Need 4-input interface: suggestions?

[7.62]

I am happy with my Motu M2 for home recording. However, I want a way to keep my Line 6 Helix (stereo guitar processor) connected in Direct Monitor mode at all times without taking up the XLR/instrument inputs of channels 1&2.

I just bought the Black Lion 2x2 thinking that it’s SPDIF input would be the solution because I could keep inputs 1&2 connected to other sources and just toggle back and forth between using SPDIF from the Helix as needed).

When I got the unit I noticed that phantom power is activated across BOTH channels simultaneously. So it seems like if I want to use a dynamic mic in one input and a condenser on another simultaneously, I can’t without introducing the dynamic to phantom power (which seems absolutely ridiculous).

I was searching to see if phantom power could be applied to ONE input only (can anyone answer this?), and that’s when I came across this site and this review of the BL2x2. Very disappointing to read, so I am heavily considering returning the unit.

So I am looking at the MOTU 4x4 and the Topping 4x4. I want to keep it sub $300 (will sell the M2). Anything else I should look at?

Again, the purpose is to have my Line 6 Helix connected for direct monitoring from my studio monitors at all times, while keeping inputs 1&2 free for microphones, etc for recording. Also need to be able to have phantom power applied independently to each channel.

 

[DVDdoug]

Phantom power won't hurt a properly wired dynamic mic. Phantom power is the same on both signal lines and it's relative to ground so it's not applied across the coil and the coil has no connection to ground. So as far as the signal connections are concerned the phantom power doesn't exist.

If you're paranoid you can get a phantom power blocker, which I assume is a couple of capacitors built-into a connector.

 

[DWPress]

Sell both and buy the Motu AVB I have listed here.

 

[7.62]

Phantom power won't hurt a properly wired dynamic mic. Phantom power is the same on both signal lines and it's relative to ground so it's not applied across the coil and the coil has no connection to ground. So as far as the signal connections are concerned the phantom power doesn't exist.

If you're paranoid you can get a phantom power blocker, which I assume is a couple of capacitors built-into a connector.

Can’t it introduce unwanted noise into the signal, though? And can’t it damage ribbon microphones? I’ve been in live situations where I specifically recall phantom power (accidentally being left on) being the culprit of mic issues. Plus, I just don’t see why NOT make PP independently available per channel like most other interfaces seem to do. I mean, with that mindset, might as well just have phantom power to be non-switchable and on at all times, no?

Regardless, after reading amrim’s review of the BL Revolution, it seems clear that better options are available for the money. The DAC performance is very poor in his test, indeed.

 

[LTig]

Can’t it introduce unwanted noise into the signal, though?

No. Both pins are fed by the same voltage source hence the difference is zero.

And can’t it damage ribbon microphones? I’ve been in live situations where I specifically recall phantom power (accidentally being left on) being the culprit of mic issues.

Phantom power must be off when mics are connected. It can be switched on afterwards. Otherwise it is possible that the input can be destroyed, or the preamp in the mic.

Plus, I just don’t see why NOT make PP independently available per channel like most other interfaces seem to do.

Almost all smaller mixing consoles switch phantom power for all mic channels or none. Mine does it for 4 channels each.

I mean, with that mindset, might as well just have phantom power to be non-switchable and on at all times, no?

No, this would make it impossible to use unbalanced sources.