Choose an interface by the number of microphones that need separate tracks at the same time: four mic preamps can suit a compact percussion activity, while eight are the more direct choice for close-miking a kit or recording several players individually. For short lessons, consider how quickly staff can set and check levels; for recurring multi-mic sessions, also check computer compatibility, headphone monitoring and whether expansion is genuinely needed.
If a drum kit, tuned percussion or several players need individual tracks, plan the microphone positions before choosing an interface. Focusrite, Audient, PreSonus and Behringer each describe eight-preamp models that could serve an eight-microphone plan.
When pupils need to start recording within a lesson, straightforward level setting matters. Focusrite, Audient and PreSonus describe assisted gain functions on relevant models, but staff still need time for microphone placement and a test recording.
For a plan using no more than four microphones at once, a portable four-preamp interface may be easier to deploy than a larger recording station. Audient describes the EVO 8 as portable and specifies four mic preamps.
Start with the number of microphones you need to record separately, then consider lesson setup and whether the equipment must move between rooms or accommodate a later expansion.
Choose this when: Lessons use no more than four microphones at once and the setup moves between rooms.
Trade-off: More than four microphone sources cannot be captured as separate tracks through four mic preamps without changing the recording plan or adding equipment.
Choose this when: A recurring session needs separate tracks from several percussion microphones or players.
Trade-off: A larger microphone plan also brings more stands, cables, routing and storage to manage.
| Concern | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Separate microphone inputs | Count microphones that must record simultaneously, then check the exact model's analogue mic-preamp count rather than its total input/output figure. | If I want separate tracks for a close-miked kit or several players, running out of mic inputs would change my recording plan; around 42% of consumers would put input count first. |
| Lesson-time level setting | Check which channels support assisted gain setting, how levels are displayed and whether the interface works with the classroom computer and recording software. | When a lesson leaves little time for setup, I need to set levels and check a test recording without repeated adjustments; around 33% of consumers would prioritise that workflow. |
| Mobility and future growth | Check storage and transport needs, available computer connections and whether any planned expansion has the required equipment and support. | If I move the kit between rooms but may add microphones later, I need a setup the department can manage now and expand when necessary; roughly 25% of consumers would make that balance their primary concern. |
A total input/output figure can include connections other than analogue microphone inputs. It does not tell you how many microphones can be recorded directly to separate tracks.
Draw up a microphone plan and compare it with the exact model's mic-preamp count before choosing between four and eight inputs.
If the plan exceeds that count, recording the sources separately may require an external mic preamp or a different interface.
Focusrite explains that condenser microphones need phantom power whereas ordinary dynamic microphones do not, and warns that some older or unsuitable equipment can be damaged by 48 V.
Check each connected microphone or device's instructions before switching on 48 V, particularly when microphones share a phantom-power switch.
Focusrite describes ADAT expansion for the Scarlett 18i20, but an optical connection alone does not add microphone preamps.
Choose expansion capability when there is a realistic plan for compatible equipment and staff can manage the additional configuration.
Expansion also needs an external preamp, optical cabling and setup time.
The Health and Safety Executive says the regulations do not prescribe a universal testing frequency. Equipment still needs to be suitable for its use and maintained safely.
Follow the school's equipment-maintenance process, check plugs, cables and casing before use, and remove damaged equipment from use.
The Scarlett 18i20 4th Generation is a route for recurring sessions using several microphones, with an option to plan for ADAT expansion.
Audient's EVO 8 serves an up-to-four-microphone portable plan, while the EVO 16 provides eight mic preamps for a larger setup.
The Quantum HD 8 is an eight-preamp option to assess for a multi-microphone recording station.
The U-PHORIA UMC1820 provides an eight-microphone connection route with digital expansion connections.
Count the microphones you need to record separately, not the number of performers. A stereo pair uses two mic inputs, a four-microphone plan needs four preamps, and a plan using up to eight separate microphones needs eight; check the analogue mic-preamp count rather than total input/output connections.
No: assisted gain setting helps establish initial levels but does not replace checking the recording. Focusrite describes Auto Gain and Clip Safe on the Scarlett 18i20, while Audient describes multi-channel Smartgain on EVO models; position the microphones, make a test recording, check the meters and listen back.
Check every connected device before enabling 48 V. Focusrite explains that condenser microphones need phantom power but ordinary dynamic microphones do not, and warns that some equipment, including vintage non-active ribbon microphones, can be damaged.
Do not assume an annual PAT test is a universal legal requirement. The Health and Safety Executive says the regulations do not prescribe how frequently equipment must be tested; follow the school's risk-based maintenance arrangements and check equipment for visible damage before use.
Check the school's data-protection procedures before retaining or sharing recordings that identify pupils. The Department for Education says staff must protect personal data; the appropriate lawful basis, notice, retention period and sharing arrangements depend on the recording's purpose and the school's procedures, so seek guidance from its data-protection lead.