I currently have the Motu M2, bought it the 1st month it was released. So underrated, very clean and flat preamps, zero coloration allowing me to tailor my voice how I prefer. About to upgrate to the M4 or M6 since i started adding outboard gear to my setup.
Nice comparison 👍 Do the Volt definitely have loopback though? I've been trying to find out and any forum post etc said "no". Unless it's been added recently via an update?
I'm using SSL 2 for over 2 years to recording, mixing and mastering songs and here's my thoughts. 1. Legacy 4k is pretty cool. When the powers on, you can immediately feel the difference between A/B. It feels like it boosts the high frequency.(actually it does) I use it almost every time to record voice source. 2. I like the location of the input terminal. I don't really like the input terminal at the front of it. If the cables are attached to the front, it's very annoying to set up a neat desk, you know? 3. Now it supports the loopback feature. Make sure to update the software. When I bought it, it didn't support loopback. It might come with an update already. 4. I really like its structure, too. Along with SSL's console-like design, it has a diagonal-cut shape, which makes it very easy to adjust the knob. It would have been better if the headphone knob was a little bigger, but I like the very large main knob! I use it under my monitor, and I think most other audio interfaces have a knob mainly on the top or front, so there's a little bit of a jarring when adjusting the knob. So overall, I think it's pretty good for voice recording. These are the advantages that come to mind right now. Actually, I can't think of any disadvantages because I've used them so well. I hope it could help you to make your decision :)
what's the best audio interface for instrument recording then? I'm thinking of using the sound of colliding household items to make musiz @@supahotjelly
Hey Kyle. Good video. I actually am using the Behringer UMC22 for a 1-mic category. I like it a lot. It is (at least used to be, not sure of prices now) the cheapest. Do you know the Behringer UMC22. What do you think are its pros/cons compared to the ones you reviewed?
Curious why you said that the Audient EVO series is a step down in quality. Is it only the plastic exterior? It has a lower noise floor than the Scarlett, and the fact that all controls can be used digitally could be a plus over the Scarlett's physical pots that are known to deteriorate and get scratchy over time. The EVOs are a different approach, but equal in quality at least to the Scarlett 2i2 in every single way. The metal enclosure is nice, but not the deciding factor in quality for an interface, especially since I've not heard of a single owner having the plastic give any negative impact on the device.
Great video, Kyle. Thanks for sharing. I’m not too proud to say that I purchase used stuff. I recently purchased a Focusrite Clarett 8 pre Thunderbolt for $250 plus shipping. Although deals like this are far and few between, they are out there and I only buy from sources that guarantee their products. I like Music-go-round. Reasonable prices and tested products.
Great video man! What interface would you suggest to record a drumset (like mine - an Mapex Armory, with 2 kicks and actually 10 mics but later probably more) with a Mac Studio M1 Max and Logic Pro? I asked my dealer for a Focusrite Scarlett and an OctoPre together. Or should I ask for something else? Keep up your amazing work man🤘🤘🤘
If you just wanne record a guitar with 2 mics for stereo and 1 for natural reverb. And a vocal mic . You’re already at 4 inputs. I kept having minor timing issues with low budget interfaces so I went back to a simple 4 track and external preamps. At least the timing issues are gone!
Question about these USB interfaces: right now I am using a Rode dynamic mic and a iRig portable USB interface. The combo is okay but I am looking to upgrade to a decent shotgun mic (the old and loved Sennheiser MKH 416) for online content creation. I once read it needs something in particular from an audio interface but I cannot remember what. Will your mentioned candidates do the job properly?
Thank you, @@AudioUniversity ! I will now have to dive into the audio treatment part of the to be created room first :) Will be watching some more of your videos. Cheers!
