The Best AUDIO INTERFACE I've EVER Used

In this video Christian looks at the Mix Pre 10 mkii by ‪@sounddev‬ (sound devices) a pair of RME solutions and a ‪@TrinnovAudio‬ system to make up for a truly unique set up in his newly refurbished shed. We've missed the shed!
Do you have any audio solutions that may surprise us?

[@keiththeodosiou]

A sound interface that records the input is probably the best idea I have ever heard!

[@TheCrowHillCo]

It’s simple genius!

[@craigturb]

Your shed looks massively more relaxing than last time I saw it. Great work, Christian, and thank you for sharing your thoughts and ideas - it's really appreciated.

[@TheCrowHillCo]

Thanks it needed a good de-clutter!

[@bunkersamples]

Good to see the shed again!

[@TheCrowHillCo]

Glad you enjoyed seeing it!

[@jimrogers7425]

ANYTHING from Sound Devices is primo! Great video of the shed... and good to see that you're fully back in the saddle again. I get the ADHD diagnosis... it's been a big part of my life for nearly 68 years. When I went through therapy, then later hypnosis therapy, it seemed to clear up quite a bit. I'm currently working to overcome my 'paralysis of analysis' fears of composing. Life constantly provides us with a wonderful series of things to work on within ourselves. Cheers to you, Christian!

[@TheCrowHillCo]

Happy to hear that you’re facing your challenges head on!

[@eQosmic]

This resonates

[@grips16]

I have a the mix pre 3 its honestly a secret weapon. I agree. I tested it while teaching a sound production course and I picked one up the next day. Lowest noise cleanest pre’s I have ever heard. The fidelity is unparalleled in my opinion. The cats out of the bag!! Great setup thanks for sharing!!

[@adamslawson]

Wonderful setup! Love the recorder and RME's latest interface everyone raves about!! That keyboard controller is cool, I added it to my wishlist!

[@anatomicallymodernhuman5175]

As an audio tech, I frequently use Sound Devices recorders for various jobs. I confirm, top tier conversion, delicious sound. Plus, those things are rocks. In 15 years, I have never had one fail on me in any way.

[@TheCrowHillCo]

RELIABILITY IS KING!

[@bassManDavis1953]

What a great walk through Christian, I'm so very happy for you. Its such a nice feeling when things work for you, seems like you have a great place to work and relax.......so important.

[@justsay1n692]

The man that inspires! Thank you for doing and posting everything ;)

[@davidsinclair699]

Love the new setup in the shed. For me it's the natural light that's the game changer.

[@TheCrowHillCo]

🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@TheCrowHillCo]

We all love some sun!

[@Zaleskee]

Christian, I challenge you to write the soundtrack with out samples.. You have been drastically changing your workflow at all levels and that is motivating!. WE hope you continue with your Blog Videos while on your morning walks with your puppies... WE miss those good old days!.

[@antsteep]

I am looking forward to seeing more of your journey back to Cubase.

[@TheCrowHillCo]

It’s certainly going!

[@simonchatterleymusic]

Great to see you back in the shed!

[@murraywebster1228]

Great choices, sound devices and RME are bomb proof and sound excellent

[@Jeremy_Kinsey]

You have an excellent setup!!

[@JamesButcher]

Simple but effective setup. and LOVE the RME Digiface USB - been using one for years now as my main interface!

[@TheCrowHillCo]

So solid and update proof!!

[@stevenwhite5907]

Good call! I've been using Sound Devices units for remote & on-set recorders on and off for almost 20 years (I don't own any, always borrowed or rented). And not to brag, but I've been wondering why pro composers ignore portable recorders as audio interfaces for MANY years, especially the last few years. So happy you're settled into the shed again.

[@TheCrowHillCo]

It really makes a lot of sense when you think about it!

[@TwoThreadsAhead]

I love the fact that not only are you using a mix pre that's typically work horsed in sound design/foley recording but more over the fact that you get to basically use it as a portable hard drive for all your recordings/tracking too, never thought of taking this approach and I have to say it's pretty genius tbh

[@vryc]

Well, THIS is timely. Exactly what I've been looking for.

