VO Studio Setup: Audio Interfaces With More Features

More advanced audio interface models. As you start spending more money on Audio Interfaces, you aren’t necessarily getting a better quality analog to digital (A/D) conversion. Nor do you see a huge change in the quality of the preamps which are contained in those units.  However, you do start adding additional features, which creates a more versatile piece of equipment. 

The question is whether those extra options and features inside the audio interface are important within the context of your studio and recording needs of your voiceover studio. For most home VO studios, the models I mentioned last week are all solid choices.

Audio Routing Options – Software Controls

For example, within the Scarlett Series from Focusrite, there are other interface models with more microphone inputs. I have an 18i20, which I use during “Mic Night” events, that allows me to attach up to eight microphones at the same time. Basically, it’s the equivalent of eight Solos (or four 2i2’s) with a same set of preamps and converters. However, when you go up to the 18i20 model, Focusrite supplies their Focusrite Control “Console” software which gives computer control of the audio signal. It allows control of the attached hardware device through the computer. The software provides a virtual mixing console onscreen and begins to add flexibility in your routing options. 

With so many people currently producing podcasts or streaming content, manufacturers are continuing to add more enhanced software routing options. For example, the Presonus io24 Revelator Interface (shown in action at the top of this article) may seem to have a somewhat limited set of hardware controls on the unit itself, but, it provides much more versatility through the Presonus Universal Control software. 

Sonic Enhancement Options in Audio Interfaces

These interfaces allow much more extensive processing of the incoming audio signal. Similar to the “Air”, “4K”, or “Vintage” switches in the Audio Interfaces I mentioned last week, software tools can modify the raw signal from the microphone, adding coloration or effects with completely adjustable settings. That means it can have a significant impact upon sound quality, so, you need to get those settings right. 

While there are ways to record a “dry” signal in addition to the processed audio, it’s important to note that you are generally “baking in” the effects. If your workflow benefits from that, and you understand the settings you are adjusting, this can be a significant workflow refinement.

Just like many of the models from last week, these Audio Interfaces below all have a pair of microphone inputs, plenty for most VO setups. What they add to the mix is a potentially wide tonal palette through input processing and highly versatile software signal routing to send the audio to various places. These last two features are arguably where most of the additional expense comes from. 

Audio Interface Models with Advanced Features

Universal Audio Apollo Series Interfaces

Universal Audio (UA) pioneered the idea of firmware plug-in processing modules which live in the interface itself. Working directly with known companies that built the classic hardware found in high end studios, UA created software versions for their interfaces. With the Apollo series, you can access plug-in versions of the Manley VoxBox, API Vision Channel Strip or the Avalon M737 preamp, for example, which are sonically accurate to those devices. You hear the result in real time as you record, thanks to the processing power in these interfaces.

The Solo and the Twin are the most common models found in VO setups. Both have two inputs, but the Twin has more complex monitor outputs, as well as more studio-focused routing and talkback. Both are Thunderbolt 3 connected, rather than USB. (There is a Twin USB model geared for Windows users).

UA Apollo Solo – manufacturer’s site
UA Apollo Twin – manufacturer’s site

RME

RME builds interfaces with incredibly versatile routing and proprietary audio drivers. You don’t hear about these as much in home VO studios, but they are a solid and reliable product with a strong heritage in professional studios. They are particularly strong in the variety of presets you can create for various routing and processing. If you do other types of recording, or tend to be moving between studios, this can be a powerful asset to your studio. They have an exceptionally logical layout to their routing software.

RME Babyface Pro FS – manufacturer’s site

Presonus revelator io24 Audio Interface

Presonus has been implementing a lot of these ideas for a while and have quietly created a versatile and advanced audio interface option for a budget-friendly investment with the revelator io24. Taking features from their StudioLive mixer series, they have implemented their FatChannel processing software, while also providing Presonus Universal Control software for a solid way to control these interfaces.

What’s interesting about the Revelator is that they combined the simplicity of a two input interface and overlaid it with so many other options – all while keeping the price reasonable. I’ve been playing with this since it came out, and have found it to be an interesting design. 

Presonus Revelator io24 interface – manufacturer’s site

NEXT – Voiceover Audio Interfaces with a few other approaches, some models you’ve been asking about, and a few final thoughts about Audio Interfaces in current voiceover studios. 

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