Light audio recording was borne of the need to downsize, financially and physically. BandLab’s in-browser DAW and companion app have been instrumental in this. But, they also make hardware that supports this objective: so, here’s their Link Analog audio interface.
Background
In the early days of this website, you’ll read of the Samson Studio GT. Now, these were an awesome set of monitors, with a built-in audio interface. Certainly, they were very convenient.
But, there were smaller monitors available. And, having my audio interface separate from the monitors would mean that I didn’t have to bring an entire monitor with me when recording remotely.
Additionally, my Studio GTs were old, with a UK plug, and needed a shim to make the left speaker work.
So, I replaced the monitors with the BT3s: they’re smaller, and have been working out great. But, this meant I needed a separate audio interface.
Because light audio recording means keeping things compact and mobile, as well as cheap, I specifically started looking at solutions that would work with my phone, as well as my Chromebook.
As I was already a relatively heavy user of BandLab, I gave their Link Analog a go.
However, the reviews of it are pretty terrible. But, I decided to give it a go for myself: if it didn’t work out, I could sell it on.
I managed to snag one on Reverb for $30 including shipping.
BandLab Link Analog: specs
| Input | Neutrik combined jack plug and XLR |
| Output | 1/8″ headphone output; 1/8″ TRRS speaker output |
| Power | Built-in rechargeable battery – charged with micro USB |
| Controls | Just a lone gain knob |
| Dimensions | 2.75″ (70mm) x 1.6″ (42mm) x 3″ (77mm) |
In use
When it arrived, I looked through its contents and felt it up. It was definitely a durable unit compared to the iRig Pre I’d been using.
Firstly I tried it with the BandLab app on my phone, with my bass. It worked. Yay!
Then, I tried it with BandLab in Chrome on my Chromebook. And it didn’t work. I assumed my Chromebook would use it instead of the internal microphone, but it did no such thing. Aw! I even tried with both the mini jack plug connector, and the USB.
Next, I tried it with the BandLab app using my microphone. And, it didn’t work. Aw!
So, I started re-reading the specs. And I guess I learned that assumptions I’d made weren’t there, and this wasn’t what I needed.
I assumed that it would work with my mic, because, well, it’s a modern audio interface with an XLR input. But no. It doesn’t have the phantom power my mic needs.
BandLab Link Analog: conclusion
In conclusion…
| Construction: probably the most durable of audio interfaces in this space | Chromebook: it doesn’t work with mine |
| Price: they cost $40 directly from BandLab – that’s cheap as chips | Phantom power: it’s disappointing it doesn’t have it as standard |
| Rechargeable via USB: significantly better than throwing out used batteries | No USB connectivity: the USB connection is for charging, and charging only; obviously this would likely also help it work with Chromebooks |
While the Analog Link isn’t the “one audio interface to rule them all” that I need for light audio recording, I can see its potential. For example, if I still had my SM58 and wanted something that it was OK to bash around a little… that would be fine.
However, I have one mic to rule them all. And I need to be able to bring it to record drums as much as I need to record guitars in the apartment. So, I need an audio interface to match that versatility.
But, the Link Analog isn’t quite it. However, I still don’t know why it’s so badly reviewed elsewhere.
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