Also consider secondhand Universal Audio Apollo solo Heritage Edition either USB Windows or Thunderbolt Mac. A major upgrade with the sound quality and Headphone amp. With the heritage Edition you get a lot of expensive plugins for free. You can use realtime effects, running off the chip for direct monitoring like preamps, reverb or autotune. If you rock a nice mic then you can record vocals while listening to your processed voice in realtime. The DSP chip can only run a handful of plugins at a time so you can use Universal Audio spark in combination to run most of the plugins natively without a limit.
what about the DI/DAW blend knob? It seems that a lot of these audio interfaces are choosing at what price range you get this. Audient iD4 has it but then it is removed on the iD14 and iD24. For Motu you need to step up from the M2 to the M4 to get this blend knob. 2i2 also has one I think. How important is it for someone trying to record an instrument into their mix?
You can also balance the mix you hear with the DAW faders. You’re right, this is a helpful feature, but I prefer to keep the blend knob at half and balance with the DAW faders even if there is a blend knob.
I purchased an Audient Evo 8 interface about a year and a half ago back when it was $200 and I couldn’t be happier with my decision! The 4 inputs have come in handy for me so many times and having multiple headphone outputs makes it very easy to use while tracking another person. The only downside is that since it’s made of plastic I have to be extra careful with it while doing location recordings, and while it’s preamps are not as noisy as a Scarlett (3rd gen) they don’t have a much character with the signal in my opinion, which can be a good or bad thing.
I’m using a Behringer Uphoria UMC 204HD. Has Midas deigned preamps and sounds great with good control. It’s extremely quiet! Under $200 and I’m happy with it. I’d never recommend buying an interface with less than 2 inputs. You don’t know what the future holds. Take it from a musician, voiceover artist, and former radio DJ…your plans and needs will grow and you will outgrow a single input much faster than you expect. Never buy less than 2 inputs. They’re affordable.
I have the same interface and I agree. It's also convenient that they not so recently updated the software to have mono inputs instead of having the 1-2 inputs in stereo. BUT it doesn't have loopback
@totallyfrozen - I haven’t tried this one, but thanks for sharing. Could be a good option for some. @curlyboi - loopback lets you record the outputs of your interface. Direct monitor lets you hear the inputs.
After my Digi Design 003 wasn’t compatible when I upgraded my computer’s software I bought the SSL 2+ for $229 plus tax. I have the Scarlett’s 8i8 2nd generation but I like the SSL 2+ sound texture better
Should make one for headphone amps. No idea what what's good these days. The O2+ODAC apparently used to be great like a decade ago, but didn't get one at the time and now they don't really seem to be around (in Europe at least).
Thanks a lot for the info much appreciated but I have a question regarding headphone output volume on the Scarlett 2i2 4th gen. Is it true that the headphone output volume is really low? I was going to buy one but if that's true it's a deal breaker for sure.
Im a bit confused. The Scarlet solo is a single channel interface. Whicle it can record a guitar and mic simultainiously, I have not found a way to do so in seperate and independant tracks.
Also compressor in Volt x76 series could be some sort of autogain, preventing hi peaks. Which could be useful while switching from single coils to humbacker with hi output. Btw additional outputs could be used for reamping, outboard gear or another preamps.
All good points! Although, I’d recommend turning down the preamp with humbuckers rather than doing that with a compressor, unless you specifically want compression.
PreSonus Revelator io24. 2 mic inputs, DSP with hi-pass filter, compression, EQ, noise gate, reverb, loopback, and nice little LCD display. Only $99, and comes with Studio One Artist!
I am trying to find a Audio Interface/mixer, that I can use with my personal MAC for content creation/podcasting/live streaming etc... running a condenser mic, and premium bookshelf speakers... however for my day job I want it to work with my work laptop(windows 10) for my meetings and conference call and recordings for trainings... The problem is I don't have admin rights to run drivers so I need plug and play on windows for simple use.... please help.. willing to spend up to $500 plus.. I was really planning on getting the Rodecaster Duo for the flexible use cases, but I believe it requires windows drivers, would be great for my Mac but need whichever interface to also work simply with windows PC no drivers needed.
