Hardware Recommendations - 8 channel audio out on windows

[thatmattrogers]

Hi everyone,
I'm putting together a project that needs 4 discreet stereo channels that can be cued independently.

So my instinctive solution is to use as audio interface/external sound card with 8 output channels then just use matrix routing to send the audio where I want it.

unfortunately I don't currently have such a device.

So I was wondering if any of you have any hardware recommendations or potential pitfalls that I need to look out for. 

eg. if I was to use an 8 channel audio interface like a scarlett or something from behringer etc.; would all 8 outputs be independantly addressable?

or would a 7.1 surround enabled external sound card be better for the money? (given that this project doesn't need the inputs) 

Thanks.

[Juriaan]

@thatmattrogers

So my opinion regarding hardware is always buy something that goes a long time, especially when you buy it as a 'personal' product.

Or make it part of the invoice for the project if it is for a client / part of it.

Regarding recommendations;

- It depends on the Showmachine, according to your signature you are on Windows 10.

For sound you then want to look for an audio device that has proper drivers / ASIO support for usage within Isadora.

Couple options here:

- https://www.thomann.de/intl/focusrite_scarlett_18i20_3rd_gen.htm

- https://www.thomann.de/intl/motu_ultralite_mk5.htm

- https://www.thomann.de/intl/tascam_us_16x08.htm

I am not saying that other products won't work, it is more that I used the above before / or a variant of said model.

Please also be aware that you need some converters / plugs to go from a line-out to the type of cable that your output is requesting.. They often have it split in XLR / and Line-outs.

An other option is to rent an audio-desk like an Allen and Health - SQ5. Since all those desks are also audio interfaces that you can pipe audio thru. Then from there you often have 8 outs (XLR) or you can simple attach a stage block to it to extend your options.

The nice thing about a audio mixer is that you can actually edit / set the mix in the space a bit clearer.

[Oleksandr Kovtun]

Hello! 

I'm using an old Behringer UMC1820 and have no issues with routing.

[thatmattrogers]

Thank you both, I'll look into your reccomendations.

Thanks

[jtsteph]

I use both a older Behringer UMC404 (which is 4 channels in and out) and the MOTU Ultralite MK5 which is has an easy analog 8 in and 10 out. Both work great with Isadora.