A Budget Audio Interface I Can FINALLY Recommend For Mixing On Headphones
Вставка
- Опубліковано 14 лют 2024
- FINALLY.. A Budget Audio interface I Can Recommend For Mixing On Headphones
TOPPING E4X4
www.aliexpress.com/item/10050...
My name is Paul Third and I am a Scottish youtuber / audio engineer / mixing engineer / audio geek. I mostly cover audio engineering related content ranging from audio plugin shootouts / plugin comparisons (acustica audio plugins, universal audio etc etc) to actual analog vs digital / gear vs plugins plugin tests via access analog and mix analog. I even include ddmf plugindoctor tutorials in my plugin reviews so you can be your very own plugin tester and experiment and understand whats actually going on under the hood.
All of my audio blind tests involving music production software are conducted in Presonus studio one 6 which is my main daw and I also use HOFA blind test 4U as my blind test software. In terms of my audio interface I record and monitor through a universal audio apollo x6 through topping dx7 pro+ dac/amp and use an se dynacaster for all of my voice overs.
Join and also subscribe to the channel to get access to perks:
/ @paulthird
🌠 HELP ME TO KEEP DOING WHAT IM DOING
patreon.com/paulthird
⬇️ MERCHANDISE
paul-third.teemill.com
🏷️GEAR I USE
PAUL THIRD'S GEAR (THOMANN)
thmn.to/thocf/ad7nb8wdro
Topping DX7 PRO+
apos.audio/products/topping-dx...
Topping L30 mk2
apos.audio/products/topping-l...
🏷️ PLUGIN AFFILIATE LINKS
pluginboutique.com/?a_aid=60a...
WORKING AUDIO TOOLS PODCAST
/ @workingaudiotools
🎶 FOLLOW MY DEBUT ALBUM JOURNEY
• MY DEBUT ALBUM JOURNEY
🎤 RELEASING A SONG?
Music distribution playlist: • Playlist
Songwriting playlist: • MIXING SESSION WITH PA...
🖱️CONTACT ME
Email: paulthird.taysound@gmail.com
Instagram: / paulthird_uk
Website: www.taysoundstudio.com
www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/topping-e2x2-audio-interface-review.49127/
Amir's Audio Audience Review of E2x2 (same specs at E4x4)
Wow, it's interesting what happen, because Topping is very very known for it's hifi amplifiers... and now they took a step to service musicians, it's so cool!
🤓🤓
Hi Paul, thank you for this review. Just like to ask about your experience listening to the Hifi man headphones with this audio interface.Did you mix a session with this interface? Appreciate your feedback and input. Thank you.
Premixed with it, listened to mixes with it. Sounds pretty much like listening to an id44 through a headphone amp
Hey man, nice video as always.
I was thinking of buying a headphone amp from Topping, and I own an ID14 mkIII. Do you think if I go out the Audient to the Topping amp, it will be better than the interfaces headphone amp? Or should I not buy a headphone amp, but this topping interface instead? (I'm asking in the context of headphone mixing)
If you go id14 out to topping L30ii hp amp then I'd say quality wise it's basically the same. L30ii is arguably the best hp amp on the market but with e4x4 you don't have to use up your line outs and you get 2 hp amps, not one.
thanks Paul, I didnt know anything about topping until this video, i was thinking about getting a UAD Volt 476P, Is the TOPPING E4X4 just as good?
If you are a headphone mixer then definitely
Great video! Fellow DX1 owner here, currently using it for high-impedance headphones. I am switching from the Behringer UMC404HD (great preamps, bad AD conversion...) to the e4x4 as my main interface. I am trying to reach a better sound quality in my recording, and based on the measurements you shared the Topping is hard to beat for the price, not only regarding the headphone amp, but more importantly the inputs and AD conversion. Also, they have a couple of dealers in Europe at the moment, and I bought the e4x4 from France. Thanks for sharing!
🤓🤓
Although I've been thinking about it for some time you helped me decide to get a decent headphone amplifier. Because of my residential circumstances I am almost exclusively listening to headphones. I recently got the Neumann NDH 30 cans and since I want to get the best out of them I got today the Topping A30 Pro. It sounds truly amazing. Really makes me see how crappy the headphone amp in my cheap Scarlett interface is. I connected the balanced monitor outputs on the interface to the balanced inputs on the A30 Pro and it works great. The topping cost me the Aussie equivalent of little under 200 pounds which I feel is great value for that level of quality. Thanks heaps.
🤓🤓
Sweet! Love these tech nerd videos.
🤜🤛
Great video! I was thinking of getting the L30 ll to add to my 18i20 gen 2, but I’ve also been entertaining the idea of putting together a portable rig. I was coming to the conclusion that I was probably gonna have to make two separate purchases until this video. How do the L30 ll and the E4x4 compare sonically? Are they identical? Do you prefer one over the other? I use slate vsx btw, thanks 🙏🏾
L30ii is just an amp which is bottlenecked by whatever dac it's connected to. If it's just an amp you are looking for then l30ii is arguably the best on the market.. period.