Output sound no different from dust. Sticking with ol hoss, the AKAI EIE Pro - the red one, not that fancy silver thing. I don't give a hoot what anyone says.
I think I like the sound of the Focusrite best. Audient iD4 next. Not sure how to describe the difference and I might flip choices listening with better headphones. Both def better to me than the others just on sound.
What’s the reason for omitting the Zoom UAC-232? It offers the larger dynamic range, and the ability to recover any clipped music. Other than the Motu M2, the other interfaces cannot really compare to it.
Most 3rd class interface behringer🙈am using a Motu 828 the premium top notch line dolby atmos 10.1, Rokit 8, sennheiser hd 202, control surface icon pro audio, Art Audio sync gen master clock, uad satellite quad, Behringer ada 8200 ad/da converter, Art Pro mpa 2 tube mic preamp, warm audio cx-12, klark teknik eq hardware, dbx compressor hardware, novation 61 keys midi, Furman power conditioner, Pro tools 12 hd, logic, cusbase, mac & windows both with 32gb ram rtx graphics 4090, creative soundblaster soundcard, Behringer 3242fx analog mixer...
Nice display on Motu, indeed. But it is unnecessary maybe. I used to take a look on the interface once during recording, at the beginning, then the DAW tells everything.
@@szunabass I disagree. I’ve had several instances when I’ve needed the screen. Zoom meetings, when the interface is in the recording booth (away from the computer), when something else is occupying the screen instead of the DAW, etc.
How the hell did you get rid of all that hissing in those audio examples? I have an audio interface but every time I playback recordings I hear hissing from the microphone with the shore SM7B. What is audio Mike boost? Is it like a fethead?
I currently have the Motu M2, bought it the 1st month it was released. So underrated, very clean and flat preamps, zero coloration allowing me to tailor my voice how I prefer. About to upgrate to the M4 or M6 since i started adding outboard gear to my setup.
Thanks for sharing! Glad you like it!
Nice comparison 👍 Do the Volt definitely have loopback though? I've been trying to find out and any forum post etc said "no". Unless it's been added recently via an update?
Nice catch! I misspoke in the video. Thank you - I’ll add a correction.
This is a great UA-cam channel. Thanks for the info on all your videos.
What did you bought?
Great video! Thoughts on the SSL 2, though? That's the one I've been eyeing for mainly vocal recording.
I'm using SSL 2 for over 2 years to recording, mixing and mastering songs and here's my thoughts.
1. Legacy 4k is pretty cool. When the powers on, you can immediately feel the difference between A/B. It feels like it boosts the high frequency.(actually it does) I use it almost every time to record voice source.
2. I like the location of the input terminal. I don't really like the input terminal at the front of it. If the cables are attached to the front, it's very annoying to set up a neat desk, you know?
3. Now it supports the loopback feature. Make sure to update the software. When I bought it, it didn't support loopback. It might come with an update already.
4. I really like its structure, too. Along with SSL's console-like design, it has a diagonal-cut shape, which makes it very easy to adjust the knob. It would have been better if the headphone knob was a little bigger, but I like the very large main knob! I use it under my monitor, and I think most other audio interfaces have a knob mainly on the top or front, so there's a little bit of a jarring when adjusting the knob.
So overall, I think it's pretty good for voice recording.
These are the advantages that come to mind right now. Actually, I can't think of any disadvantages because I've used them so well.
I hope it could help you to make your decision :)
Thanks for this info, @supahotjelly! It sounds like you have more experience with the SSL 2 than I do. Much appreciated.
what's the best audio interface for instrument recording then? I'm thinking of using the sound of colliding household items to make musiz @@supahotjelly
Hey Kyle. Good video. I actually am using the Behringer UMC22 for a 1-mic category. I like it a lot. It is (at least used to be, not sure of prices now) the cheapest. Do you know the Behringer UMC22. What do you think are its pros/cons compared to the ones you reviewed?
