Combination mixer and audio interface ?

[pcar]

Bonjour,
I am searching for a mid-level (very good quality but not PRO level price) combination of USB mixer and audio interface. It could send digital separate channels and a digital mix to my dual-boot computer (Windows 10 and Linux-Ubuntu Studio 22.04 LTS).
Minimally, the device would be include 4 mic/line-in of which 2 have inst/hi-Z, 2 stereo line-in, 6 digital outs for channels, and 1 stereo (2 mono) digital mix output for internet live music sessions For monitoring, standard main out and 2 headphones with volume control. Lastly, direct monitoring needs to be turned on or off.

Does anyone have suggestions ?

Context:
Actual - entry level mixer Behringer Xenix Q802USB (ancient 2009 asio driver).
I need to send stereo signal (guitar + voice mix) to Jamulus, an internet free live music client-server platform (https://jamulus.io/). Separately -for the moment- I also need to send separate channels to play / record in a DAW.

I am looking for 1 only device to do all this because I have limited desk space and need to minimize the latency and jitter of internet + CPU processing time when playing live in Jamulus.
I plan to get the Reaper DAW for both OS.

Thanks in advance for any info.

[resistorman]

Tascam Model 12 might do it for you?

[Wonks]

Do you actually need a mixer at all? What you have described can be done by just an audio interface. Some have two Hi-Z inputs.

Would you be using the mixer for other purposes than recording? If space is at a premium, an audio interface should be more compact, or at least be able to moved out of the direct work/recording area.

Or do you need the hands-on requirement to mix with faders (in which case an additional control surface might be an option)?

[Mike Stranks]

As the OP is streaming I understand the need for a mixer somewhere in the config.

OP: please give some indication of budget and we can advise...

Have you looked at the Zoom LiveTrak range, The Tascam Podtraks and the Rode Rodecaster Pro's?

[Wonks]

But unless the OP states otherwise it could easily be a software one. As I understand it the OP is playing guitar and singing with others over the internet, so any level setting needs to be done beforehand as you can’t play and use faders.

[Mike Stranks]

But unless the OP states otherwise it could easily be a software one. As I understand it the OP is playing guitar and singing with others over the internet, so any level setting needs to be done beforehand as you can’t play and use faders.

Fair point!

I'd assumed too much because of the Internet aspect...

[Wonks]

The OP needs to confirm their intended uses of their system. They might operate in several completely different modes.

[DGL.]

A Behringer Flow 8 has Hi-Z inputs.

[pcar]

Bonsoir and thanks for the comments offered so far.

Mixer/Audio Interface :
I would tend to shy away from podcast-oriented hardware as requirements for musical quality and precision (singing and instruments) are much higher than for speaking.

So, Tascam Model 12 and possibly Allen&Heath ZEDi-10 / 10FX or Mackie Onyx range are more interesting. I suppose that their Windows10 ASIO native drivers are very good if not excellent, although I'm not sure Linux (Ubuntu Studio 22.04. LTS) ALSA / Jack adaptation would be great. Point in case, I've read many accounts of people frustrated with trying to fit Focusrite products with Linux, even though that maker has a very good reputation on the Windows-ASIO front.

Budget :
I was considering a Focusrite Clarett+ 4PRE-USB ( ± 1 000 $CAD ) but it can't send a 2-mono or stereo mix to the computer. If I get that I would still need to mix it before the computer and Jamulus.

Usage :
To elaborate on the Context portion of my initial question, this is all 'home studio' stuff.

I mostly use Windows for general computing and it's audio for listening to streams or local music (wav, mp3, CD's) and playing/recording in a DAW ; occasionaly for listening to Jamulus sessions on servers worldwide.

But I use Linux for contributing voice and guitar-through-multieffects (1 of each for the moment) to sessions on servers close enough (Canada and USA) , because , pending instant quantum communication someday , I can shave precious and sometimes substantial milliseconds off latency and jitter from my contribution upload and the mix download I hear (100% from the server, no direct monitoring), compared to Windows. Which is also why I'd rather not 'mix in the box' before streaming to and from Jamulus*.

*The Jamulus client part accepts 1 stereo or 2 mono inputs only.

Anymore suggestions are welcomed.

[James Perrett]

So, Tascam Model 12 and possibly Allen&Heath ZEDi-10 / 10FX or Mackie Onyx range are more interesting. I suppose that their Windows10 ASIO native drivers are very good if not excellent,

That wouldn't be a good assumption in the case of the Tascam. I've used the Model 16 and its Windows driver is very frustrating. Nothing like as usable as the drivers on my Zoom U-44 or RME Digiface USB.

[pcar]

@James Perret : Tascam Win driver ... Thanks for the warning !

@Wonks , @Mike Stranks : BTW what does OP mean ?

[Mike Stranks]

OP = Original Poster

[ConcertinaChap]

On the Jamulus front, have you considered setting up your own server? It's not difficult and can give you private sessions if you want them.

CC

[pcar]

@ConcertinaChap : When we started on Jamulus 3+ years ago we would use my pc as server to rehearse and jam. However, timming was more satisfying when our drummer (in the same city) used his pc as the server. After a few months we tried a few public servers and through fellow musicians we befriended have been on those , private or public, close enough to enjoy band practice, without requiring to set up our own server or buy sessions off commercial ones (e.g. MeloMax).

I would caution about

It's not difficult

. One does have to know a bit about Unix (preferably or other server OS) and chores of an application admin, if not sys admin.

[pcar]

To be more precise on the previous jamulus comments ...
Setting a jamulus server instance entails more knowledge and maintenance if it's set up on a dedicated (physical) server or web service platform such as AWS, Google Web, etc. ( 30 $CAD/month and up ?). Most people use a Linux server OS, and although platform providers may offer different degrees of maintenance for a price, it still requires some sys-admin-like attention from its owner.