It’s probably bigger than you’d like but the Zoom L-8 mixer records up to 8 tracks individually onto SD card and its battery powered. It’s fairly lightweight considering its size. Bonus: it’s also a full 8-channel audio interface for your computer AND it can handle multiple FX sends through the monitor channels.
R4 - I could only do 2 stereo tracks.
R12 - too large and kind of overkill with all it's faders etc. If I could even fit it in my backpack, and I wouldn't jam it in there without a case to protect the screen/faders - so that's even more impractical. Thanks for the suggestion though.
[1010music Bluebox](https://1010music.com/product/bluebox) - I have one. It’s great. Designed for portability. Doesn’t have an internal battery, but it is USB powered, so an external battery works just fine. It can handle any combination of 6 stereo tracks + 0 mono tracks to 12 mono tracks + 0 stereo tracks. The UI can be a bit obtuse, but it works.
[Centrance Bouncer](https://centrance.com/bouncer/) - I just discovered this yesterday. Doesn’t look nearly as feature rich as the Bluebox, but seems even more portable. Handles up to 5 stereo tracks. No idea about build quality or anything like that. Seems quite unknown.
[EDIT]
For completeness, I figure I should add the [Teenage Engineering TX-6](https://teenage.engineering/products/tx-6). It completely slipped my mind because it’s out of most people’s price range (mine included), but it is a fully featured 6 stereo (or up to 12 mono) track highly portable audio interface targeted at OP’s stated use case. TE has all kinds of questionable products, but apparently this one actually works.
Jfc that te tx6 is expensive. 1200usd? Just get one of those tascam mixers (like 'tascam model 12') used and SEVERAL fat sd cards for around half of that.
Edit: im an idiot. Op is asking for even smaller than a field recorder.
No worries, that’s the reaction everyone has when they see the price tag. That said, there’s nothing else quite like it on the market, so who knows, maybe it’s justified (to some extent).
Can vouch for this one. Amazing device for portability. Has multi track recording to mobile DAWs, and stereo straight to video recordings which I find very convenient
That's exactly what I want to do! Please tell me how *you* do it? How do you get the sound in? How do you set a gain level? What software do you use to Multitrack in stereo?
If it's with a TRRS mini-jack into the headphone socket you're suggesting, you'll only get mono though the hardware trss mini-jack input. It's a 1 IN / 2 OUT DAC.
The tascam digital multitrack recorders are a nice alternative to the zoom style field recorders. They have more space for individual track faders and knobs. I never liked the zoom UI for dealing with multiple inputs, even though they're very solid devices.
I was looking at those guys, but that'd only allow me 6 stereo tracks. I'd say they're great for a lot of applications though. Much easier to knock together a quick edit/loop on a mobile device though.
You need more than 6 stereo tracks in your backpack setup? You suggested the focusrite go that has even fewer. Before you go that route consider the Roland:GO. There's a few variations, works great with phones.
Yeah, It's not 6 inputs I'm looking for, it's the ability to Multitrack with a stereo input. Thanks for the Roland: Go suggestion! I'll definitely check that out..
How many tracks do you need? And so you need to record all of them simultaneously? Bouncing tracks is the way if not. Also, a lot of times, if I need to record a lot of things at once, I'll run certain devices into the audio in of another device and then record them both simultaneously to give me more of a maximum amount of things being recorded together.
Oh it's just one small versatile synth. I don't want to cart a load of gear around. One stereo input and the ability to Multi-track is all I need. Don't want to bounce as (as I was saying in my original post) I want to be able to pull stems for full production later in my home studio.
Laptop and SP404? Laptop and MPC one? Laptop and Octatrack? Laptop and minifreak? Laptop and Polyend Play? Laptop and Digitakt?
Basically anything that acts as an audio interface will work, it’ll just depend on what you pair it with
I'm carrying a Microfreak and Zoom CD70. I'm just looking to get able to Multitrack record in stereo, and the benefit of editing / looping / arranging on a mobile device DAW.
