Audio Interface Vs Field Recorder

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Audio Interface Vs Field Recorder - Which Is Best?

Рет қаралды 15,441

Күн бұрын

Audio Interface or Field Recorder for recording good audio? Today we're going to cover the differences between the two for the best audio recording, and we'll take a look at the Sound Devices MixPre 6 II, PreSonus AudioBox96 and a Universal Audio Apollo USB. Grab yourself a coffee (or a tea, if that’s what you’re into) and let’s get into it!
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Table of Contents:
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0:00 - Intro
0:17 - Overview
1:18 - Audio Interface Features
2:18 - Field Recorder Features
3:16 - Handheld Recorder Features
3:53 - Main Differences
6:16 - Apples To Apples
6:49 - My Top Picks
7:51 - Conclusions
8:24 - Wrap up
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#Audio #Interface #Recorder

Пікірлер: 76

@randyrektor 3 жыл бұрын

What device are you currently rocking? I've been loving this MixPre!

@spikeboydell 4 ай бұрын

Zoom F6 with a Sennheiser MKH416 in my vocal booth. Nice video, glad I found you from the Voices site. Liked, subscribed & greetings from Sydney.

@fernfawkes Ай бұрын

The Zoom H6 has come in clutch for me. First, quick note on the H6: it actually does have a built in limiter/compressor. It is assignable per channel OR globally. Probably not as tweakable as it can be (it offers presets only that, as far as I have seen, can't be changed) with the onboard options, but, it has been enough for my needs. It has also been a lifesaver as an interface when my primary one malfunctioned. I ended up replacing my primary interface with a Zoom LiveTrak L-12 which is a 12-channel digital mixer which also functions as a 14-in-4-out interface. The L-12 can also work as a portable DAW with its built-in recorder (12 separate channels plus Master Mix) and still offer mixing of each individual track.

@flywittzbeats4008 2 жыл бұрын

I feel like most people that are watching this are like me and thinking “I better not have to get a good interphase on top of dropping over a grand on a field recorder” lol. I also really love the preamp and analog limiters in the mix pre. I especially love how the mid to low range is produced from it. Of course that’s more tailored to cinematic sound, but to me it just sounds better all round since it’s produced in analog. And it’s much easier to dial back on in a mix then trying to reproduce it digitally.

@randyrektor 2 жыл бұрын

Yea there are certainly cheaper ways to do it! The mixpre is a beast, isn't it!

@spikeboydell 4 ай бұрын

Zoom F6 with a Sennheiser MKH416 in my vocal booth. Nice video, glad I found you from the Voices site. Liked, subscribed & greetings from Sydney.

@randyrektor 4 ай бұрын

Thanks so much for the kind words. That’s an awesome setup! Do you transfer from the F6 via usb or SD card? I’m curious about your process :)

@spikeboydell 3 ай бұрын

Thanks @randyrektor, generally it is easier to transfer recorded .wav files from the F6 to my Mac via USB, as it saves removing the battery to get the to the SD card which is a tad awkward when using the ORCA OR-268 audio mixer bag. Like you with your MixPre 3 II, I also use the Zoom F6 field recorder as an audio interface in the studio, connecting to the Mac via USB so it works as an interface for my MKH416 and other mics with my preferred DAW (mainly Reaper, sometimes LogicPro). Your point about the dials on a dedicated audio interface being easier to use than a field recorder is well made, but I overcome the fiddly menus and small knobs on the F6 by using the BTA-1 Bluetooth adapter so I can comfortably manage all controls and set levels from an iPad. You mentioned that the MixPre has a limiter for each channel, as does the F6. I see the advantage of the field recorder over a dedicated audio interface is that it does both jobs well, both the MixPre and F6 have high quality pre-amps and you can record a backup to the SD card simultaneously whilst using as a USB audio interface. I went the Zoom F6 route rather than MixPre 3 II as in Australia at the time I bought it the F6 was significantly less expensive, had 6 XLR inputs (in case I ever go ambisonic) and line out for my camera, 3 power options (NP 9, 4 x AA & USB) without the need for a battery sled, and I liked the extensive Bluetooth control. I think they are probably quite similar in what they can do and I have been happy with it. I have a couple of videos about my process at kzfaq.info/sun/PL2ytIRdcKDSMA5zFweaFfdnZ-pOgRtbhd&si=R1-sxzjys5yOhgrG which also have links to my kit in the description. A long answer, but hope it helps.

