Hi Everyone - Today's topic in the Home Studio Equipment Reviews and Recommendations series is part #3
So here's the list; In the order of importance as I see them they are as follows:

1. Microphone
   
2. Computer
   
3. Audio Interface
   
4. DAW Software
   
5. Power Conditioner
   
6. Headphones
   
7. Acoustic Treatment
   
8. Studio Monitors (speakers)
   
9. External Hard Drive
   
10. Cables & Accessories

We hope every had a Happy Earthday weekend. What were we up to? we continued our search for Eco-Friendly studio equipment. Some of the products we found aren't being distributed yet, but we'll continue finding ones that do, and post them in our store for you to shop and see what's available - though some like Green Glue and these great Rubber Mats made from recycled tires (that provide mass and absorb vibrations) are available in our shop.  We also added a section just for sun, highlighting some toys we've played with in our own studios!Now - on to the next installment in our series, Home Studio Equipment Reviews and Recommendations - and we're happy to announce that Mel Allen of The Real Voice was invited to be a full fledged member of Your Audio Pro! Please welcome Mel to our family - and now we'll let him get on with this week's blog:

So on to today's topic in the Home Studio Equipment Reviews and Recommendations series for part #3 it's the 'Audio Interface'. It's going to take a moment to get there as I want to give you some background on what you need to consider before you say 'This is the interface I want.'

There are many options for Interfaces are available. Hundreds, likely even thousands are available. I've used several, many much more expensive than the ones listed below, and the one thing I often find is that people are using are much bigger or more complicated setups than they need to be. I recall one voiceover talent whose studio I walked into and he had a preamp, a de-esser, compression equipment and it was all fed into and out of a Mackie 1604 – a fine mixer. However, as a voiceover talent he was only using one channel of that 90% of the time, and occasionally recording another talent the other 10%. However, as he didn't record simultaneously he effectively only used one channel. So why did he have a 16 channel mixer that cost him $900 connected indirectly through a Behringer UCA222 USB 'dongle' into his computer? It's what he thought he needed, or was convinced he did. He had so many odd connections that his expensive equipment didn't work properly, wasn't set up properly and as a result didn't record properly. I swapped out his USB dongle for a more direct solution that also removed an annoying tone that was inaudible to his ears, but present on every bit of audio he recorded. The first recording we did, even before tweaking was finished, made his prior recordings sound muddy and hollow.

The lesson here is that misinformation is huge in this industry and many of the salespeople in stores either don't know the reality or receive a bonus to 'push' a product. Different from a commission, incentives or bonuses are the new way to pay many salespeople. This is true at brick and mortar & online stores - it's how businesses rid their storerooms of a particular product that has been discontinued or sell a product with a higher profit margin.

Now don't start wearing a tinfoil hat, and looking for a recording devices conspiracy. Just think carefully about the questions you're asking and hopefully I can help you ask better ones. If you need help, feel free to ask questions in the comments. Oh, and this list isn't exhaustive or complete - yes you'll likely hear (if you ask someone's opinion) strong opinions for or against any interface you come across. Part of the reason is that there are so many, but you'll also hear people echoing the potentially misguided information a salesperson gave them. Contrary to popular belief, there are several 'industry standard' DAW software packages available. As a result there are also several interfaces that work with those DAW software. Consider carefully before you make a purchase that a specific interface may be required for your DAW software to work. Some, however, work with just about any device you connect to your computer. Some interfaces also have better integration with your computer overall. The one that works for *you* should work with your mic and computer as well as the DAW you ultimately decide to purchase. Most Dynamic microphones are no problem, but make sure your interface provides phantom power if you have a condenser microphone or plan to use one eventually. The good news - all of the ones below do provide phantom power, and some have other options you might like.

CEntrance MicPort Pro – called ‘one of the cleanest and best interfaces available’ by many, it’s also *very* simple and quite small. Many VO talents use exclusively, others only travel with it when on the road. They keep a larger interface with more options, and configuration abilities at home. Some other, less expensive options, like the Blue Icicle and Shure X2u work well for some but have seen issues with certain condenser microphones, less reliability with phantom power or more limited lifespans. This one has a higher pricetag, but you get what you pay for in this rugged and extremely portable package. [EDIT] does not connect well to monitors only has a plug for headphones[EDIT] The CEntrance MicPort Pro

Tascam US-144 mkII Interface . The Cubase LE software it comes with isn't great for voiceovers, though many music hobbyists swear by it. While you may or may not not like the Cubase software - the interface works well, functions as expected, has two inputs and operates reliably. The good news is - the drivers are PC and Mac compatible for many different operating system flavors, and it works with multiple pieces of software flawlessly. [EDIT] subsequent testing has shown some issues with the RCA outputs, you may get a buzzing in your monitors - it can be fixed, but not permanently. As the RCA plugs loosen, the buzzing will return[EDIT]: The Tascam US-144 mkII

Presonus AudioBox USB - comes with Studio One Artist – a clean, easy to use interface/software combo with some amazing social media/podcast integration. We'll cover those features later - but the clean affordable interface is fast becoming a favorite among some users, offers two inputs and the bonus is that the included software is very likeable. [EDIT] though this has unbalanced outputs, they seem stable and didn't provide me any issues.[EDIT] The Presonus AudioBox 2x2 USB

Mbox Mini - No longer bundled with ProTools (a limited number available with ProTools 8 for roughly $350), this is too expensive as a standalone for many, but those who are committed to giving themselves upgrade capabilities in the ProTools family, or portability when away from their ProTools powered studio, may want to consider this interface. If you have a more permanent and professional studio in your home, and plan to open it to other talent for renting out your services, the mBox would allow you portability to go to a client's studio and edit with them - and could be invaluable. A word of caution - I don't recommend buying m-powered or 'Fast Track' variations of Protools interface/DAW combos - they are missing some key features of the software that make many people who have purchased it early, regret it later on.  [EDIT]no issues with the unbalanced outputs, but had subsequent issues with buzzing on a Mac (core audio driver issue) but not on a PC[EDIT] The Avid ProTools mBox mini

Also - the older mBox Mini/ProTools 8 combo (supplies of the older variant may be limited, or permanently unavailable soon)


Those are some of the options I've used and had success using. What are some of your favorites? Sound off in the comments!

Until next time - wishing you all the best, and stay tuned for the next installment in the Home Studio Equipment Reviews and Recommendations series for DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) Software next week.

On behalf of all of us at Your Audio Pro - have a great week in audio! Mel