Curious why you said that the Audient EVO series is a step down in quality. Is it only the plastic exterior? It has a lower noise floor than the Scarlett, and the fact that all controls can be used digitally could be a plus over the Scarlett's physical pots that are known to deteriorate and get scratchy over time.
The EVOs are a different approach, but equal in quality at least to the Scarlett 2i2 in every single way. The metal enclosure is nice, but not the deciding factor in quality for an interface, especially since I've not heard of a single owner having the plastic give any negative impact on the device.
I'm toggling between Motu M2 & SSL2 - really hoping to find a comparison on those 2. Great video!
been using the M2 for several years and had a Motu Traveler Firewire interface in the past, happy with Motu products and the latency is great!
@@jerzillawhat sound card would you get out of all the ones you shown
@@JasonXBeats I've just been using the M2 and various dongle dacs I have.
@@jerzilla is the ssl2 any good better quality?
@JasonXBeats I don't have the ssl2, ask the thread starter, he has it, not me.
Great video, Kyle. Thanks for sharing. I’m not too proud to say that I purchase used stuff. I recently purchased a Focusrite Clarett 8 pre Thunderbolt for $250 plus shipping. Although deals like this are far and few between, they are out there and I only buy from sources that guarantee their products. I like Music-go-round. Reasonable prices and tested products.
Thanks for sharing! That’s a great way to get extra value for the money.
Great video man! What interface would you suggest to record a drumset (like mine - an Mapex Armory, with 2 kicks and actually 10 mics but later probably more) with a Mac Studio M1 Max and Logic Pro? I asked my dealer for a Focusrite Scarlett and an OctoPre together. Or should I ask for something else? Keep up your amazing work man🤘🤘🤘
I think that’s a great pairing! 16 preamps!
OK cool thanks! I ordered it now! Can't wait to get them🤘@@AudioUniversity
What do you think abt the minifuse?
If you just wanne record a guitar with 2 mics for stereo and 1 for natural reverb. And a vocal mic . You’re already at 4 inputs.
I kept having minor timing issues with low budget interfaces so I went back to a simple 4 track and external preamps. At least the timing issues are gone!
What do you think about the PreSonus Studio 24c? The line/mic/instr inputs seem very convenient.
Question about these USB interfaces: right now I am using a Rode dynamic mic and a iRig portable USB interface. The combo is okay but I am looking to upgrade to a decent shotgun mic (the old and loved Sennheiser MKH 416) for online content creation. I once read it needs something in particular from an audio interface but I cannot remember what. Will your mentioned candidates do the job properly?
Great choice! It is a condenser mic so it will require phantom power. Any of these will work with the MKH 416.
Thank you, @@AudioUniversity ! I will now have to dive into the audio treatment part of the to be created room first :) Will be watching some more of your videos. Cheers!
Also consider secondhand Universal Audio Apollo solo Heritage Edition either USB Windows or Thunderbolt Mac. A major upgrade with the sound quality and Headphone amp. With the heritage Edition you get a lot of expensive plugins for free. You can use realtime effects, running off the chip for direct monitoring like preamps, reverb or autotune. If you rock a nice mic then you can record vocals while listening to your processed voice in realtime. The DSP chip can only run a handful of plugins at a time so you can use Universal Audio spark in combination to run most of the plugins natively without a limit.
what about the DI/DAW blend knob? It seems that a lot of these audio interfaces are choosing at what price range you get this. Audient iD4 has it but then it is removed on the iD14 and iD24. For Motu you need to step up from the M2 to the M4 to get this blend knob. 2i2 also has one I think. How important is it for someone trying to record an instrument into their mix?
You can also balance the mix you hear with the DAW faders. You’re right, this is a helpful feature, but I prefer to keep the blend knob at half and balance with the DAW faders even if there is a blend knob.
Hey, great video. What about to play small gigs? I want to hook up my Macbook to a PA system and use Logic as my pedalboard basically.