@TheCustomaryLandPodcast 3 ай бұрын

@@randyrektor Thanks Randy. Generally it is easier to transfer recorded .wav files from the F6 to my Mac via USB, as it saves removing the battery to get the to the SD card which is a tad awkward when using the ORCA OR-268 audio mixer bag. Like you with your MixPre 3 II, I also use the Zoom F6 field recorder as an audio interface in the studio, connecting to the Mac via USB so it works as an interface for my MKH416 and other mics with my preferred DAW (mainly Reaper, sometimes LogicPro). Your point about the dials on a dedicated audio interface being easier to use than a field recorder is well made, but I overcome the fiddly menus and small knobs on the F6 by using the BTA-1 Bluetooth adapter so I can comfortably manage all controls and set levels from an iPad. You mentioned that the MixPre has a limiter for each channel, as does the F6. I see the advantage of the field recorder over a dedicated audio interface is that it does both jobs well, both the MixPre and F6 have high quality pre-amps and you can record a backup to the SD card simultaneously whilst using as a USB audio interface. I went the Zoom F6 route rather than MixPre 3 II as in Australia at the time I bought it the F6 was significantly less expensive, had 6 XLR inputs (in case I ever go ambisonic) and line out for my camera, 3 power options (NP 9, 4 x AA & USB) without the need for a battery sled, and I liked the extensive Bluetooth control. I think they are probably quite similar in what they can do and I have been happy with it. I have a couple of videos about my process at kzfaq.info/sun/PL2ytIRdcKDSMA5zFweaFfdnZ-pOgRtbhd&si=R1-sxzjys5yOhgrG which also have links to my kit in the description. A long answer, but hope it helps.

@gogroupby Жыл бұрын

Great video! This is the exact explanation I was looking for!

@randyrektor Жыл бұрын

Glad it was helpful!

@ixamedia6572 3 ай бұрын

As I watch more of your videos, incredibly, I am beginning to laugh at the jokes. Great info here!

@randyrektor 3 ай бұрын

Lol they're not great, but they keep me entertained lol! Thanks for the kind words

@Utoober-yp7mf 2 жыл бұрын

Audio interface has gain knob and portable recorder has record vol knob. Are they the same?

@scronx Жыл бұрын

Thanks for every detail here. I subscribed.

@randyrektor Жыл бұрын

You’re so welcome! Thanks for the sub!!

@paulmoss2536 2 жыл бұрын

Love your videos! I'm sure you'll blow up in no time. Question - my business records corporate style training videos (indoors) and I am looking to make some big upgrades. Right now I just use a RODE VideoMic plugged into my DSLR. I'm looking to upgrade to a Sennheiser mkh 50, with a mixpre-3 II. Is this a worthwhile setup? I also have a focusrite solo lying around, so wondering if the mixpre will improve my sound quality significantly or if I should just stick with the focusrite. Thanks!

@randyrektor 2 жыл бұрын

Hey Paul, thanks for the kind words! My 9-5 is actually making talking head videos for my workplace and we JUST upgraded to a SoundDevices Mix Pre and an MKH50! What are the odds! I think it’s a great setup. I’m not sure that you’ll notice a difference in quality, to be quite candid. But you’ll notice a huge difference in flexibility and mobility. Also the MixPre series has 32-but audio which can save solo shooters a lot of stress on set!

@AnalystAcademy 2 жыл бұрын

@@randyrektor Thanks for the quick response!

@RJVB Жыл бұрын

Lately I've been wondering if there are no field/digital recordings that can take their input from a USB audio interface (and that aren't as expensive as a tablet PC or iPad). Do those exist?

@PeterMossUkulele 2 жыл бұрын

I personally like the portable option and currently use a Zoom H6. I would love to upgrade to either the the F6 or the Mixpre 3 or even 6 - but the latter I couldn't justify as not using in a professional capacity, just a hobby. Nice video - Subscribed to you. Peter.

