If you want to record yourself or others playing drums with high-quality audio and multiple channels, you need to use a recording interface.
There are dozens of good audio interfaces available, and drummers typically need to use ones with eight input channels.
However, sometimes drummers just need one or two channels for a minimal setup. If that sounds like you, the Neumann MT48 may be a good option.
The Neumann MT48 is a small interface with a flat design that makes it ideal for placing on a desk. It’s optimized for Neumann products, but it works well with microphones and headphones from other brands too.
It has two preamps and two line inputs, giving you a total of four inputs to record instruments and mics with.
It has four outputs for monitoring, along with two outputs for headphones. It has a touch screen that allows you to EQ all the inputs that you’re recording.
Lastly, it has a silver casing that makes it look quite smart in a bedroom studio setup.
The quality of the Neumann MT48 is fantastic. It works reliably and allows you to create some really high-end recordings.
The two preamps it has are excellent, and you can get a really good drum mix while just using two microphones. However, you’ll have to be clever with your placements, as those two mics will have to do quite a bit.
The line inputs are great as well, but those can’t be used for drum microphones. You can use them for instruments like guitars and keyboards.
With only two preamps, this wouldn’t be the ideal interface for recording drums. However, it’s good for a specific group of people that have small bedroom studio setups and would like to record a few drums every now and then.
The interface makes drums sound excellent. You just can’t use more than two drum mics at a time.
The construction quality is the best part of this interface. Everything about it just screams modern and luxuriousness.
The design is clever, as it fits in perfectly on a desk next to all your other gadgets. Interfaces can sometimes be a bit of an eyesore, but this one will improve your desk aesthetic instead of detracting from it.
The touch screen is also a great touch. It works really well, and it allows you to control your sounds before booting up any software.
The overall interface is quite easy to understand. All the buttons and controls are very simple to look at, meaning most people will figure out all the controls within minutes of unboxing this thing.
The performance quality you get is incredible, as this interface has no delays and really crisp audio quality.
You just need to work really hard to get good drum sounds with only two inputs for drum kit mics.
The price is where the Neumann MT48 falls short. It’s very expensive, so most people would second guess buying it.
We think it’s worth the price, but not for drummers that want something to purely record drum kits. You could get an 8-channel interface for about $500, which is far less than what you’ll pay for the MT48.
It’s more worth it for people that are looking for the features and are planning to do a bit of drum recording on the side.
Overall, we wouldn’t recommend that most drummers get the MT48. We’re really impressed with how it performs, but two preamps are just too few for someone wanting to record drums. We would say four is the minimum, and eight would be preferred.
However, you’ll fall in love with this interface if you’re looking for something small and sleek to place at your desk. If you create music and occasionally need a few inputs for XLR cables, this is a top-tier option.
Drum Teacher
Brett Clur has a Drum Performance Diploma from Trinity College London has been playing drums for over 20 years. He is passionate about advanced concepts and uses his years of experience to teach his students about them. While he is a full-time drum teacher, he is also working on growing a YouTube channel where shares his insights. You can see him playing there, or on Instagram where he posts daily videos.
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