r/protools • u/Excellent_Garden_636 • 11d ago

interface Looking for a new Board/Interface

Hi! First time poster, long time reader - I'm looking for a suggestion for a 24-32 channel board/interface that works with current Pro Tools (2026.4) and Mac OS (Tahoe). I run a small studio for recording bands and would love to move to a board instead of what I have currently (Tascam US 16x08). Would love to have phantom control on every channel if possible, and the ability to record in at least 96k (seems really hard anything that runs past 48k for less than $3k). The best cheap option would be great. I've been looking for the past week and just keep running into walls lol. Even something on the older side that I can get to communicate with current Pro Tools would be great. Thanks!

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u/tha_lode 11d ago

Splitting so the desk and the interface as separate would be the way to go, I would think.

2

u/Excellent_Garden_636 11d ago

So like a board + an ad/da converter?

4

u/SonicLeap 11d ago

like a control surface with a separate interface

4

u/ericivar 11d ago

Or a rack of preamps and the converters.

3

u/Carlito_2112 11d ago

Not the person you're replying to, but yes, this seems like the best solution. Here is one way you could configure your studio. Please note, there may be other similar products that will achieve the same result; this is just one suggestion. And no, I am in no way sponsored by Sweetwater Sound.

  • Mixing console: Steven Slate Audio Raven - a little unconventional, but should work well as it's a configurable touch screen controller that works seamlessly with Pro Tools
  • Alternative mixing console: Presonus FaderPort 16
  • Audio interface: MOTU 8pre ES - there are cheaper interfaces, however this one allows networking of multiple (identical) interfaces to act as one, meaning you can expand later if necessary, without latency being an issue
  • Additional mic preamps: Either 2 Focusrite Scarlet OctoPre's or 2 Behringer ADA8200's - you would connect each preamp to the interface via ADAT i/o & word clock *please note, the highest sample rate the Behringer supports is 48Khz
  • If you wanted to save a little bit of money, you could potentially use your existing Tascam 1608 as a second 8 channel preamp/interface, however be aware that by doing so, you could potentially introduce the issue of having a different amount of latency from each interface (which is not a problem as long as you're not using them at the same time on the same instrument - like with drums)

With a setup like this, you would get to 24 (or 32, if also using your existing interface), while coming somewhat close to the budget you have specified.