[@wesboundmusic]

Yay, the shed! So glad to see it and see you in it again! And wow, major uncluttering job went on prior to this clip, I can see that! Wow, the M.x Mac Book must be really, really super powerful if it handles all that workload seamlessly, amazing! (I am still restricted to a vintage-y one, but happy that I have that in light of pretty dire monetary circumstances, so I'll take your presentation for inspiration and what to aspire to :-) ). Awesome takeaways, always, whatever you put up here! Thanks so much! Oh and not to forget: Hadn't it been for your generosity of making available so many super-useable and diverse sound libraries, many of which are completely free, I guess I wouldn't get to be doing what I'm doing. So massive thank you again!

[@TheCrowHillCo]

Thank you for appreciating and enjoying our journey with us! These new age laptops are next level!

[@tyerac]

THE SHEEEEDDDD!!!!!! Boy have we missed it!

[@TheCrowHillCo]

We had to bring it back!

[@Jarrix]

man i love your videos so much they encouraged me to just keep at what i want to achieve as a music producer and its so inspiring seeing your studio, it motivates me to keep on pushing to achieve that myself one day! Thank you so much for the content as we are able to spend time with you over a video and get to know you better which is so delightful! thank you so much man

[@TheCrowHillCo]

Thank you for taking the time for such a kind message! Keep going!

[@drbop6951]

Secret's out hehe. I'm in the film and TV production space and been using sound devices gear for years in my studio and on location. Compact supreme quality. I run Harbeth monitors too since when I learnt my craft at the beeb in the noughties in what they still called the Sypher dept lol. Nice one Chris.

[@TheCrowHillCo]

We gotta share the wealth! 😅

[@taggartjs]

Love, love, love the new setup. I’m on a similar journey. Downsizing. Desktop to laptop, selling redundant keyboards, using more “in the box” products. Next up? Building my shed (or, in my case, detached garage😊). You’re an inspiration! 👍

[@roadtoerrogie]

‘Shed of the Year’ should be an award somewhere. And you should win it. Congrats on your ADHD diagnosis btw. Life changing for me, when I received mine, age 39. Would love to hear more about how your diagnosis affects your view of your past life experiences and also your feelings on your future.

[@TheCrowHillCo]

I’ll have to call up the Oscar’s for a new category! Thank you and glad you enjoyed that bit of insight

[@jancarsonweatherby1579]

So cool! ❤

[@jacobrandallholmes]

Oh man… he’s going to make me want to buy something. Thanks for the video Christian!

[@TheCrowHillCo]

Sorry not sorry!

[@CodyFry]

I need a full on video of why you switched to Cubase STAT

[@hiddenmaterial]

the sound devices mix pre series is an absolute killer piece, those pres are CLASS

[@TheCrowHillCo]

It’s all about the pres!

[@jerrypalmer3534]

@@TheCrowHillCo Will the pres on this sound device record music well, acoustic music ?

[@arkaitzcarrasco2216]

I have my Sound Devices Mixpre-10T after using the Avid stuff for decades, an Antelope Goliath HD to, but the Mixpre is my favorite peace of device to record with, by far. The headphone amp that it has is outstanding.

[@tavaroevanis8744]

It's nice to see some RME gear in the shed as well. I've had a Fireface UCX for 8 years, and it's a rock-solid piece of kit.

[@jigsound]

Not at all surprised by your choice, but happy to hear about it! I've been using MixPre 10T Mk1 for years - both as a AD/DA interface in the studio and as my go-to field recorder (to pristinely capture classical concerts for the most part). The choice was clear as this was the only field recorder on the market at the time featuring analog limiters before the conversion (I believe that it doesn't matter that much anymore with the 32-bit resolution of the Mk2 model, though). It never ceases to amaze me how transparent and low-noise the preamps are. I bet even better with this Mk2! - Eero

[@TheCrowHillCo]

Such a solid review!

[@Polydarian]

The sounddevices is top notch! Very versatile! You can also go out and record outside sounds if you stick a mic in it!