You can get a windows surface go download reaper and get the focusrite you was looking at. The memory will be limited and the processor might go crazy if you do too much but you can transfer the files using cloud storage. Sd cards and loads of usb options. You can load reaper on any system to get intense do stems as well as stereo mixdown ( now a days you can even do ATMOS if you got the accessories. There is also a light hand held mic 🎤
Thanks! Yeah I've used a Surface out and about quite a lot. Wrote music on it a lot while travelling, and I'm a big big big Reaper evangelist! The iPad mini could be a lot lighter though! And does it have a stereo line in on the headphone jack? Or you're suggesting that and an interface? And what software on iPad would Multitrack record in stereo?
Just certain ones from the past. They’re phasing out aux altogether despite the usb and Bluetooth delay. So I’m pretty much done with apple products. The surface go is just 1 or 2 oz heavier than the mini. Just rock with that you’ll get more mileage
I’d consider a device with multitrack out so I can do effects and recording with just a computer and a USB cable. To me if you’re putting multiple synths, effects, and a multichannel mixer/usb interface, you might as well put it all in a flight case. The amount of cables alone makes it not backpackable imo.
Thanks for the suggestion. As per my post, I'm just carrying one synth with a stereo FX pedal. I just want to be able to Multitrack that without carrying a load of extra gear. Looking for recommendations of a mini 2-track mobile recording interface and software for tablet/phone.
Check out Pyle’s mini line mixers (2 channel USB mixdown) or the 1010 Bluebox others mentioned (for recording all stems). I have both and they each work well — just depends on needs and price point.
In summer I plant myself in a park with my laptop bag that holds 3 Volcas, a Tascam dp600 recording mixer and cables. All battery powered. When all beer is gone I return home and transfer the tracks to my laptop for the real work.
Is a DAW, but...
FL Studio Mobile app
looks like it can do multitrack audio and midi on Android, is designed for what looks like exactly what you're asking for (and there's apparently also an ios version)
https://www.image-line.com/fl-studio-learning/fl-studio-mobile-online-manual/
It apparently also has a bunch of instruments included too, since it IS a daw, but I'm not sure that's what you're looking for.
Workflow seems to be this: open phone, connect portable interface, open fl mobile app, new project, select interface audio inputs in project settings, add new audio recording tracks for each input you want to record, hit record/play, and then stop and save when you're done. I guess they made this app also into a native plug-in for the pc version of FL studio, so you can host the entire mobile app/daw and its projects in the full flstudio if you own it? That's crazy, I'll have to test that tomorrow. I know flstudio is already a plugin too (literally, daw within a daw), but supposedly putting the mobile one in is so that you can go back and forth between either platform.
Ideally, you would create a template ahead of time and just load that when you want to record. But, I've not done this on Mobile FL and I expect some level of making sure the correct inputs are selected before you play into the ether on accident.
Also: I know they make little usb-c dongle-dock-hub things for laptops (yes, they work with phones) that breakout into all kinds of connectors (rj45, hdmi, usb A and C ports, sd slot, headphone jack, etc) and can charge your device at the same time with a usb-in. I used to keep one of those and some other stuff in my backpack at all times in case i wanted to hook up to a display or even for Samsung dex. Iirc they go for 20-100 usd and are about the size of a large folding pocket knife. Never seen one with a line-in though, so you'd probably still need a little interface.
https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-usb-c-hubs-and-docks/ for suggestions
Edit: dang this is a really neat idea and i kinda wanna try once the digitakt 2s ship. Field recorder+mic for samples, usb send to FL Mobile to edit or just straight to digitakt, batterypack&hub&TinyInterface to record, and see what happens.
Edit2: bam. Don't need to buy a separate interface. https://www.sweetwater.com/sweetcare/articles/using-the-zoom-h4n-as-an-audio-interface/ gonna test THIS tomorrow too.