Motu M2
thank you for the details and guidance. It's really helpful!
I purchased an Audient Evo 8 interface about a year and a half ago back when it was $200 and I couldn’t be happier with my decision! The 4 inputs have come in handy for me so many times and having multiple headphone outputs makes it very easy to use while tracking another person. The only downside is that since it’s made of plastic I have to be extra careful with it while doing location recordings, and while it’s preamps are not as noisy as a Scarlett (3rd gen) they don’t have a much character with the signal in my opinion, which can be a good or bad thing.
I’m using a Behringer Uphoria UMC 204HD. Has Midas deigned preamps and sounds great with good control. It’s extremely quiet! Under $200 and I’m happy with it.
I’d never recommend buying an interface with less than 2 inputs. You don’t know what the future holds. Take it from a musician, voiceover artist, and former radio DJ…your plans and needs will grow and you will outgrow a single input much faster than you expect. Never buy less than 2 inputs. They’re affordable.
I have the same interface and I agree. It's also convenient that they not so recently updated the software to have mono inputs instead of having the 1-2 inputs in stereo.
BUT it doesn't have loopback
came here just to comment that. extremely low noise compared even with focusrite. tons of connections, stable drivers. price honestly more like $150
@@Qimchiy what do you mean by loopback? direct monitoring is there...
@@cURLybOi those are 2 different things.
@totallyfrozen - I haven’t tried this one, but thanks for sharing. Could be a good option for some.
@curlyboi - loopback lets you record the outputs of your interface. Direct monitor lets you hear the inputs.
After my Digi Design 003 wasn’t compatible when I upgraded my computer’s software I bought the SSL 2+ for $229 plus tax. I have the Scarlett’s 8i8 2nd generation but I like the SSL 2+ sound texture better
Thanks for sharing!
Should make one for headphone amps. No idea what what's good these days. The O2+ODAC apparently used to be great like a decade ago, but didn't get one at the time and now they don't really seem to be around (in Europe at least).
Thanks for this review!
Thanks a lot for the info much appreciated but I have a question regarding headphone output volume on the Scarlett 2i2 4th gen. Is it true that the headphone output volume is really low? I was going to buy one but if that's true it's a deal breaker for sure.
It was fine for me. I don’t think you’ll have any issues. Ultimately depends on the sensitivity of your headphones.
@@AudioUniversity I looked it up and it appears my headphone sensitivity is 94.5 dB / mW SPL according to a report for a noob like me.
Im a bit confused. The Scarlet solo is a single channel interface. Whicle it can record a guitar and mic simultainiously, I have not found a way to do so in seperate and independant tracks.
Also compressor in Volt x76 series could be some sort of autogain, preventing hi peaks. Which could be useful while switching from single coils to humbacker with hi output.
Btw additional outputs could be used for reamping, outboard gear or another preamps.
All good points! Although, I’d recommend turning down the preamp with humbuckers rather than doing that with a compressor, unless you specifically want compression.
Great run through, thanks. Longtime user of Focusrite interfaces, all the way from the Solo to the big 18i20. Been happy with all of them.
Great to hear that!
MOTU goated
PreSonus Revelator io24. 2 mic inputs, DSP with hi-pass filter, compression, EQ, noise gate, reverb, loopback, and nice little LCD display. Only $99, and comes with Studio One Artist!
What audio interface can you recommend using with tonestack pro app?
you can use an impedence matching transformer (they come xlr to 1/4 inch) and you can plug a mic in an instrument input
I am trying to find a Audio Interface/mixer, that I can use with my personal MAC for content creation/podcasting/live streaming etc... running a condenser mic, and premium bookshelf speakers... however for my day job I want it to work with my work laptop(windows 10) for my meetings and conference call and recordings for trainings... The problem is I don't have admin rights to run drivers so I need plug and play on windows for simple use.... please help.. willing to spend up to $500 plus.. I was really planning on getting the Rodecaster Duo for the flexible use cases, but I believe it requires windows drivers, would be great for my Mac but need whichever interface to also work simply with windows PC no drivers needed.
