, 2021, 11:56:06 am
content: Quote from: borjam on October 26, 2021, 10:17:25 amYeah, I don't want software solutions, I'm specifically interested if an all-in-one hardware solution exists.I've asked thsi a few times now, and no one has pointed one out, so I'm guessing the answer is no. This thread was my last ditch effort to find one if it exists.

author: optoisolated
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 26, 2021, 12:22:05 pm
content: Reach out to Louis Rossman and see if he has any all in one suggestions. From what I've seen though he tends to favour software DSPs with a decent ADC. Also try SpectreSoundStudios as well. He reviews a lot of that sort of equipment and may be able to point you in the right direction.That all said, all in one solutions are likely to be a jack-of-all-trades, master-of-none scenarios from what I've seen.

author: borjam
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 26, 2021, 01:02:18 pm
content: Found one!It lacks a headphone output and I'm sure you won't like the valve thing, but it has gate, compressor, de-esser, phantom of course...https://artproaudio.com/product/voicechannel-tube-channel-strip-with-digital-outs/

author: BrianHG
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 26, 2021, 07:17:17 pm
content: Quote from: borjam on October 26, 2021, 01:02:18 pmI don't know. Mr. Carlson Lab channel deliberately uses a mic with a tube preamp for his Youtube channel and I like relax listening to his well balanced audio in his restoration broadcasts. (Ok, I know the tube doesn't have much to do with it, but I cant complain about the sound quality...)I guess what I am saying is what does it sound like and do I need to worry about replacing the damn tube 2 decades from now...

author: borjam
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 26, 2021, 07:57:12 pm
content: Tubes add some nice sounding distortion, nothing bad of course!

author: BrianHG
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 26, 2021, 08:25:12 pm
content: Quote from: borjam on October 26, 2021, 07:57:12 pmProper tube design should not distort the audio. Withing the proper specified audio levels, it should be as good as any modern IC amplifier. Where the tube gets it's characteristics from is when you exceed the linear proper audio level region. It has a soft rounded approach which would usually end up being harsh audio level clipping with modern semiconductor op-amp designs. If the mic pre-amp's tube design was used to deal with sudden pop from inconsistent loud audio sources in aid of the audio limiter function, done properly this can be a plus. But, I don't think we need to go to this extreme for youtube speech audio. Such a preamp targeting a tube in it's auto-gain level section is better suited for recording for example, a grand piano where a sudden heavy key 'fortissimo' stroke can fire out over 95 db while trying to boost prior 'pianissimo' playing way down below 50db.

author: Bassman59
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 26, 2021, 08:31:51 pm
content: Quote from: borjam on October 26, 2021, 07:57:12 pmA good tube audio design doesn't add any distortion.A bad tube audio design adds distortion.

author: Bassman59
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 26, 2021, 08:32:33 pm
content: Quote from: optoisolated on October 26, 2021, 12:22:05 pmSince when is Rossman now an audio expert?

author: BrianHG
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 26, 2021, 08:33:48 pm
content: Sadly, the best audio limiter for speech and youtube video I've found was the original one built into windows.Under 'Speaker Properties / Enhancements', Loudness Equalization, set it's settings to 'Short' and everything you hear on youtube comes out at 1 perfect volume. Even watching movies with it on during the middle of the night makes the speech hear-able at 1 level even with surrounding music and effects also being moved down to that 1 level.Note that some custom sound-card drivers remove the smart Microsoft one/version and I recommend disabling them for the default Microsoft sound drivers just to get this one original feature as it is so good.If I were ever to make a youtube channel, I would manually process my audio track though this processor before publishing as for when it comes to speech, all others pale in comparison.

author: Bassman59
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 26, 2021, 08:45:16 pm
content: Quote from: EEVblog on October 26, 2021, 11:56:06 amOther than that ART product, what you want does not exist. Almost. Can I suggest two pieces?Look at the Mackie ProFX10v3. It's a mixer with a 2-out (to the computer)/4-in (from the computer) USB audio interface built in. It has four mic inputs with phantom power. I bought one for my kid so he could do remote school as well as recording his violin practices and it works well.It has the feature you need: the four mic input channels each have insert jacks so you can patch in an analog compressor or de-esser. You can probably find dbx and Drawmer compressors for pennies.So yeah, not "all in one," but it will cost you a whole lot less than anything you'll build yourself for a one-off.

