Newbie Question, Totally Stupid: inputs on audio interfaces

[deadgreystar]

Hey this is my first post and I really wish it wasn't something as stupid as this but hey, what can you do? I've been looking at many interfaces and brandon's helpful tool for selection of said interfaces but one thing puzzles me, the inputs. I suppose this specifically applies to brandon but im sure others can help. How is it that you can get a 8+ mic setup on a delta 1010 if it has only 1/4" jacks for input. This question also assumes that the mics have XLR jacks on them which could be wrong, but this seems to be a common thing where you have say 16 inputs but only 4 or 8 XLR's with pre's on them. The best answer i can come up with is that each mic has been connected to an external pre-amp before going into the interface, but again that may be wrong. Any help would be really appreciated.

[magno]

That's pretty much how it's done.
Hence that's why you still see a mixing desk in some peoples setups.
Mostly just to use the pre's.

[brandondrury]

The best answer i can come up with is that each mic has been connected to an external pre-amp before going into the interface, but again that may be wrong.

This is correct.

This is why in the soundcard wizard I have different fields for "inputs" and "preamps". They are different. Some guys don't want stock preamps. They may already own preamps they would prefer using.

Most of the new audio interfaces out there have plenty of preamps included but the designs from 5 years ago are typically more stripped.

As always, it's not about finding the best audio interface, but finding the RIGHT audio interface for you.

Brandon

[deadgreystar]

Thanks for the help, its been extremely useful. Now to buy my interface! Don't cry mr. wallet!