EVO START RECORDING
£199
Web audient.com Format PC/Mac/iOS
We do love a good recording bundle here at Computer Music. Not only do you normally get a good smattering of gear, but generally the asking price represents a bit of a saving over buying the component parts separately.
Audient’s new Start Recording bundle is clearly aimed at those new to computer music making but, given that its central component is the award-winning EVO 4 (9/10 and Value
Award, 282), you could – and they probably will – make the argument that this collection of gear could suit intermediate producers too.
A quick EVO 4 recap: it’s a compact USB interface with two combi mic/line inputs at the back and one instrument input at the front for guitar or bass. There are two speaker outs and a central dial to rule them all – its function is generally determined making a selection on the top of the panel so it can control input and output levels (headphone if one is plugged in) and the mix between the input and DAW. One use is to play along and record with your songs using the unit’s zero latency performance (not to mention its use in podcasting overdubs).
With the EVO’s Smart Gain feature, that helps you avoid distortion on input recording, plus its pristine sound, it’s fair to say that we loved the unit when we reviewed it (aside from wanting a slope panel option), concluding: “great value and one of the simplest and cleverest – solutions we’ve come across”. Having it as this bundle’s core, then, is already a great start.
Next up is the SR1 condenser mic. This general-purpose microphone is good for vocals (especially podcasting and general chat) and guitar and it will give you decent results on many instruments, especially with the supplied shockmount. OK, it’s not up there with a Neumann, but neither is this bundle’s price.
The final component – bar a useful XLR cable – is a set of cans in the form of the SR200 monitoring headphones. These are comfy and reasonable sounding. Again you’ll get better results by paying more, but this is all about ‘starting’, and with light versions of Cubase and Waldorf and G-Force instruments, it really is all you need for that – just add a decent magazine!
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