author: Bassman59
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 26, 2021, 08:54:09 pm
content: Quote from: BrianHG on October 26, 2021, 08:33:48 pmWhile doing remote-learning last year, my kid (then a 6th-grader!!!) had to prepare short presentations with voice-overs. I recorded his voice using a CAD E-100 mic with pop-stopper into a Mackie 1402VLZ3 which fed converters I designed. I recorded right into Logic.After recording his voice I used one of the standard compressor plug-ins for some squeeze, same things I use when mixing down songs. It's just a matter of getting the right settings, which is easy if you have any experience in using compression.It didn't hurt that I taught him to stay on-mic and keep the distance between his mouth and the mic constant. He wore headphones so he could hear how proximity effect made his voice deeper as he moved in closer. (I'm pretty sure none of the other kids in his class had a parent who was a touring sound mixer, because I know all of the sound guys in town and their kids ...)Of course I high-passed the audio -- and the high-pass is the real secret.

author: John B
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 26, 2021, 09:41:17 pm
content: Quote from: EEVblog on October 26, 2021, 11:53:01 amEven the MOTU Ultralite won't tick your boxes. You're probably not going to find a hardware switch solution for muting the outputs when plugging in headphones. I can't even think of an interface that has some plug detection mechanism.I wouldn't recommend a software solution for you either. I do use a thunderbolt interface with software FX and I can get 6ms round trip latency, which is good enough for realtime, and does everything you could want, but it's not a "one button - everything on" solution, not to mention pricey.The best idea is to split the FX from the interface. Plenty of interfaces have compression but not de essers that I can think of. A separate multi-fx unit will provide "realtime" FX, and provide enough flexibility with tonal shaping. Even if you found a all-in-one solution, you would probably find the tonal control to be lacking, hence why it's better to go for a dedicated FX unit. When you get really fussy, even the multi-FX are a compromise and you get individual FX!A vocal specific rack unit would probably be the best starting point, one with compression and de essing, something like a dbx 286 or similar brand. You could either plug the XLR mic directly into the unit, then route from the rack unit to the interface, or run an FX loop from an interface with enough ins/outs.Some of the more modern interfaces, take MOTU for example, use a web based interface for mix control and allow for more flexible remote control of volume and other parameters. You may be able to work out an easy mute/unmute system for your outputs.So lastly your DIY suggestion.....probably the least efficient way unless you're making it for the purpose of your own edification, or your required solution is really, really specific (which it isn't, the interface + vocal rack unit will work). Check out this project involving multi fx based around a pi:https://www.treefallsound.com/It's on my list of things to do.By the way I don't understand not wanting to combine units. Everything you're asking for will fit into a 2 rack unit case, you can have it all connected in the case and will require minimal setup time if you move the case around.

author: optoisolated
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 26, 2021, 09:42:57 pm
content: Quote from: Bassman59 on October 26, 2021, 08:32:33 pmI didn't say he was an audio expert. I suggested Dave reach out to him as they already have a rapport, and Louis worked in the industry for several years and has experience with audio equipment.

author: optoisolated
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 26, 2021, 09:59:13 pm
content: I'll start by saying that this is overkill, as I'm not sure a single channel ADC/DAC exists which also has noise gates, compressor and de-esser. That said, for not a ridiculous amount of money you can just get a Rodecaster Pro.https://rode.com/interfaces-mixers/rodecaster-proIt's overkill in that its deigned for live podcasting (4 preamp mic inputs) but it does have headphone/monitor outputs and built-in de-esser and noise gates.You can buy them for around $700-$800 Australian.RodeCaster Pro Effects Processing -https://www.rode.com/interfaces-mixers/rodecaster-pro/learning-hub/using-advanced-processing-and-effectsRodeCaster Pro Speaker/Headphones -https://www.rode.com/interfaces-mixers/rodecaster-pro/learning-hub/using-headphones-and-speakersRodeCaster Pro Microphone Support -https://www.rode.com/interfaces-mixers/rodecaster-pro/learning-hub/setting-up-microphone-channels* Note it has a preconfigured profile for the Rode NT1-ABased on your list:A single USB interface microphone pre-amplifier -YesCompressor and De-esser controls -Yes48 Phantom power -YesHeaphone output that disables line output whne plugged in. -Sort of...see belowAutomatically Mute Outputs – Automatically mute the output whenever a channel slider is turned up, ensuring you don’t experience feedback while using monitors.It does have separate headphone/monitor volume control knobs though.balanced XLR line outputs for monitoring -Balanced TRS outputsIt is overkill, but it looks like it will do what you need.