[@TheCrowHillCo]

Exactly! The portability is unmatched

[@PeteCalandra]

I have the same MixPre. Love recording my piano thru it with the AEA stereo ribbon mic.

[@TheCrowHillCo]

You had me at ribbon!

[@theartofwaves]

Sound Devices make decent stuff. As a sound designer I've used their stuff extensively and own several SD recorders. Recently also used an MP10II as the backbone for a small live theater production connected to a laptop running Pro Tools, recording also when Pro Tools was not running. It's extremely versatile and well-made. The oldy MP3's kashmir pre-amps got me into field recording actually. I love how they sound in nature. New gen (II) units come with bluetooth and an app ;)

[@chromaticsamples7788]

I love this bad boy.

[@TheCrowHillCo]

Thank you!

[@zeitakulobusta9708]

Beautiful space! One of the most useful studio gadgets of the past year for me by far is the StreamDeck Plus controller - fully programmable, customizable, mix protocols for midi, Mac control, macros....anything....replaced 2 or 3 separate devices for me.

[@younken24films]

I agree. The Sound Devices MixPre6 I've had for a several years sounds incredibly sweet and musical. I am/was a sound mixer when I got it but I've relied on my Metric Halo 2882 for studio work for close to 20 years. Now that I think about it one of the best live music recordings I've ever made was with the MixPre6. I think I need to incorporate it into my studio set-up too!

[@BaraMatahariPagi]

Love seeing the shed back in action!! Was wondering a few days ago if you'd ever film a video on it again haha

[@TheCrowHillCo]

Of course! And it’s looking better than ever

[@markbooth]

I’ve run the same set up for 3 years and it’s great. An M1 MacBook Pro with single cable into an Anker hub with single large monitor. I also built my own 2TB thunderbolt external portable drive that is even faster than the internal drive and definitely recommend one as still portable when travelling.

[@maunomeesit]

Lately I was testing different recorders. It didn’t surprise me much that Sound Devices MixPre sounded just a bit better than Zoom F series. What did surprise me was that MixPre preamps also sounded better (meatier, warmer) than the ones of my RME :)

[@TheCrowHillCo]

It’s always nice to be pleasantly surprised!

[@unclescott8792]

@ 05:58 (signal path explanation) Nice. Love the SHED, dood!!

[@NipperLewis]

I have been using a mixpre 6 as an input interface for my tiny narrowboat studio for the last couple of years, like you it was the rich sound of the mic pre that led to this choice. Also very power efficient on a 12v battery powered boat.

[@TheCrowHillCo]

Exactly! Thanks for filling in the blanks I missed out

[@AnomieDomine]

Wow that's awesome, I'm getting one right now..... starting at $950, maybe later haha. Maybe once I actually make and share some music using what I already have

[@cornerliston]

Reminds me of people thinking that ‘clean’ space has no character and personality. On the contrary it shows plenty of character-it's just that some of us doesn't need colourful walls and tons of pictures and things, but the opposite makes us calmer and more relaxed. In that you'll find a lot of character and personality.

[@TheCrowHillCo]

Exactly! And it leaves more fun for other gear to add that colour later on 😈

[@marcomarrone174]

Yeah the Shed is back!!

[@stevedendera]

Feels like being back home!

[@TheCrowHillCo]

Home sweet home!

[@guillaumetiger-isothesis5791]

I love the Sound Devices as audio interfaces. When I travel it serves both purposes of field recorder and interface. The pres sound very nice, the silky top end is ace (if you want even better you have to go for good old Nagras). Very nice choice with RME :)

[@tomellingham8627]

AD(H)D - One of the most inappropriately named of human conditions. If anything, we have too much attention. We create chaos because we pay attention to too many things all at once and want to explore it all. Simplifying definately helps. I am fifty years old and had barely picked up an instrument in my life before last year, when I discovered what a midi keyboard is and what it can do. As a newcomer to electronic music production, VSTs and DAWs and hardware, it was easy to get lost in the complexity of it all and lose sight of the playing around with music. It started coming together after I stripped it all back, unsubscribed from the barrage of software publisher emails, figured out I don't have to use all the things on the DAW, resisited the urge to tweek every instrument, envelope, parameter and filter on every sound, and started noodling. I'm still subscribed here though - even although I'm a few levels down in knowledge and experience from most of yous in the comments - cos some of this content will trickle down and help me develop, I hope - and it's entertaining to watch and hear: I'd happily view a video of the pen collection too.