@randyrektor 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the comment, Peter. Sorry I missed this comment. The F6 is fantastic! I use the F6 at work, and it's a really solid option :)

@PeterMossUkulele 2 жыл бұрын

@@randyrektor Thank you 🙏

@Beshinemusician 2 жыл бұрын

Great Video. I am a Musician as I purchased a Sound Devices MixPre 10ii for just the outputs and Preamps alone. The MixPre 10ii let' me plugin my monitors via XLR mini, It’s Definitely a Beast. I installed the Musician Plugin as well. I would also Love to see you do a video or videos (I know it is a lot) explaining how to use the MixPre as an Audio Interface, Streaming, Zoom Conferencing, Podcasting, and with a DAW. I use Reaper as a DAW, and would like to use both at the same Time. I would like to accomplish All of this using my Shure SM7B for vocals and Shure SM57 for acoustic Guitar, with the Musician Plugin.

@randyrektor 2 жыл бұрын

Oh man, the 10ii is a beast!! That sounds awesome. I’d definitely be up for making a video like that! I use mine with ProTools all the time, and I love being able to record in ProTools and send a signal back to record on the SD card :) makes video editing so nice!

@Beshinemusician 2 жыл бұрын

@@randyrektor Definitely cool if you could do some vids. Not too many vids on using the Musician Plugin.

@MohammadFarahmand-xl3zq 24 күн бұрын

Zoom h5 or audio interface

@riccardovescovo 3 ай бұрын

Thank you, clear and helpful indeed.

@randyrektor 3 ай бұрын

Happy to help!

@globalgogetter4469 2 жыл бұрын

Great breakdown Subbed!

@randyrektor 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much :) 🙌🏻🙌🏻

@leorosendow9728 3 жыл бұрын

Which one has better audio quality? M track 2x2 or Presonus Itwo ???

@randyrektor 3 жыл бұрын

I'm not totally sure! I haven't used either of them. Maybe someone in the comments will have some insight.

@spartan7042 2 ай бұрын

Very helpful

@randyrektor 2 ай бұрын

I’m so glad. Thanks for watching.

@RememberToLove Жыл бұрын

Trying to make a portable set up to record BOTH vocals & electric guitar to iPad AT THE SAME TIME to 2 separate tracks. (No computer or electricity) Is this even possible??? Wondering if you have any affordable recommendations. Thanks for your time.

@randyrektor Жыл бұрын

There are a couple of battery powered interfaces out there that would definitely let you do this. I’m not sure what’s currently on the market, but look for a battery powered usb interface. Hope this helps!!

@flywittzbeats4008 2 жыл бұрын

Awesome video btw, I subbed without reluctance haha

@randyrektor 2 жыл бұрын

Awesome! Thank you so much. That means a lot

@decoyploom3159 2 жыл бұрын

Whats cool with handled recorder like Zoom h6, it can also be an audio interface (Can Multitrack). If your'e in a tight budget and wanted to record outside and inside, i guess this is a cool device cause it also had an additional mounted mic.

@randyrektor 2 жыл бұрын

Great point!

@ahamm.u 2 жыл бұрын

Hey, lovely video! Thank you. Have a quick one here. Other than the ergonomics which i will live with does the zoom h8 work at par with what quality a stand alone audio interface would serve?

@randyrektor 2 жыл бұрын

You bet. The only real difference would be the preamp sound, but that really comes down to taste and personal preference. Quality-wise, they’ll be quite similar.

@ryansnydercg 3 жыл бұрын

I’ve been wondering this myself lately. Been using an interface but thinking maybe a field mic might be worth a spin. Literally looking for this exact video 3-4 weeks ago! Thanks dude

@randyrektor 3 жыл бұрын

Oh man, that’s the best news. Love it when a plan comes together. What are you thinking about getting?

@ryansnydercg 3 жыл бұрын

@@randyrektor for sure!!! I have an 18i20 but looking at one of the Zoom H series

@randyrektor 3 жыл бұрын

@@ryansnydercg Oh nice man! Yea the Zoom H's are awesome! So mobile and the 5 and 6 are loaded with specs.

