With an increasing number of creators needing to record their computer’s audio alongside mics and other sources, we look at some solutions that can get you there without taking a hit on either your headspace or bank balance…
Historically, recording application audio on its own or in tandem with mics or other hardware sources was the final head-scratcher for engineers working with limited resources. While it was (and still is) possible to use an ancillary device such as a headphone output or spare interface to physically connect the source application to the DAW’s interface, this method is not ideal. Not only is it cumbersome, but it is also potentially compromised in the technical sense with unbalanced headphone connections and/or extra trips through the convertors.
Using Software
There are a number of software solutions out there allowing the recording and monitoring of virtual sources. Watch how we use Existential Audio’s free BlackHole software to get the job done using a non-loopback enabled interface. This provides perhaps the most elegant solution to recording in-the-box sounds, but for scenarios that need the addition of a mic or other hardware source, a different approach is needed.
What ls Loopback?
While the software solution can work, using such a method isn’t without its pitfalls, not least the requirement of the user to have an understanding of audio routing. A loopback enabled interface makes the traditional problems of capturing virtual audio go away by offering virtual inputs and outputs that can be thought of and used just like hardware inputs and outputs. These can be addressed by both the source software, and the destination, allowing the engineer to keep all app audio in the computer. Of course, the interface’s hardware inputs can also be utilised for adding a mic or other sources simultaneously.
At its simplest, one stereo virtual output and one input will be provided, although inevitably monitoring of the source software is needed. An increasing number of boxes come with their own software mixer that lets the user fly their headphone mix independently of the DAW; loopback interfaces include their virtual IO as well for easy monitoring. More recently, developers have worked hard to democratise their loopback enabled products by making them affordable, and easier to understand by the non-technical creator. These are welcome for both creators and those engineers who find themselves in the role of technical support for their creative friends…
1 - Audient Evo4 - $130
This unassuming little black box brings together stylish hi-fi inspired looks with Audient’s Smart Gain tech to give creators loopback enabled capture. The super-simple top panel buttons round off the experience, borrowing from mobile device iconography for the ultimate in intuitive recording experiences.
2 - Focusrite Scarlett 4i4 3rd Gen - $250
Loopback comes to Focusrite’s ubiquitous red boxes beginning with their Scarlett 4i4 3rd Gen interface. Full size MIDI ports and extra balanced IO set the 4i4 apart from its smaller siblings, alongside a security slot for those times when you just don’t feel like sharing…
3 - IK Multimedia iRig Stream Pro - $150
Winning the prize for the smallest loopback box on our list, IK’s walkie-talkie sized interface is aimed fairly and squarely at streamers and content creators with battery operation and TRRS support for the complete mobile experience. The device works on both mobile and desktop computers, with three different shaped leads bundled meaning you can get straight to work.
4 - Steinberg UR12 - $115
Hot on the heels of Focusrite’s Scarlett 4i4, the UR12 wins the prize for Loopback Interface You Can Stand On With Confidence. This box comes housed in a hefty reassuring folded enclosure with a Neutrik combi input on the front, and a security slot on the back. Making use of Yamaha audio knowhow, this one looks and feels like it’s in it for the long game.
5 - Arturia MiniFuse 1 - $99
The dinkiest offering from French sound seers Arturia kicks off their interface range and injects it with loopback goodness for good measure. The controls are to the point, with direct monitoring available, and a nicely weighted level control that is highly twistable thanks to its rubberised octagonal profile. Touché!
6 - Presonus Revelator - $200
Presonus’ Revelator Dynamic is the company’s take on the end-fire dynamic mic which happens to have a built in USB audio interface! Along with very usable on-board DSP processing, its loopback capabilities are understandable to creator and engineer alike by way of an intuitive mixer app.