[@paulnattress9584]

I want a video on where you got that desk from. That's a chonk!

[@TheCrowHillCo]

Thanks for the idea!

[@KevinWuOfficial]

Hi, can you record into the SD card and use it as an audio interface recording with a DAW simultaneously? Thank you.

[@natus49]

Man that would be so useful to have

[@FLOSPhotographer]

Very nice. Thought to consider: Add a Dante card to the Trinnov, exchange the Digiface for a Digiface Dante, and you can avoid the conversion step with the RME by going direct Dante into the Trinnov. Additionally, this allows you to add more Dante devices (Example: a TC Electronic Clarity for analysis) at any time by just plugging into the Digiface. This would have zero impact on your input stage, but would open up your output configuration to be almost limitless. Thanks for the video!

[@wardCmusic]

Lovely simplified set up Christian, you've inspired me once again to maybe look at reducing my own clutter. One thing I would love to know how you are going to solve (to the best of my knowledge) is Cubase unlike Logic cannot accept two different audio interfaces for i/p and o/p. Please let me know how you solve this if you do, as being a long time logic user myself and switching to Nuendo a couple of years ago that is one feature I massively miss from Logic. (please not the dreaded aggregate solution :) Cheers.

[@WilfredFumbly]

My favourite feature of the MixPre-10 is the headphone volume. It's LOUD if you want it to be. With tons of headroom.

[@dmcgwhisper5945]

Any chance you could do a diagram of how your studio is set up/works and what each bit of kit does including specs please?

[@niborsilliw]

I've been using a mixpre as an interface (in and out) for many years. Yep, wise move. The mini out works fine.

[@lukasgiese2331]

I got the Zoom F6 for the exact same reasoning. It may not be as clear and beautiful as a Sound Devices, but it sure fit the budget a lot better.I can take it with me on location work, but also do all the podcasts, hobby level music recording and post voiceover work I want with it as an interface.

[@TheCrowHillCo]

I’ll have to have a look at it!

[@lukasgiese2331]

@@TheCrowHillCo It is also pretty much pocket sized, for a 6 input, 32bit float field recorder. Maybe some would call it crowded on the UI side, but after seeing Free to Use Sounds collecting sounds with it, I´d call the tiny footprint useful.

[@matthewrooke3952]

Also the F6, which I have too, has a Bluetooth sync dongle so striping audio to film for multi-camera/audio location work is great for avoiding drift on long takes.

[@LukeGajdus]

I do love sound devices, but I find sonosax a beautiful step up.

[@TheCrowHillCo]

Great Recommendation!!

[@oblitafier]

I’ve been considering the Mix Pre 10 myself for all the same reasons. It’s a great choice if you need the mic inputs, and is extremely configurable for lots of different uses. If you need something for the studio AND field recording, the price doesn’t look so bad.

[@TheCrowHillCo]

Exactly! The duality is well worth it!

[@Spidouz]

2 years ago, I decided to replace my old MacBook for internet/office work and my old iMac for music stuff by only one top of the line MacBook Pro. I went with a M1 Max, 64GB and 8TB SSD, and I couldn’t be happier with my choice. Now I can transport my “whole studio” with me anywhere. I’m even editing video on Resolve Studio now and it works just fine… I can’t wait for a M6 Max/Ultra MacBook Pro with 256GB RAM and 32TB SSD… that would be the perfect setup for my next upgrade. I wonder which configuration you’re running…

[@TheCrowHillCo]

That is a MONSTER of a machine right there!

[@mas3974]

Looking Great! What a beautiful shed and view. Hey Cristian, for your back, have to tried swimming and yoga? I have degeneration of the spine and those two sorted it out.

