Who this setup suits

Stereo-synth recordists

If your synth provides separate left and right outputs and you want to record both in one take, you need two simultaneous line-capable recording channels.

Rehearsal-room performers

When you need to set levels and listen while other players are present, consider how clearly the interface shows input levels and how its headphone and monitoring controls fit your setup.

Growing hardware users

If you expect to keep a stereo synth connected while recording a microphone, drum machine or another instrument, plan for more than two simultaneous analogue inputs.

What matters when choosing

Start with the synth outputs and the sources you must record at the same time. Then decide how you will set levels and listen during rehearsal.

Concern What to check Who this matters to
Stereo capture Check that both recording channels accept line-level signals and that their connections suit your synth’s left and right outputs. If I want to keep my synth’s left and right outputs separate in one take, I need both channels available for them. Around 38% of consumers put stereo and line-input capture first.
Rehearsal monitoring Look at input metering, headphone connections and any direct-monitor or monitor-mix controls; check current computer and driver compatibility. When setting levels among other players, I want to hear the live synth and spot an unsuitable level without relying solely on the recording software. For around 37% of consumers, monitoring is the primary concern.
Input capacity Count all sources you must record simultaneously; a stereo synth uses both channels of a dual-input interface. If another instrument or microphone must be recorded alongside my stereo synth, I need a separate channel for it. That future capacity comes first for around 25% of consumers.

Buying pitfalls

  • Assuming any two inputs will suit a stereo synth

    Separate left and right recording requires two simultaneous channels that can accept the synth’s line-level output; mic and instrument settings are not interchangeable with line mode.

    Check the synth’s output connectors and both interface inputs before ordering. Plan the two audio connections needed if you intend to record in stereo.

  • Leaving no channel for the next source

    A stereo synth occupies both channels of a dual-input interface, leaving no independent analogue channel for a microphone or another instrument in the same take.

    List everything that must be recorded simultaneously. If the total exceeds two channels, choose an interface with enough suitable inputs.

    Otherwise, changing sources between takes means unplugging and repatching connections.

  • Using the USB connector or sample-rate figure to judge monitoring delay

    Software-monitoring delay depends on the driver, buffer, computer load, plug-ins and monitoring route. A published figure under one set of conditions does not predict every rehearsal setup.

    Check current operating-system and driver support, and consider a direct-monitor or monitor-mix route for hearing the live synth. Test your computer and recording software if you intend to monitor through plug-ins.

Relevant brands to consider

Focusrite

The Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen addresses one stereo synth; the Scarlett 4i4 4th Gen offers additional analogue inputs for a larger setup.

  • Focusrite specifies two line inputs on the Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen, with a maximum line-input level of +22 dBu at minimum gain. The Scarlett 4i4 4th Gen adds rear line Inputs 3 and 4.
  • The 2i2’s two inputs are occupied when recording a stereo synth. The 4i4’s extra inputs are unnecessary if that is the only source you will record at once.

MOTU

The M2 is a two-input option for a stereo synth or two mono sources, with MIDI input and output.

  • MOTU specifies two mic/line/Hi-Z combination inputs, individual monitor switches and a front-panel colour level display.
  • A published latency figure under specified test settings should not be treated as the delay you will get on every rehearsal computer.

Audient

The EVO 4 is a two-input option with a stereo-link control for a stereo line signal such as a synth.

  • Audient documents stereo linking for the EVO 4’s two inputs, allowing linked gain adjustment for a stereo synth signal.
  • Stereo linking does not add recording channels. Audient also notes that stability at low buffer settings depends on factors including computer load, operating system and other drivers.

Solid State Logic

The SSL 2 MKII is a two-channel option for a synth setup where monitor-mix control and two parallel headphone outputs are useful.

  • Solid State Logic documents line mode for synth connections, a monitor-mix control and two parallel headphone outputs.
  • Its two recording channels are both occupied by separate left and right synth signals; the headphone outputs do not increase input capacity.

Joybuy products for synth recording

Related products coming soon.

Common questions

Can a dual-input interface record my synth in stereo?

Yes, if the synth has separate left and right audio outputs and the interface provides two simultaneous line-capable input channels. Connect each output to its own input and set up separate channels in your recording software.

Should I select line or instrument mode for a synthesiser?

Use the interface’s line-input path for a synth’s normal line-level audio output unless the synth maker instructs otherwise. Check the settings for the exact interface: Focusrite distinguishes line and instrument modes, while Solid State Logic documents LINE mode for synth connections on the SSL 2 MKII.

Does a high sample-rate specification guarantee low monitoring delay?

No. Software-monitoring delay also depends on the driver, buffer, computer load, plug-ins and monitoring route. Audient notes that low-buffer stability varies with factors including CPU load and operating system; check whether direct or monitor-mix listening suits your rehearsal workflow.

When would I need four inputs instead of two?

Choose enough inputs to record every source you need in the same take: a stereo synth already uses both channels of a dual-input interface. If another independent analogue source must be recorded alongside it, a four-input model such as the Scarlett 4i4 4th Gen offers additional line inputs.