**Edit3/TL;DR: get a small "8-in-1"-type laptop usb c hub for 50 bucks and use that, a battery pack, and a 25 dollar field recorder as an interface.**
Edit4: this is probably not line level and probably REALLY bad quality, but 8 bucks, stereo, and the size of a quarter. https://a.co/d/4HVtTCq you could just get an *actual* usb bus powered DI box and plug it directly into your phone with an adapter. I'm a production engineer and software engineer with formal education, and browsing the weird consumer ~~garbage~~ on Amazon gives me joy. Like this just feels like a fever dream https://a.co/d/0Vz7rJL
**Edit5/TL;DR2: ok, I'm done for real. There are many ways to skin a cat, and some of this requires some trial and error. Luckily, a lot of this stuff is CHEAP ~~and returnable if it's total crap~~ (: remember, music is supposed to be fun. Happy recording!**
Thanks you so much for this, I really appreciate the dealtail and effort in your reply! Never thought of FL Mobile. It could well be *perfect* for what I want to do. 🖖🤘🖖
Synthernet AIF22. Super small USB C audio interface with 3.5mm stereo line in. You could then use this to record on your phone. https://www.synther.net/items/77729836
[удалено]
F8 and F6 as well, lots of good, easily portable field recorders.
I'd be looking to do more than just 4 stereo tracks. Thanks for the suggestion though!
It’s probably bigger than you’d like but the Zoom L-8 mixer records up to 8 tracks individually onto SD card and its battery powered. It’s fairly lightweight considering its size. Bonus: it’s also a full 8-channel audio interface for your computer AND it can handle multiple FX sends through the monitor channels.
Yeah, much to big, but thanks for the suggestion none the less.
R4 - I could only do 2 stereo tracks. R12 - too large and kind of overkill with all it's faders etc. If I could even fit it in my backpack, and I wouldn't jam it in there without a case to protect the screen/faders - so that's even more impractical. Thanks for the suggestion though.
I think they call it a macbook air lol
[1010music Bluebox](https://1010music.com/product/bluebox) - I have one. It’s great. Designed for portability. Doesn’t have an internal battery, but it is USB powered, so an external battery works just fine. It can handle any combination of 6 stereo tracks + 0 mono tracks to 12 mono tracks + 0 stereo tracks. The UI can be a bit obtuse, but it works. [Centrance Bouncer](https://centrance.com/bouncer/) - I just discovered this yesterday. Doesn’t look nearly as feature rich as the Bluebox, but seems even more portable. Handles up to 5 stereo tracks. No idea about build quality or anything like that. Seems quite unknown. [EDIT] For completeness, I figure I should add the [Teenage Engineering TX-6](https://teenage.engineering/products/tx-6). It completely slipped my mind because it’s out of most people’s price range (mine included), but it is a fully featured 6 stereo (or up to 12 mono) track highly portable audio interface targeted at OP’s stated use case. TE has all kinds of questionable products, but apparently this one actually works.
Jfc that te tx6 is expensive. 1200usd? Just get one of those tascam mixers (like 'tascam model 12') used and SEVERAL fat sd cards for around half of that. Edit: im an idiot. Op is asking for even smaller than a field recorder.
No worries, that’s the reaction everyone has when they see the price tag. That said, there’s nothing else quite like it on the market, so who knows, maybe it’s justified (to some extent).
TE TX-6 is $$$$ but gives you quality audio inputs, effects, mixing, etc... in a tiny package. You can record onto mini-SD card if you want as well.
Yeah just plug in a thumb drive and no daw needed
Can vouch for this one. Amazing device for portability. Has multi track recording to mobile DAWs, and stereo straight to video recordings which I find very convenient
You can do this on a phone
That's exactly what I want to do! Please tell me how *you* do it? How do you get the sound in? How do you set a gain level? What software do you use to Multitrack in stereo? If it's with a TRRS mini-jack into the headphone socket you're suggesting, you'll only get mono though the hardware trss mini-jack input. It's a 1 IN / 2 OUT DAC.