[@TheCrowHillCo]

Thanks for the recommendation! 🙏

[@robertnatiello3814]

SD = versatility. Interesting setup.

[@Herfinnur]

That thing you said about ADHD and chaos is such a gold-nugget for me, oh my God!

[@TheLeon1032]

me too, it really got me thinking

[@JamesButcher]

same

[@TheCrowHillCo]

Glad the honesty resonated with you!

[@attainableaudio4533]

I've been looking at sound devices, I actually live about 30 minutes away from them, kinda sad they were sold, but they are still a local company to me! Kinda like sound forge used to be here also.

[@TheCrowHillCo]

That’s a killer location!

[@swessels]

I have to admit to being a Logic fan-boy. There have been sessions in the "shed" where I have learned new things about Logic watching you work. Sorry to see you go to another DAW.

[@TheCrowHillCo]

Thanks for letting me know, it’s good for thought!

[@AlexanderGibbonsAudio]

I use the same recorder for Royal Shakespeare Company livestreams and audio content, it's an absolute workhorse!

[@rasputin1917]

The last bit you tried to explain (ie the hub) was probably the most vitally important and yet your cameraman went to sleep and didn’t show it. The hub setup is way the most important so that all that lovely gear you explained can be CORRECTLY connected to the main brain, ie, the laptop/DAW. Please do one video just on this hub setup. It will be a life saver for many of us.

[@bitegoatie]

3:01 That is, "based on" - otherwise it would not be the basis at all, right? But yes, I agree about the Sound Devices device, and I would dearly love to get one. Thanks for reminding me why. Good work here!

[@pastoelio]

if your recorder works as an audio interface for you im all for it dude

[@martijn_nl]

I have a Mix Pre 3 mk ii and I share your thoughts about the Kashmir preamps. They are absolutely great.

[@nujaz]

I don’t know if you’ve talked about your studio desk yet…. But please. Can you do a full review of the Desk. It looks like a custom work.. thanx

[@TheCrowHillCo]

Not the first to ask! It’s a fun idea

[@NicStride]

I see shed, I click

[@TheCrowHillCo]

👉👉👉👉👉

[@nelsonmaciel7611]

Christian can you talk about your love for pens, it would nice you talk about, is way for us to make taking notes fun😅😅

[@pierresalameh123]

The shed looks great ! What’s the manufacture and the model of the screen with the anti reflection coating ? Thank you !

[@PhotoDetectorist]

brilliant! - what is the make / model of the big screen ? Ta.

[@xfloodcasual8124]

The mixpre is good, I've done some mods for big sonic upgrades to it. Uses the ESS chip.

[@jocamiah]

I live in Reedsburg, WI which is where Sound Devices located. Had two interviews but still didn't get the job. They have high standards. They really test every circuit.

[@jocamiah]

I also know the guy that helped with the pre amps on them. Brilliant guy.

[@artysanmobile]

A recording interface is ideal. I’d like to see much more integration like that. The interface is already doing all the work needed to simply tack on a recorder of the channel count necessary. Cards are the perfect medium.

[@TheCrowHillCo]

It’s such a good spot to land on!

[@zachvalenti]

Gorgeous room. And great to see a Sound Devices MixPre unit getting love - if it weren’t for the higher latency, I’d still be using my gen 1 MixPre-6 as my primary interface. Did you create an aggregated audio device through the OS or with Rouge Amoeba’s Loopback to make the Digiface and MixPre work together?

[@alexwatson6082]

Shed looks great all uncluttered. What size storage do you have on the MacBook Pro? I'm just imagining multiple picture versions on a movie, plus samples. Even slimmed down, my staple sample libraries add up to 1.5TB.

[@elliotnicklinmusic]

Has there been an episode on the rationale behind the switch from logic to Cubase? Would love to hear more. I’ve been logic for so long but not… sure.. why?

[@TheCrowHillCo]

There sure has! It’s on our channel

[@patrickr.5821]

​@@TheCrowHillCoDo you remember the title? I have a soft spot for Logic, so I am curious why you changed over after using Logic for so long.

