Soundcraft Notepad-8FX Professional USB Audio Interface Mixer with Lexicon Reverb, Echo & Delay Effects, and Ducking Feature - Durable Metal Build. Blue

As a multi-instrumentalist songwriter, I find myself switching back and forth between instruments a lot as I record, making small changes in how the different parts fit together. I had a 2x2 interface that I used for a long time, but it really cramped my workflow, since I had to unplug/plug/set levels every time I wanted to change. So, I went in search of a better way.At first I looked at upgrading my 2x2 to a 6x4 or 8x6 interface. But I couldn't find anything I liked. Most of the step-up interfaces still only had 2-4 preamps, and the TRS inputs on the backs often lacked a way to set gain, making them nearly useless for recording stereo trs instruments direct. Also, many of the cheaper interfaces don't have a second headphone jack, which is handy when you're recording your bandmates. The interfaces i did find that were large enough and fully featured enough to cover all my needs were way out of my price range. Bummer.Then I discovered this gem. The soundcraft notepad 8fx. What a brilliant little piece of hardware. It has a 2x2 interface built into it - but instead of statically routing the two preamps to the computer, it comes with a control program that allows you to route any of the first six inputs on the board to USB. This means I can leave all my instruments plugged into the board and leveled properly, then just use the soundcraft panel in my computer to flip between inputs, without touching a single cable or dial. It's the perfect solution to my problems. To top it off, the aux jack doubles as a second stereo headphone jack, so I can run two pairs of headphones when I'm recording my buddies, without the hassle of using a splitter.Since we're talking about recording, let me just say that the preamps in this thing are excellent. It will easily compete with any 2x2 interface in this price range. They remind me a lot of the way focusrite preamps sound, but without as much sibilance, which I think is actually an improvement. Fun fact, one of the founders of focusrite later went on to found soundcraft. So perhaps the similar sound is no accident.The electronics in this board are dead quiet, beginning to end, and the converters work well. Overall, the sounds I get out of it are clean and clear, both from the USB, and from the analog outputs. I use the main outs to drive my studio monitors, and since I do all my work in the same room (home studio) I love that I can source my headphones mix from the aux bus - because it means I can have different mixes for the monitors and the phones so the mics don't cause feedback when I decide to bring up the mains to listen to the mix on my monitors.A couple things you should know about this board if you're looking at it - the aux bus sends are pre-fader, which is exactly what you want if (like me) you're using the aux as a mix bus for your headphones or other monitor system, but since the aux bus doubles as the FX bus, when you're using it for FX you have to be mindful of the fact that your FX do not scale up and down with the main level on the channel.The other thing you should know is that you need to install the soundcraft control panel to switch the usb to inputs other than main L/R sends. I saw a review of someone complaining that they couldn't change their input and it didn't sound like they installed the software to be able to do so. The different inputs do not show up as separate sound interfaces in your computer, because this is not a true 8x2, it's a 2x2 that can select between four input configurations. You must install the software to make the selection.The only cons I can think of are that I kind of wish it had a power button and indicator LED, but I'm not going to ding it a star for something that petty. I use a power strip in my studio to turn it on with all my other equipment anyways, so do I really need a power button? No, not really.Also, it bears being mentioned that, even though I bought this as a portable recording and livestreaming interface, it also makes a great little mixer for small gigs or test purposes. I've found myself digging it out to try out speakers and other audio equipment when I didn't want to drag out my regular, full-featured mixer.All in all, I'd say soundcraft knocked it out of the park on this one, and the price puts it right in line with other recording interfaces. If you're in the market for a 2x2, consider one of these instead. Not only do you get great sounding preamps, you get a device that can accomplish more and perhaps even improve your workflow.

This is a nice little board, it's easy to use and very versatile it had the functions I was looking for and it's definitely a good value, I am using for broadcasting races in the desert.

I bought the Notepad 12FX for my home studio use. I have owned multiple audio interfaces (Scarlett, NI Komplete Audio 6 and Audient) however was always falling short on input ports. Bought this mixer to expand the inputs and was planning on using it as an aggregate device with my Audient audio interface. However the quality and features on this mixer are so phenomenal that I am using this solely as an audio interface + mixer. The pre-amps and AD-DA converters are great quality and did not notice any downgrade from Audient which themselves are highly rated for pre-amp and converter quality.The feature set on this mixer is nothing short of amazing - compared to its peers such as the Mackie ProFX or Yamaha or Allen and Heath zed series. The aux bus is super handy for creating a monitor mix separate from the master mix. Also this is a 4in 4 out audio interface which is not common in units of this price range. Knob and fader quality is great. The Lexicon effects are short in number but I did not buy it for the effects anyways. I believe the included delay, reverb and chorus are adequate for any monitoring use if necessary - but most folks will rely on VST or external pedals for these effects anyways.The only complaint is the lack of a power switch - but that is easy to address using an external toggle switch or a power strip with individual on/off switches.Soundcraft has done a great job of creating a product that is feature rich and just perfect for home studio use.

I picked this up a few years back. I had to replace a small Yamaha mixer in my home studio. I really loved that little mixer & they changed the design and it seemed like the faders were also different & didn't quite have that same sound I loved.So I found this & it seemed to have a lot of awesome options. The price made me question the amount of quality that could be packed in at this price point. I was blown away! I used to work in a good sized studio with a large Soundcraft board so I was pretty familiar with this system.I have another interface that I run the board into but I am thinking that I will give it a shot and see if it'll be compatible with my DAW. I love the idea of rolling with 4 channels at a time!Also if you're doing a podcast or shooting video, the line out/headphone output is awesome & delivers amazing clarity!It's not "perfect" but it has features that allow you to do so much more above Its price point.