So, if you follow the recording posts, you’ll know I’ve been playing with a new toy. Of course, the toy is the BandLab Link Digital audio interface. And I won’t be putting this on Reverb any time soon.
After so much use, let’s take a close look at it.
Background
If you read my reviews of the BandLab Link Analog and IK Multimedia iRig Pre, you’ll know that while both are great products, neither are 100% right for light audio recording.
- Neither product worked directly with my Chromebook: so, I had to record to mobile, then either sync or export and upload and import for editing; that is not efficient
- Using two different audio interfaces isn’t ideal – it doesn’t align with the efficiency or the space saving of light audio recording
The BandLab Link Digital is the cheapest audio interface with a combined XLR/jack plug input. And, it has phantom power, so it should work with my mic.
When I spotted an open-box one on Reverb for $55 with free shipping, I was all over that – they normally retail new at about $80.
BandLab Link Digital specs
| Input | One combined XLR/jack plug input |
| Output | 1/8″ headphone output, and separate 1/4″ |
| Power | Passively powered by your device, whether it’s mobile, laptop, desktop, or Chromebook |
| Controls | Two knobs, one each for master volume and gain, plus a button to engage the phantom power |
| Dimensions | 4″ (102mm) x 1.6″ (42mm) x 3″ (77mm) |
Additionally, the Link Digital includes…
- cable to connect it to your phone
- cable to connect it to things via USB
- splitter for the speaker
- 1/4″ to 1/8″ adapter barrel for headphones
In use
In truth, while opening the Link Digital, I was comparing it to the Link Analog.
So, one of the first things I did was plug it into my Chromebook. Because one annoyance with the Analog was that it didn’t work with it.
However, I plugged the Digital in, went to a project in BandLab… and there it was – picking the Digital right up! So much yay!
Certainly, that was the thing that bothered me most about the Analog – that the USB connection was literally only for charging, and that my Chromebook wouldn’t pick up the jack input. And I assumed the Digital would be the same. Obviously, I was delighted to be wrong!
Therefore, with that tested, and assuming that it would work OK with my phone, it was looking like the Link Digital would be the only audio interface needed for light audio recording.
My BandLab Link Digital arrived just as I was recording bass and guitars for Seven Shades. So, I was able to test it in all kinds of ways…
- Bass with it going into the Chromebook
- Guitar with it going into my phone using the BandLab app
- Guitar with it going into my phone using the Audio Evolution app
Thankfully, it did what I needed on all three permutations.
Additionally, I never seemed to have to charge it. And I couldn’t find any reference to powering it via mains or battery. It appears to be powered passively by whatever device I plug it into!
So, that means the Link Digital does all I need for light audio recording.
- I can plug in XLR cables or instrument cables
- Phantom power, so large diaphragm condenser mics can be used
- It doesn’t need batteries or charging
- Works with phone and my Chromebook
BandLab Link Digital: conclusion
| The input: because it’s combined for instruments and microphones, and has phantom power, I can DI my bass and use my large diaphragm condenser mic for everything else | More expensive than other tiny audio interfaces: it might be seen as a barrier, but I can’t think of anything that does as much |
| Works with Chromebook and mobile: so, probably works with PCs and Macs – I don’t know an audio interface that does everything like this | Construction: similarly to the Analog, it’s sturdily built, but I feel I have to be careful with the plastic knobs – if I break anything, it’ll probably be that |
| Passively powered: therefore running out of juice is never a concern – one less thing to worry about | Just another thought on construction: what if it could be fit in a BOSS pedal enclosure, with sideways knobs like the old Maverick guitars? |
The BandLab Link Digital doesn’t seem to be widely available in the States. And that’s a shame.
The guide for getting started in light audio recording needs to be updated, because the Link Digital is number one on this list.
To conclude, if you’re a home recording enthusiast, the BandLab Link Digital will head off so much hassle for you, and is absolutely worth the extra dollars.
If you found this helpful, subscribe on the right hand side of this page. You’ll be notified of new posts on Thursdays, inspiring you going into the weekend.
And share why you found it helpful. Because it helps us, and others!
Share your own light audio recording thoughts and experiences! There’s a Facebook group, a Subreddit, Twitter and Instagram.
Also, on LinkedIn, you can see the business-brain of Light Audio Recording at work.
And finally, feel free to shoot me a coffee!