help Ok, Audio interface

Nova on PC and Xbox · April 15, 2018

The speakers I'm buying are 2 JBL LSR305p studio monitors (One left and one right). I have an Audio Technica AT 2035 microphone. These 2 objects are very important.

I need an amp or mixer for my microphone but I also want to listen to my voice when recording through headphones or the speakers themselves.

There are 2 options, the Focusrite Scarlett 2i4 and the Yamaha MG10XU 10-Input Stereo Mixer. Which one should I buy?

I want to be able to listen to myself with headphones and also listen to music without headphones using the same device. They both cost the same, but here's what would all be plugged in.

The Audio Technica AT 2035 microphone, the Sennheiser HD 598 SE headphones, and both JBL LSR305p speakers. If I'm recording a video or playing a game that needs a microphone I'd be using the headphones.

Which audio interface should I get.

chckovsky · April 15, 2018

The Focusrite one is fine.

The MG10XU is cool because of the compressor which is nice evening out your voice while streaming for example (it allows you to boost volume without distorting it). A little goes a long way though. It's not really a useful feature for non-live-streamed videos because a software compressor will likely respond better and is more customizable.

I prefer the sound of the Audient iD14's over the Scarlett though, they have better mic preamps and converters (I haven't tried the iD4, but they're not the same). Plus it's not that much more expensive. The iD14 is a bit fuller and more scooped (hifi), where the Scarletts are warmer but muddier (altough we're talking very small nuances here). It does require you to run off the included power adapter for use with condenser mics like your AT2035, so in YOUR use case it can't be powered off of a USB port.

You don't need an amp, your monitors are powered. Just get some nice balanced TRS 1/4" jacks from your interface to your speakers and you should be good to go!