author: borjam
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 27, 2021, 06:04:36 am
content: Quote from: BrianHG on October 26, 2021, 08:25:12 pmDefine "proper". An amplifier designed for music (especially when it takes part in the recording/production process) is not an instrumentation amplifier. It is a legitimate artistic decision to add distortion, equalize or whatnot.In this kind of equipment that is intentional, hence proper.

author: Brumby
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 27, 2021, 07:19:00 am
content: Quote from: optoisolated on October 26, 2021, 09:42:57 pmThis is what I understood.You don't have to be an audio expert to be able tomake suggestions. Assessing the quality and usability of a suggestion is a different ball game.

author: Brumby
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 27, 2021, 07:22:58 am
content: Quote from: borjam on October 27, 2021, 06:04:36 amSorry - I had to laugh. (No disrespect intended.)I've seen both sides of this topic before in a few settings - and all I will say is: You are both right!Edit: .... and it all started in 1976 when a guitarist tried to get me to hear the Marshall "tone". Once I equated "tone" to "distortion" and tuned in, it all became much clearer.

author: BrianHG
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 27, 2021, 09:49:49 am
content: Quote from: Brumby on October 27, 2021, 07:22:58 amIf you are buying an audio amp/preamp for an effect, then yes, you are buying for the distortion. But this is not what a general amp should be. This is what an audio processor should be.As for the Marshall tone, you do know that all electric guitar amps are designed to distort the source audio coming in. DRASTICALLY by design. If you do not distort the signal from an electric guitar, your are left with a tin sounding, with every pluck of the guitar pick, something akin to striking thin wires with a mic on the end of each wire. It sounds like crappy tin acoustic guitar without the inserted over-amped distortion. Each guitar amp sounds different and the way tubes distort when you feed them a too high peaking signal is crucial to the resulting sound effect. This is what is meant by the 'Marshall' sound. It is just the sound effect is makes with it's audio processing as other tube guitar amp's designs will sound different as well.

author: borjam
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 27, 2021, 09:52:05 am
content: Quote from: Brumby on October 27, 2021, 07:22:58 amNo offense taken of course!And yes, I have seen countless puzzled musicians when I say "this distortion sounds beautiful" and they think I'm crazy! "What?? Is it distorted?? OMG!" - "Indeed, distortion is not inherently bad, it's bad only when you didn't want it!"

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 27, 2021, 10:44:14 am
content: Quote from: John B on October 26, 2021, 09:41:17 pmThe Rode AI-1 does it.

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 27, 2021, 10:48:40 am
content: Quote from: Bassman59 on October 26, 2021, 08:32:33 pmHe worked in a recording studio for several years at least doing repairs and was doing recording and mixing gigs at night using the free time.

author: SiliconWizard
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 27, 2021, 07:59:47 pm
content: Just a question, but what's wrong with using post-recording (software) compressor and deesser?Any decent interface with 24-bit sampling will normally have more than enough headroom to allow post-processing even the compressor part without losing anything much.But I don't know what kind of software you use, and maybe it doesn't have much in terms of audio processing. Personally I would definitely consider a software effect approach though.Otherwise, the only "small" (read: not a monster studio rack thing) interface I know of with a built-in compressor is the Universal Audio Volt 276.

author: thm_w
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 27, 2021, 09:17:12 pm
content: Quote from: EEVblog on October 27, 2021, 10:44:14 amMaybe better off designing a board to just do automatic muting, since it *should* be a straightforward hardware task.I think it would have to be USB powered though.Have the TRS switch trigger some reed relays. Can get 10mA 5V reed relays (sip-1a05), that will switch ~0.5-1A on the output. I believe that might be enough?

author: John B
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 27, 2021, 10:12:17 pm
content: Quote from: SiliconWizard on October 27, 2021, 07:59:47 pmIf the interface has DSP capability, the usual FX are EQ (LPF, HPF, bands and shelves), limiting / compression and sometimes a rudimentary reverb engine. De-essers aren't a typical inclusion.Universal Audio has a platform / business model of being able to run downloadable plugins on their hardware, more like an optimised software DAW package, but all in a turn-key piece of hardware. You can certainly purchase a de esser for them.But, the hardware is already expensive then the plugins are expensive too, and it's a proprietary system. The whole thing puts me off.

