Here's what I'm after - a laptop interface (firewire / usb) for doing soundboard / mic capture (for post-mix). This seems to be how I record most often. Using one interface prevents any time drift in the separate sources so it's real handy. The basic features are
- 2 x 2 track recording (separately! ASIO I guess)
- phantom on one set of inputs
- adjustable gain on the other set of inputs
- reasonable size / powering options
Here's what doesn't work on a few popular units:
UA-5 - live 2 track mix only
FW410 - 2nd input is digital only, requires separate a>d
EGO-SYS QuataFire 610 - gain control on front only
EMI A62 - requires external gain control for all inputs
What else is out there? It seems like that additional gain control for the second inputs is elusive!