[@grantfloering]

I'll be interested to see how you setup your separate interface IO with Cubase since it only allows one interface for both inputs and outputs. An aggregate device is the only solution I've been able to find, but the reliability of an aggregate device in cubase has been somewhat bothersome.

[@timrideout]

Try a "travel LCD" screen for a second monitor when you go on the road! USB C connection = no muss, no fuss, big pluss ...

[@patrickr.5821]

I really like the Shed 2.0, with daylight, space, and fuss-free operation! Can you name one decisive reason you are moving to Cubase?

[@Zimmermusic]

lovely setup ! these macbook pro really have changed everything. Curious if you have the digiface connected to the caldigit ? have a smiliar setup and i'm getting cracks. Also how is the digiface ? how is the lantency ? considering getting one to get more inputs

[@hamishbrownmusic]

Looking good! Less really is best. Mousemat ID please. Is that a ... cutting mat?

[@AndyGrayedout]

It’s the best thing ever , MBP no external drives and Cubase -:)

[@Wolfbabypuppylove]

Would appear he's back in logic😢

[@user-vm3ce4fj1j]

Put a matte screen protector on the laptop and youve nailed it!

[@TheCrowHillCo]

Genius!

[@topofthemornintoya]

Thanks for the video: Which cloud service do you use and does that handle Time Machine?

[@nonchai]

Hi Christian - any chances of posting all the specs, details, suppliers etc that went into your "shed' ? i'm intending something similar myself in future and it would help

[@DojoOfCool]

I'm old and getting back into recording for something interesting to keep the brain exercised. The issue is my eyes using Ableton Live the interface have so many tiny things, so that monitor looks like it would be a great size to make things easier to see. What kind of monitor is it???

[@squoblat]

RME do a rack unit that will record directly, so you could potentially amalgamate the digiface USB and the input interface and keep everything under the control of TotalMixFX (which is the best part of running an RME interface). I was using the digiface USB, but due to a gear hoarding problem I'm now on the MADI FX PCIe card.

[@TheCrowHillCo]

A game changer! 😮

[@squoblat]

@@TheCrowHillCo it's the RME UFX+ that's got the recording capability. The I/O on that unit is also very expansive.

[@kgakidis]

I have recorded many albums with that thing and got amazing feedback, in par with other albums written in studio with class A preamps. How do you use this setup though in pro tools?

[@ModularMemories]

Do you have a stuffed sloth in a terrarium back there?!

[@gilesmoss5860]

Two audio interfaces to one PC? I didn't think that worked (well), because of what the DAW takes its clock from.. interesting it works for you. Perhaps having separate interfaces for input versus output is ok.

[@TheCrowHillCo]

Works for me!

[@philtersoup]

Think you might run into issues of using a separate input and output interface with Cubase. Lmk how that goes!

[@b3owu1f]

Well shoot.. it's good to know that a couple years ago when I sold my MixPre 10 to get the MixPre 3 MK2 I chose wisely. I didnt need 10 inputs.. 3 was plenty for me, but the internal guts are the same. I also bought the RME AID 2 Pro for my desktop.. at $2500 it's a ridiculous amount of money for a hobbyist who makes no money on any of it.. but 32bit and high end in and out.. should last me a life time.. I've always been a buy once cry once sort of person.. or at least I try to be. I prefer to spend more on quality high end and know its rock solid than buy cheap and have issues with various aspects of the gear/equipment/etc.

[@TheCrowHillCo]

No matter your goals, spending smart is key!

[@michaelheck6919]

I love the slim down shed, Christian. I just got a couple of questions, if you don't mind... :-) Is this the recording device that Andy Gray mentioned to you? P.S.: What are the specs of your Macbook and how is your harddrive setup ( internal / external )? And what's the big hub that you've shown at the end? Thanks in advance...And great to have you and the shed back! 🙂

[@WhoIsAlexElliott]

5:28 so we can all relive one of the most epic British humour moments on youtube loooool!

[@WhoIsAlexElliott]

Excellent video as always christian