author: thm_w
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 27, 2021, 10:53:49 pm
content: Quote from: SiliconWizard on October 27, 2021, 07:59:47 pmIts for a workflow with these kind of tools:youtube.com/watch?v=APf-YGpNXfYeg live streams, or live mixing.

author: Someone
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 28, 2021, 12:18:21 am
content: Quote from: optoisolated on October 26, 2021, 09:59:13 pmYep things get expensive quickly when people want features, flexibility, and quality. A "simpler" product that also hits the requirements (other than automatic monitor priority) would be the Apollo Solo USB:https://www.uaudio.com/audio-interfaces/apollo-solo-usb.htmlNo cheaper though.

author: SiliconWizard
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 28, 2021, 01:20:49 am
content: Quote from: thm_w on October 27, 2021, 10:53:49 pmYeah I see. Too bad live streaming can't take audio plugins, although I'm sure there's a way to do that using some audio software with virtual audio in/out (the virtual output then going to a virtual input serving your live streaming app.)I know Dave asked for a single product and not a sum of things, but frankly, right now, except for the interface shown above (which doesn't have a deesser though), the easiest path, good quality while being cheap enough would be using a DBX 286S plugged into whatever audio interface Dave already uses. The DBX 286S is pretty good, it has all processing you'd expect for microphone signals (compressor, deesser, and more!), and is about 200 USD. It's good stuff, not some random shit. And bonus is that you can reuse it with any audio interface you want. Just mount it under a desk, or something, and you're set. Just my 2 cents.

author: Brumby
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 28, 2021, 02:20:18 am
content: Quote from: SiliconWizard on October 27, 2021, 07:59:47 pmAs Dave has said - and something to which I can fully understand (and attest) - getting it rightin the camerais always better for two reasons:1. Original quality - not wrangled into trying to make it sound (or look) better. Pay attention to microphones, background noise and such as well as lighting, colour balance, etc.2. Reduces steps in the work flow. Time is not a commodity to waste, so if you can avoid performing a 'fix' process (or two) foreveryvideo, then that's well worth the effort of setting it up properlyonce.

author: eti
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 28, 2021, 07:50:21 am
content: Quote from: EEVblog on October 26, 2021, 07:10:25 amHello Dave.Have you considered asking the ever incredible Paul Carlson of “Mr Carlson's Lab”? He’s a veritable electronics savant - if he hasn’t got one ready made, I bet he’d like to make one for you.

author: Bassman59
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 28, 2021, 03:38:30 pm
content: Quote from: SiliconWizard on October 28, 2021, 01:20:49 amRogue Amoeba'sAudio Hijack and Loopback will do exactly this.Mac only, of course, because the Windows audio subsystem remains a shitshow.QuoteThis is, of course, the simplest way.

author: optoisolated
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 17, 2021, 01:55:53 pm
content: Following up on my original post about the Rode PodCaster option; I've been playing with mine for a few weeks now and am absolutely loving the Aphex module. The voice output from the Podcaster with High Pass Filter, Noise Gate, De-esser and compresser enabled, and the Aphex module gives it that extra low and upper end. Really gives you that sultry late-night radio voice. I'm using it with a Rode NT1-A as well, and it has a built in profile for that specific microphone, and phantom power, of course.Ive been using it to do recordings all week and the USB input/output straight into the PC is excellent, i've actually ditched my Focusrite 2i2 for my PC and just use the Podcaster instead. The speaker/monitor out is perfect for that.Plugging the headphone in doesnt mute the speakers, but the speaker and headphone volume controls are right next to each other. Very convenient. You can also configure automatically muting the output whenever a channel slider is turned up, ensuring you don’t experience feedback while using monitors. Turning the mic level up will mute the speakers. Handy.Overall, I'm loving it. If you can get a cheap one on eBay I think it would do what dave needs. (I scored mine for about 400)

author: borjam
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 17, 2021, 02:49:36 pm
content: Quote from: optoisolated on November 17, 2021, 01:55:53 pmAural Perception Heterodyne EXciter, no less!