@chpak93 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks you, it's helpful.

@randyrektor 3 жыл бұрын

Glad to hear that!

@andersalmholt7669 2 жыл бұрын

I'm wondering whether a preamp is the same as an audio interface or a field recorder or something else entirely. In any case, could you tell me what the difference between af preamp like the saramonic smartrig+ and a handheld recorder like the zoom h1 is? I want to improve my audio but I can figure out which of the two options to go for. Thank you in advance. :-D

@randyrektor 2 жыл бұрын

Ahh great question and I totally understand he confusion. So a preamp is PART of an interface and a field recorder. A preamp is what boosts the level from mic-level to line-level. Historically, you'd need a preamp and a converter to get the signal into a computer, but modern interfaces are both a preamp AND a converter. Hope this helps!

@AKoboldsAdventures 8 ай бұрын

great vid

@randyrektor 8 ай бұрын

Thank you!!

@josh_thatcher 2 жыл бұрын

Cool vid. Subbed. 👍

@randyrektor 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

@286EN 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

@randyrektor 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching :)

@anttitapio4145 2 жыл бұрын

Newer Zoom H1n can be used as audio interface also. It's easy and very portable way to get better sound quality for Teams and Zoom meetings. Does it matter that Zoom F6 doesn't have limiters when you can use 32-bit float recording?

@randyrektor 2 жыл бұрын

Oh that’s awesome! I’ll have to check it out. No not really. 32 bit is so much dynamic range, you’ll never need to use limiters. 32 bit does add an extra step in post though. That’s why I always use 24 bit. More than enough dynamic range for anything I’d be recording for KZfaq. Hope this helps!

@biswajitnath804 2 ай бұрын

How plausible is to use field recorder for recording drums?

@randyrektor 2 ай бұрын

Super plausible! You should check out the new Zoom field recorder offerings. Really great. Something to consider, if you’re ever wanting to play to tracks, you’ll want one that can act as an interface with your computer. Something to consider :)

@biswajitnath804 2 ай бұрын

@@randyrektor thanks for the info... Btw... I play drums in a local rock band... So sometimes we would want to record our jamming sessions and post online, I'm a little bit sceptical about the sound quality, especially the vocal... What's your opinion on that? Can this field recorder be a good substitute for audio inferface?

@randyrektor 2 ай бұрын

Field recorders work great for live stuff! Especially if you have access to ‘direct out’ channels on your mixer. You can pass along an unprocessed signal of each Chanel directly off the board and mix it later. You could also use it as an interface if it allows. Best of both worlds

@biswajitnath804 2 ай бұрын

@@randyrektor thanks for the info😇

@donniumar767 Жыл бұрын

any brands audio interface with 32 bit float

@ali32 2 жыл бұрын

thanks a lot

@natalieandgabriel 3 жыл бұрын

Well, I'm telling that joke to my wife.. I'm sure her reaction is not going to be as nice as yours LoL.. The subscribe cameo-Omg super Funny! As always, super great information, I learn so much with your videos, I feel like thanks to them, I'm choosing better equipment to grow my channel. Thank you!

@randyrektor 3 жыл бұрын

LOL her jokes are my favorite part of recording lol! Thanks for the kind words, Gabriel! I really appreciate it. How's the case been holding up for you guys? I've been absolutely loving mine.

@natalieandgabriel 3 жыл бұрын

@@randyrektor super great, I love it! I even put my osmo pocket and the filters inside when going for a trip, and since it's study im confident that my mavic is protected!!!

@randyrektor 3 жыл бұрын

Oh thats great to hear! Yeah, I've been throwing my ipad in there and everything. Crazy how compact it is with so much space. I've gotta check out the osmo! They looks so slick

@natalieandgabriel 3 жыл бұрын

@@randyrektor Yes! Its a great case!! The Osmo is a very nice 4k cam, but it's as blind as me at night...no bueno ..a bat has more chances of seeing in HD at night than the osmo, but for a nice bright day, I totally love it!

@randyrektor 3 жыл бұрын

LOL! Now that's a review! lol good to know :)