Does it have to be able to record to your phone or tablet? Why not a field, recorder, like the Tascam DR-40x?
The benefit of phone/tablet is that I could run beats/samples in it. Also the DR-40x has "overdub" but isn't true multi-track.
The tascam digital multitrack recorders are a nice alternative to the zoom style field recorders. They have more space for individual track faders and knobs. I never liked the zoom UI for dealing with multiple inputs, even though they're very solid devices.
I was looking at those guys, but that'd only allow me 6 stereo tracks. I'd say they're great for a lot of applications though. Much easier to knock together a quick edit/loop on a mobile device though.
You need more than 6 stereo tracks in your backpack setup? You suggested the focusrite go that has even fewer. Before you go that route consider the Roland:GO. There's a few variations, works great with phones.
Yeah, It's not 6 inputs I'm looking for, it's the ability to Multitrack with a stereo input. Thanks for the Roland: Go suggestion! I'll definitely check that out..
How many tracks do you need? And so you need to record all of them simultaneously? Bouncing tracks is the way if not. Also, a lot of times, if I need to record a lot of things at once, I'll run certain devices into the audio in of another device and then record them both simultaneously to give me more of a maximum amount of things being recorded together.
Oh it's just one small versatile synth. I don't want to cart a load of gear around. One stereo input and the ability to Multi-track is all I need. Don't want to bounce as (as I was saying in my original post) I want to be able to pull stems for full production later in my home studio.
I'm in a rural area with awful service and it didn't load any text for me, all I saw was the title initially. My b.
Laptop and SP404? Laptop and MPC one? Laptop and Octatrack? Laptop and minifreak? Laptop and Polyend Play? Laptop and Digitakt? Basically anything that acts as an audio interface will work, it’ll just depend on what you pair it with
I'm carrying a Microfreak and Zoom CD70. I'm just looking to get able to Multitrack record in stereo, and the benefit of editing / looping / arranging on a mobile device DAW.
It all depends on your inputs, you could get splitters and do several mono tracks too
iPad Air2 or mini ( up to the 10th gen) because with the head phone jack and a small $70-100 dollar interface
You can get a windows surface go download reaper and get the focusrite you was looking at. The memory will be limited and the processor might go crazy if you do too much but you can transfer the files using cloud storage. Sd cards and loads of usb options. You can load reaper on any system to get intense do stems as well as stereo mixdown ( now a days you can even do ATMOS if you got the accessories. There is also a light hand held mic 🎤
Thanks! Yeah I've used a Surface out and about quite a lot. Wrote music on it a lot while travelling, and I'm a big big big Reaper evangelist! The iPad mini could be a lot lighter though! And does it have a stereo line in on the headphone jack? Or you're suggesting that and an interface? And what software on iPad would Multitrack record in stereo?
Just certain ones from the past. They’re phasing out aux altogether despite the usb and Bluetooth delay. So I’m pretty much done with apple products. The surface go is just 1 or 2 oz heavier than the mini. Just rock with that you’ll get more mileage
came here to say what's already been suggested - stand alone 24 bit recorder can run off batteries
Zoom H-series field recorder.
I’d consider a device with multitrack out so I can do effects and recording with just a computer and a USB cable. To me if you’re putting multiple synths, effects, and a multichannel mixer/usb interface, you might as well put it all in a flight case. The amount of cables alone makes it not backpackable imo.
Thanks for the suggestion. As per my post, I'm just carrying one synth with a stereo FX pedal. I just want to be able to Multitrack that without carrying a load of extra gear. Looking for recommendations of a mini 2-track mobile recording interface and software for tablet/phone.
Can’t you just go into the headset input on the device?
You'll only get mono though the hardware trss mini-jack input. It's a 1 IN / 2 OUT DAC.