author: TheBay
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 17, 2021, 09:01:33 pm
content: Doesn't tick all of the boxes but having tried a craptonne of USB audio interfaces over the years I really cannot fault my Motu M4.It has lots of balanced outputs (Not XLR) and line level outputs.Separate Headphone and Monitor volume controls (I too was concerned about auto switching, but this is fine)Amazing quality ADC's and DAC'sNo DSP, but I don't know what does have that built in - Well other than the Behringer X AIR stuff.And I forget I have it as it gives me zero trouble and just works, unlike what I can say for other interfaces I've used.

author: borjam
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: May 25, 2022, 06:21:29 am
content: Resurrecting this topic, Rode have announced a new version of Rodecaster with much improved microphone preamps and other improvements.If the price is similar to the original version and they have corrected some issues it is a steal!https://rode.com/en/interfaces-and-mixers/rodecaster-series/rodecaster-pro-ii

author: borjam
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: September 07, 2022, 09:32:31 am
content: Old thread. but seems like someone at Behringer reads this forumhttps://www.thomann.de/es/behringer_uv1.htmif I am not wrong this thing ticks all your boxes, and the price is nice.

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: September 20, 2022, 08:29:38 am
content: Quote from: borjam on September 07, 2022, 09:32:31 amClose, but it doesn't have stereo line output from the USB to go to the speakers.

author: blackdog
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 20, 2022, 09:26:32 am
content: Hi Dave,Its a Mono device, but you can split the output to L an R?Kind regards,Bram

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: September 20, 2022, 09:42:21 am
content: Quote from: blackdog on September 20, 2022, 09:26:32 amThat's not the point. I want stereo playback from the computer via USB. I don't have USB monitor speakers, they are line in.

author: jonpaul
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 20, 2022, 10:17:43 am
content: I think the Keith McMillan Instruments K- mix has everything you ask forhttps://www.keithmcmillen.com/products/k-mix/$600Jon

author: jonovid
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 20, 2022, 11:56:17 am
content: if a product doesn't exist then be the first to make it. start a business?if its not legal as a all new product -because of copyright or brand ownership by others ,then maybe perhaps a kit of parts?

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: September 20, 2022, 12:04:08 pm
content: Quote from: jonovid on September 20, 2022, 11:56:17 amI suspect that not many people have my exact requirement.

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: September 20, 2022, 12:05:58 pm
content: Quote from: jonpaul on September 20, 2022, 10:17:43 amOverkill, and the form factor is not what I want.

author: borjam
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: September 20, 2022, 04:21:48 pm
content: Quote from: EEVblog on September 20, 2022, 08:29:38 amHmm It has USB playback but I have no clue whether it is mono or stereo. Most likely it is stereo taking into account the fact that it has a line input that goes to the "right channel" (ie, channel 2) while the microphone input goes to "left" (channel 1).It doesn´t make much sense to make a 2-input + 1 output USB audio interfaceAnd indeed the tecnical data show it´s a 2 in / 2 out interfaceBut I am pretty sure the USB playback does not go to "line out". That is just the microphone preamp output, I imagine post effects.You're a complicated guy!

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: September 21, 2022, 11:40:16 pm
content: Quote from: 3roomlab on September 20, 2022, 12:37:07 pmThe whole point of this thread is one box that does it all.

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: September 21, 2022, 11:43:12 pm
content: Quote from: borjam on September 20, 2022, 04:21:48 pmI'm actually almost as simple as you can get.I have a single XLR microphone and a pair of XLR studio monitor speakers, and occasioanlly headphone playback. I want to hook up both of these to the computer with a single USB interface. The Rode AI-1 doespreciselythis, but it doesn't have any ability to do compressor etc mic effects.I currently use a Focusrite that does this also, but it annoyingly does not mute the line outputs when the headphones are plugged in.

author: borjam
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: September 22, 2022, 07:00:21 am
content: Quote from: EEVblog on September 21, 2022, 11:43:12 pmNone of the audio interfaces I use or have used does mute the monitor or line output when you plug a pair of headphones if I remember well.Pro audio stuff generally minimizes "automatic" decisions leaving them to the operator. For headphone outputs it's not unusual to have a separate volume control.

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: September 22, 2022, 07:03:34 am
content: Quote from: borjam on September 22, 2022, 07:00:21 amThe Rode AI-1does.