Hi please suggest me which one to buy.. volt 4 or Motu M4..
I’d go with the M4. But they are both good options.
@@AudioUniversityThank you so much...
You should definitely get a VOLT series sound card, it is much better!
Output sound no different from dust. Sticking with ol hoss, the AKAI EIE Pro - the red one, not that fancy silver thing. I don't give a hoot what anyone says.
So helpful kyle thanks very much.
Happy to help!
what interface is best for the buyer dynamic dt770 pro 250 ohms?
Yu should have included the Behringer Uphoria series, those are excellent interfaces for less price that the Focusrite and more features
How is the Arturia Minifuse
Thank you
I actually happy with my UAD Apollo Solo
Glad to hear that! How do you use yours?
@denden6638 - Check out this video: ua-cam.com/video/ZXWla3nsBN4/v-deo.htmlsi=TvL9A33-e8PS0Sog
I have a Focusrite 2i2 and a MOTU M2.
I much prefer the M2. It's not for the sound quality, but rather for the feeling I get when I use it.
Does it have higher dynamic range ? Output gain?
where is UMC204HD :(
I haven’t tried any Behringer interfaces, personally. But they might be a good option for some.
I am really happy with my Arturia MiniFuse 1 for single mic input. I'm surprised you didn't review this series. Great video nonetheless.
I have the Arturia Minifuse 2, also very happy with it.
@@flatlandcircuitry I think they're great. I have the MF1 for VO work and the MF4 for music.
I haven’t tried that interface, but thanks for sharing. Could be a good option for others, too.
i got the minifuse 2, it's great, and such good price for all it's specs.
@@audian666 I've also bought the MiniFuse 4 for the MIDI side of my studio.
I think I like the sound of the Focusrite best. Audient iD4 next. Not sure how to describe the difference and I might flip choices listening with better headphones. Both def better to me than the others just on sound.
What’s the reason for omitting the Zoom UAC-232? It offers the larger dynamic range, and the ability to recover any clipped music. Other than the Motu M2, the other interfaces cannot really compare to it.
hahahahahaha
Most 3rd class interface behringer🙈am using a Motu 828 the premium top notch line dolby atmos 10.1, Rokit 8, sennheiser hd 202, control surface icon pro audio, Art Audio sync gen master clock, uad satellite quad, Behringer ada 8200 ad/da converter, Art Pro mpa 2 tube mic preamp, warm audio cx-12, klark teknik eq hardware, dbx compressor hardware, novation 61 keys midi, Furman power conditioner, Pro tools 12 hd, logic, cusbase, mac & windows both with 32gb ram rtx graphics 4090, creative soundblaster soundcard, Behringer 3242fx analog mixer...
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The Motu M2’s mini screen puts it over the top for me. None of the other interfaces’ meters comes close.
Nice display on Motu, indeed. But it is unnecessary maybe. I used to take a look on the interface once during recording, at the beginning, then the DAW tells everything.
@@szunabass I disagree. I’ve had several instances when I’ve needed the screen. Zoom meetings, when the interface is in the recording booth (away from the computer), when something else is occupying the screen instead of the DAW, etc.
I agree that the meters are by far the best in this lineup.
How the hell did you get rid of all that hissing in those audio examples? I have an audio interface but every time I playback recordings I hear hissing from the microphone with the shore SM7B. What is audio Mike boost? Is it like a fethead?
It probably has more to do with room noise than electrical noise. Getting closer to the mic and speaking louder helps.
@@AudioUniversity the EVO 8, will you lose headphone sound if you have all 4 inputs occupied?
一个建议，吉他玩家有可能在意内置DI的质量，可能比较难以衡量，但请尝试加入这个考量。
Cheers.