dailyherold
Member
- Joined
- Sep 12, 2019
- Messages
- 10
- Likes
- 9
I got quite enthusiastic at realizing there is a category of device that has:
- at least 2 mic/instrument combo inputs (hi-z not required)
- micro SD local recording
- battery power
- usb-c power, data transfer, and usb audio interface (class compliant, Linux my main OS)
- built-in mics that aren't atrocious and can capture nice environmental samples
- basic mixing: input-usb-audio mix, gain, etc
- friendly for DSLR
- under $500
Why search for this unicorn? I'd like to have a portable device to capture voice notes, interviews/podcasts, environment, samples, record synths and other noisemakers I have, and use it as my portable audio interface when traveling.
Devices I've found in this category:
- Zoom H6essential (F3 as well as I could give up built in mics)
- Tascam Portacapture x8
- Centrance mixerface 3rd gen
Based on the F6 and Centrance reviews (although older gen, other Centrance reviews don't inspire confidence), I'm discouraged. The Tascam DR-100 MKIII review gave some hope but no use as a usb interface and usb-c power is ideal for me. The Cosmos ADC is very encouraging tech wise but limited in features for my use case and don't think I'd consider combining with a portable preamp.
I have a H6essential on order, might get a x8 as well to test. Anything I'm missing? Sony pro line possibly but pushing the budget. Happy to send anything to someone for measurements as well. Overall, every time I go down this research hole, knowing the caliber of product per dollar we've seen come to market over last 5 years on DAC and amp side and I have a sense that current market is ripe for a disruptor.
- at least 2 mic/instrument combo inputs (hi-z not required)
- micro SD local recording
- battery power
- usb-c power, data transfer, and usb audio interface (class compliant, Linux my main OS)
- built-in mics that aren't atrocious and can capture nice environmental samples
- basic mixing: input-usb-audio mix, gain, etc
- friendly for DSLR
- under $500
Why search for this unicorn? I'd like to have a portable device to capture voice notes, interviews/podcasts, environment, samples, record synths and other noisemakers I have, and use it as my portable audio interface when traveling.
Devices I've found in this category:
- Zoom H6essential (F3 as well as I could give up built in mics)
- Tascam Portacapture x8
- Centrance mixerface 3rd gen
Based on the F6 and Centrance reviews (although older gen, other Centrance reviews don't inspire confidence), I'm discouraged. The Tascam DR-100 MKIII review gave some hope but no use as a usb interface and usb-c power is ideal for me. The Cosmos ADC is very encouraging tech wise but limited in features for my use case and don't think I'd consider combining with a portable preamp.
I have a H6essential on order, might get a x8 as well to test. Anything I'm missing? Sony pro line possibly but pushing the budget. Happy to send anything to someone for measurements as well. Overall, every time I go down this research hole, knowing the caliber of product per dollar we've seen come to market over last 5 years on DAC and amp side and I have a sense that current market is ripe for a disruptor.
Last edited: