Stupid Question of the Day: Behringer vs FocusRite

mykrobinson · 11-08-2017, 07:09 AM

Don't laugh

I currently have a 1st gen FocusRite Scarlett 18i20, and for the most part, it works well, except for the seemingly well known issue of input issues. For example, if I turn the gain all the way down, I can still clip the input if I am tracking drums or a hot guitar DI. I am told that issue is fixed with the 2nd generation, and I am at a point where I am seriously considering selling the interface and replacing it with something else.

I'd like the 2nd generation of the same model, however, I am also looking at the Behringer U-Phoria UMC1820, which "looks" similar in function ( i know it doesn't have the robust Mix Control software suite). It is several hundred dollars less, which would allow me to also purchase another pre to have 16 channels versus 8.

Am I insane for considering this over the FocusRite? What are some of your experiences with the UMC1820, if any? The MixControl software, quite frankly, was a bit confusing for me at times, so the prospect of controlling my routing directly from Reaper seems like a plus, and the MIDAS pre on the X32 at my church seems to do well for tracking.

ivansc · 11-08-2017, 07:14 AM

Hard one to call. In my experience the hardware of the budget end of focusrites equipment is not all that whereas Behringers seems to be catching up in terms of both design and component quality.

I suspect it will all come down to drivers etc., which until recently focusrite really didnt seem to have a handle on, but their Mk2 versions of the saffires and scarletts do seem to behave much better in terms of both reliability and driver performance.

Whilst I dont think we are even close to the "nobody makes a bad performing interface any more" I DO think the differences in performance across the board seem to be shrinking of late.

Not very helpful I know but hopefully this will give you food for thought & ammunition when you go searching all the music forums for opinions.

themixtape · 11-08-2017, 08:33 AM

I've no complaints about Behringer gear in general. However, re: the 2nd Gen Focusrite stuff---

I had an 18i8 2nd gen. Constant dropouts and skips in recorded audio. Clicks and pops in playback.

Sold, got a 1st gen 18i20. Zero problems. Tested with recording CD playback non-stop of several albums-- no issues. Same version of Reaper, same everything (system, etc).

I definitely have not had good luck with the 2nd Gen Focusrite stuff.

The Behringer looks good. Definitely doesn't have the routing magic that the MixControl has (at least from what I can tell?) but.. definitely looks like a good competitor.

Be wary of the 2nd Gen drivers... that's all I'm saying. They say they improved everything, but I didn't see any type of improvement.

Dannii · 11-08-2017, 11:07 AM

While I can't say anything from experience regarding the budget Focusrite range or their drivers, I can say that Behringer have made progress in spades regarding build quality and sound quality. I have two of their ADA8200 units connected to my Fireface UFX and am extremely happy with the sound quality and build quality.

I haven't had any experience with Behringer drivers though.

serr · 11-08-2017, 11:09 AM

Just a comment. You're probably not going to be able to sell the 1st gen FocusRite for any significant amount. So go for an interface that's a clear upgrade but also keep the FocusRite. Use them together (make an aggregate device) and get 16 channels (or 8 + whatever the new one has). Then only use the Focusrite for inputs it can handle.

lolilol1975 · 11-08-2017, 11:21 AM

I say Roland over these two.

DVDdoug · 11-08-2017, 11:48 AM

A work-around would be an attenuator, but it could be expensive if you need to attenuate more than one input at a time. If you know how to solder, you could add a couple of resistors to a cable and make an attenuating-cable for (nearly) the same cost of the cable & connectors.

For the guitar, I assume there are volume pedals that can attenuate. Or again, you could make an attenuator very-cheaply if you know how to solder.

Quote:

...also keep the FocusRite. Use them together (make an aggregate device) and get 16 channels (or 8 + whatever the new one has).

From what I've read here on the forum that's a royal pain to set up. It's probably not worth the trouble.

And, the clocks won't sync perfectly... One will always run a little faster/slower than the other. (Pros can use a master clock and interfaces with master clock inputs so it's not a problem.)

jerome_oneil · 11-08-2017, 12:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by serr

Just a comment. You're probably not going to be able to sell the 1st gen FocusRite for any significant amount. So go for an interface that's a clear upgrade but also keep the FocusRite. Use them together (make an aggregate device) and get 16 channels (or 8 + whatever the new one has). Then only use the Focusrite for inputs it can handle.

That. I have a a 2nd Gen 18i8 and it's been pretty flawless, but I bought it to control the future Claret Octo-pre that I haven't figured out how to sneak past my wife just yet.

cyrano · 11-08-2017, 12:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ivansc

Hard one to call. In my experience the hardware of the budget end of focusrites equipment is not all that whereas Behringer seems to be catching up in terms of both design and component quality.

That about sums it up.

Except that FR have experienced support staff and Behringer just tries hard when you're lucky.

cyrano · 11-08-2017, 12:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DVDdoug

From what I've read here on the forum that's a royal pain to set up.

On Windows...

It's almost a breeze on a Mac.

Real disadvantage: the aggregate device is limited to what the worse one in the aggregate can do. Mostly sample rate, of course, but also, latency.

And you can't aggregate some interfaces. Tascam, fi, doesn't support it. Don't call them, even if it works with some of their interfaces.

In most cases, it's just a few clicks in Audio/MIDI setup, typing a name for the aggregate device and go.

Jeffsounds · 11-08-2017, 12:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jerome_oneil

That. I have a a 2nd Gen 18i8 and it's been pretty flawless, but I bought it to control the future Claret Octo-pre that I haven't figured out how to sneak past my wife just yet.

When you figure that out, please post it here. There are quite a few of us who would be interested...

grinder · 11-08-2017, 12:58 PM

I had their big Euro desk once great animal
I just purchased a pair of Behringer Media 40usb active speakers
I could not believe the quality for the price...
I use them on my 2nd recording setup in a different room not used yet for critical listening.
You never know later.

Grinder

endorka · 11-08-2017, 04:23 PM

Apologies if I am missing something obvious, but why not buy one of the aforementioned Behringer ADA8200 ? Should plug in to the Focusrite ADAT input and do the following;

1) Give you 8 inputs that don't clip
2) Give you 16 input channels right now.
3) It's affordable.
4) You can learn the actually quite good mixcontrol software :-)

Cheers,
Jennifer

mykrobinson · 11-08-2017, 04:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by endorka

Apologies if I am missing something obvious, but why not buy one of the aforementioned Behringer ADA8200 ? Should plug in to the Focusrite ADAT input and do the following;

1) Give you 8 inputs that don't clip
2) Give you 16 input channels right now.
3) It's affordable.
4) You can learn the actually quite good mixcontrol software :-)

Cheers,
Jennifer

Hmmm... That's a good thought

Dannii · 11-08-2017, 06:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by endorka

Apologies if I am missing something obvious, but why not buy one of the aforementioned Behringer ADA8200 ? Should plug in to the Focusrite ADAT input and do the following;

1) Give you 8 inputs that don't clip
2) Give you 16 input channels right now.
3) It's affordable.
4) You can learn the actually quite good mixcontrol software :-)

Cheers,
Jennifer

I'm in total agreement Jen. The ADA8200 has Midas preamps and they sound very transparent. Hard to beat for the price. In fact, they'd be hard to beat at multiples of the price!

endorka · 11-09-2017, 06:30 AM

Yup, I've been using mine a while now with the Focusrite 18i8 1st generation. Combined gives 12 mic + 4 line + stereo SPDIF inputs. Lovely sound and much easier to setup and operate than I thought it would be.

Cheers,
Jennifer

Quote:

Originally Posted by ReaDave

I'm in total agreement Jen. The ADA8200 has Midas preamps and they sound very transparent. Hard to beat for the price. In fact, they'd be hard to beat at multiples of the price!

jerome_oneil · 11-09-2017, 11:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeffsounds

When you figure that out, please post it here. There are quite a few of us who would be interested...

I was kinda hoping for some tips.

peter5992 · 11-10-2017, 05:04 PM

I have a Behringer FCA 1616, works fine for me.

That Behringer you're looking is on sale at Sweetwater, 50% off, $99 including free shipping. That's almost a no brainer.

mykrobinson · 11-10-2017, 05:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by peter5992

I have a Behringer FCA 1616, works fine for me.

That Behringer you're looking is on sale at Sweetwater, 50% off, $99 including free shipping. That's almost a no brainer.

You're gonna have to post a link for that. The ADA8200 is $199 and the UMC1820 is $299, unless you have found a glitch in the matrix somewhere.

Anaon · 03-08-2019, 01:53 PM

More than a year later, any more feedback on the Behringer ?

I need a 8 preamps interface for drums recording and the Behringer is really tempting or the ADA8200 with a small trusty interface (Focusrite?)

Thanks for your help

pipelineaudio · 03-08-2019, 02:08 PM

The Behringer series with REAL ASIO drivers (not the behringer models with ASIO4All) actually did way way way better than expected in our tests

http://kailuamusicschool.com/tech/ro...tency-roundup/

cyrano · 03-08-2019, 04:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Anaon

More than a year later, any more feedback on the Behringer ?

I need a 8 preamps interface for drums recording and the Behringer is really tempting or the ADA8200 with a small trusty interface (Focusrite?)

Thanks for your help

I don't know your budget, but an RME digiface USB could be had for 350 € (TVA incl.) a few weeks ago. It's not a complete interface, just a headphone out and 4 ADAT IO's. Allowing 34 outputs and 32 inputs with ADAT ADDA's like the Behringer ADA8200 and a slew of others.

That would give you the rock solid RME driver and the Totalmix software.

Fergler · 03-08-2019, 04:52 PM

How does the Tascam 16x08 factor into your considerations?

Anaon · 03-09-2019, 07:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cyrano

I don't know your budget, but an RME digiface USB could be had for 350 € (TVA incl.) a few weeks ago. It's not a complete interface, just a headphone out and 4 ADAT IO's. Allowing 34 outputs and 32 inputs with ADAT ADDA's like the Behringer ADA8200 and a slew of others.

That would give you the rock solid RME driver and the Totalmix software.

It's a bit above my budget but I was thinking about doing something like this, a solid, reliable, small interface with the ADA8200.

I like RME, I already own a Multiface for years

I'll check if the Digiface on the second hand market...

squibs · 03-09-2019, 07:46 AM

I've got the 1820. No complaints at all. Stunning piece of kit for the money.

Philbo King · 03-10-2019, 07:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Anaon

More than a year later, any more feedback on the Behringer ?

I need a 8 preamps interface for drums recording and the Behringer is really tempting or the ADA8200 with a small trusty interface (Focusrite?)

Thanks for your help

I've been using an ADA8200 for a couple years. I love how it sounds. A tiny bit of color from the Midas preamps, in contrast to my Presonus interface, which is more clear and 'clinical'.

It'd be perfect for drums.