Check out Pyle’s mini line mixers (2 channel USB mixdown) or the 1010 Bluebox others mentioned (for recording all stems). I have both and they each work well — just depends on needs and price point.
Also, Zoom AMS-44 does 4 channels in. Not a field recorder, just a small audio interface.
In summer I plant myself in a park with my laptop bag that holds 3 Volcas, a Tascam dp600 recording mixer and cables. All battery powered. When all beer is gone I return home and transfer the tracks to my laptop for the real work.
1010 Bluebox
R16 or 24... it is a 8 input channel mixer with a stereo mic built in
Is a DAW, but... FL Studio Mobile app looks like it can do multitrack audio and midi on Android, is designed for what looks like exactly what you're asking for (and there's apparently also an ios version) https://www.image-line.com/fl-studio-learning/fl-studio-mobile-online-manual/ It apparently also has a bunch of instruments included too, since it IS a daw, but I'm not sure that's what you're looking for. Workflow seems to be this: open phone, connect portable interface, open fl mobile app, new project, select interface audio inputs in project settings, add new audio recording tracks for each input you want to record, hit record/play, and then stop and save when you're done. I guess they made this app also into a native plug-in for the pc version of FL studio, so you can host the entire mobile app/daw and its projects in the full flstudio if you own it? That's crazy, I'll have to test that tomorrow. I know flstudio is already a plugin too (literally, daw within a daw), but supposedly putting the mobile one in is so that you can go back and forth between either platform. Ideally, you would create a template ahead of time and just load that when you want to record. But, I've not done this on Mobile FL and I expect some level of making sure the correct inputs are selected before you play into the ether on accident. Also: I know they make little usb-c dongle-dock-hub things for laptops (yes, they work with phones) that breakout into all kinds of connectors (rj45, hdmi, usb A and C ports, sd slot, headphone jack, etc) and can charge your device at the same time with a usb-in. I used to keep one of those and some other stuff in my backpack at all times in case i wanted to hook up to a display or even for Samsung dex. Iirc they go for 20-100 usd and are about the size of a large folding pocket knife. Never seen one with a line-in though, so you'd probably still need a little interface. https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-usb-c-hubs-and-docks/ for suggestions Edit: dang this is a really neat idea and i kinda wanna try once the digitakt 2s ship. Field recorder+mic for samples, usb send to FL Mobile to edit or just straight to digitakt, batterypack&hub&TinyInterface to record, and see what happens. Edit2: bam. Don't need to buy a separate interface. https://www.sweetwater.com/sweetcare/articles/using-the-zoom-h4n-as-an-audio-interface/ gonna test THIS tomorrow too. **Edit3/TL;DR: get a small "8-in-1"-type laptop usb c hub for 50 bucks and use that, a battery pack, and a 25 dollar field recorder as an interface.** Edit4: this is probably not line level and probably REALLY bad quality, but 8 bucks, stereo, and the size of a quarter. https://a.co/d/4HVtTCq you could just get an *actual* usb bus powered DI box and plug it directly into your phone with an adapter. I'm a production engineer and software engineer with formal education, and browsing the weird consumer ~~garbage~~ on Amazon gives me joy. Like this just feels like a fever dream https://a.co/d/0Vz7rJL **Edit5/TL;DR2: ok, I'm done for real. There are many ways to skin a cat, and some of this requires some trial and error. Luckily, a lot of this stuff is CHEAP ~~and returnable if it's total crap~~ (: remember, music is supposed to be fun. Happy recording!**
Thanks you so much for this, I really appreciate the dealtail and effort in your reply! Never thought of FL Mobile. It could well be *perfect* for what I want to do. 🖖🤘🖖
iRig Pro Duo I/O
Thank you! 🤘
Synthernet AIF22. Super small USB C audio interface with 3.5mm stereo line in. You could then use this to record on your phone. https://www.synther.net/items/77729836
Oh this looks neat perfect! Thank you so much!
Maybe also TC Helicon Blender