Let me begin by saying the NearStream AMIX20B is a well-built device and cleverly priced. It has all the outputs and inputs you would need to make it work. However, it does not work with the Android version of N-Track Pro DAW. To their credit, NearStream doesn't claim that it will. But they do say that their device will work with Android devices such as tablets and phones. I gave it a try and guess what? The N-Track Pro software does recognize the NearStream but that's about as far as it will go. Before you can record anything, it throws up USB and Audio Settings errors. To me, that indicates that the NearStream AMIX20B is not USB Class Compliant. I have two other brands of USB audio interfaces that hook right up. Too bad, it has a lot of other good things going for it... especially the on-board Lithium cell battery and 48V mic power. Also, it appears that the AMIX20B provides a fixed 16-bit sample depth while 24-bits is the preferred depth for pros. Sorry, it's a no-go for me and I'm sending it back.
Edit 7/23/24
I was contacted by NearStream support, and they worked with me to gather more information on the failure mode. Also, I was able to get the interface to record by using the simple speech recorder app that came with the tablet. So, it does work... just doesn't work with the N-Track Pro DAW app.
Cato
★★★★★
Good Little Interface! Adds Some Noise, Has Some UI Issues
I'm an audio engineer and I work in music. I got this to try out for a portable option when I'm on the road (and possibly for some streaming uses). I usually work in Pro Tools, but tested this out in Ableton on my laptop so far. There are a lot of things I like about this interface, and a few things I don't love:
Here's what I like:
-The bluetooth connection ability seems very useful (I imagine a lot of people using this might take advantage of that)
-I like that it comes with an adapter for the more pro headphone size (1/4 inch)
-It comes with a range of cables for connection to various devices
-It has a simple layout, with most of it making sense right off the bat
-The ability to use phantom power means you can use a range of mics with it, which is great!
-It has an internal battery! So you can use it in even more portable situations (like with just your phone, it seems like)
-the built in effects and reverb knob are a fun addition
-It connected to my laptop quickly and gave me no trouble with setting my inputs and outputs in the DAW (no driver install required)
Cons:
-This is the biggest one: the preamp is noisy and doesn't sound great - so your signal from your mic might not be ideal, depending on your use case.
-For the type of usage I'll be doing: I'd rather they focused more on a good clean signal coming from the preamp, rather than all the additional effects (I can add better versions of those effects in the computer). But then, for some use cases, they might prefer this combo of priorities.
-For the buttons on the bottom right (voice remover, ducker, and effect mode), I wish there was a more obvious display for the status of these effects
So those are my thoughts. For me, the main reason I would use a portable interface like this to begin with would be to get signal from a decent mic into my computer while I'm on the road, and possibly for a quick streaming setup. Because of this, the quality of the preamp and the signal coming in from the interface is one of the biggest concerns for me, so I took off a star for that. There are portable interfaces in this price point that will give you a much cleaner signal from your microphone. But, if you are also interested in this for the effects, the ability to sync with your phone and built in battery, and the more streaming oriented stuff - and you're willing to sacrifice a bit of sound quality for these added features - then I'd say go for it!
J
★★★★★
An audio effects box, mic pre-amp, and vocal remover - all in one package!
This is a great little mixer that offers a lot of options, based on how you use it. If you're a podcaster, here's your preamp with tone and volume control. If you play a musical instrument, the unit has a quarter-inch phone plug to accept a guitar or other electrified instrument. There's a separate gain control for the instrument input and the microphone. Reverb is available for the mic with a simple dial to adjust the depth. The larger knob adjusts the audio feed to the headphones (monitor).
Effects for the guitar are available from a single button allowing you to toggle to the desired sound.
The unit has a rechargeable battery and a power switch on the front. It charges via a USB port and there's a charge light to let you know the power is on. (The unit arrived with a dead battery and had to be charged.)
This is a great choice for a solo-performer to use as a mic-preamp with effects. It will also handle a guitar (at the same time) and provides similar effects you'd find on a basic pedal board. However, this unit does not accept a footswitch and it would be challenging to use in a live performance if you need to make adjustments or turn effects on and off during the song (one the fly).
During operation, I didn't notice any kind of background hum or interference. The knobs turn with just the right amount of drag and the overall build quality is excellent.
For music practice, recording, or pod-casting, this little processor offers a lot of options for a great price.