E4x4 is the full package as its an interface and doesn't require mains power like the L30ii. If you have a top end DAC then I would always recommend l30ii but if you mix on headphones with a budget/mid tier interface and 4 pre's is gonna be enough then I'd definitely recommend the e4x4 as its gonna make your life easier.
Depends on exactly what you want
How do you find the old 18i20? drummer? I've got the umc404hd and my only complaint is that is fits poorly in my rack.
@@robertfontaine3650
Sorry, just saw this! Yes, I am a drummer. Haven’t recorded a full kit with the 18i20 since I moved a couple of years back though. At this point, I record mostly vocals and production when I can. For drums, I record with a Roland td25kv triggering Superior Drummer 3. My Gen 2 is fine for recording drums from what I remember though. The pres are pretty clean like most budget interfaces and the noise floor isn’t crazy. At the time I was in an unfinished basement and new to recording, but I was able to get pretty clean drums so long as I didn’t push the gain like crazy lol. But, I saw a review on the UMC 204HD a few days back and the reviewer deemed it his best-value interface. He said it was due to the Midas pres, low noise floor, and affordability. Assuming all of that is included in Behringer’s UMC1820 interface (their 8-channel), that may be a good option for you too. Knowing what I know now though, I'd save for something more expensive like an RME or Metric Halo for the all-around conversion. But I know if I NEED to record 8 channels of acoustic drums I can get the job done with my Gen 2. I believe Jacob Collier recorded his first album on an 18i20 Gen 2 and I think Louis Cole has one and still uses his to this day. So for now if it works for them, works for me lol. Sorry for the crazy long response, have a good one 🙏🏾✌️🏾
Hi Paul,
Currently I am using Arturia Minifuse 1 for HD 560S
I want to upgrade to HD 660S2 and since the Arturia amplifier is weak for them - I ordered Topping e2x2. Please tell me which DAC amplifier will be the next level after e2x2 for HD660s2? And how big will the difference in sound be and how will the sound differ?
I just listen to music and use headphones as my main Windows audio output device - no recording, playing guitar or anything like that
Topping wise you'd need to go up to like dx7 pro+ to get the really big DAC difference.
It seems nice and Id like to buy it. But I cant buy from aliexpress since they doesnt ship it to my country. Do you have any info on when they will be seliing this on different sites like amazon?
Dunno. It's a strange one as you'd think APOS would be selling it but for whatever reason they have only chosen Ali express
Paul, what do you think about adding something like a CRANBORNE AUDIO CAMDEN EC1 PREAMP/SIGNAL PROCESSOR/HEADPHONE MIXER to an existing interface, like the SSL2?
Never heard it
I use one with a Motu M2…and a set of Sundara’s…very nice!!
Sounds like a solid option
🤓🤓
Nice review Paul ..looking for a small interface for the studio i am putting together for my kids :)
🤓🤓
Slow news time I suppose. Thanks for putting it on the map, I'll give it a look
🤓🤓
Thanks Paul..great video.. currently looking to get a AI at the moment, so this is perfect timing. 😉👍
🤓🤓
Is the e1x2 still suitable for mixing and mastering for headphones with 250 ohm's
Or are all series the same from topping audio interface and specs but Les more inputs
Of course, it has an output impedance of 1 ohm
@@PaulThirdthanks
Thanks❗
🤓🤓
Hi Paul, would you grab this over a Topping L30 II (I’ve got an ID24)
Depends on whether you want the expandability as the ID24 has adat in and out.
E4x4 gives you 2 high quality professional grade headphone amps without sacrificing line outs with a seperate headphone amp.
You also get 2 extra mic pres and zero latency direct monitoring on the unit with monitor mix in the software.
Depends on your needs but if 4 inputs are enough then I'd say e4x4
@@PaulThird Great points, for my use I want a travel set up, so I can go on work away holidays and mix abroad (as well as mix on headphones at home when I'm not in my studio). As I wouldn't be recording much an E2x2 would have the benefit of not having to carry separate units and still have a great headphone amp.
I might have to get one then!!! Thanks for your hard work informing us all on these gems, you're a legend!!
I purposely waited till I had at least 2 months using it every week but I'm glad I did.
The e2x2 (£150) are available on Scan Computers ebay shop & website now. I think this exact unit but with their better spec DACs would corner the budget interface market, even if it were a £100 extra for the two channel model.
Tbh I prefer the DAC of the e4x4 to my apollo x6
@@PaulThirdThat's good to know. There were some comments on Amir's review wanting it for measurement purposes so I suppose they're going by the figures rather than what's audible, and worrying about the DAC when using loopback.
Dac to speakers is a different ball game. Specs can only tell you do much
I'm guessing most of us have dedicated headphones amps at this point. Am I the only one who misses Midi and Inserts. I have plenty of hardware in my little rack an no inserts means I have to add a mixer into the rack for real time audio. Software effects and the latency that goes with them is crap for realtime. My old umc404hd has terrible specs but its got the inserts and midi to hook it up with all my other gear. It would be nice to see some digital ports beyond the USB C for adding ports an devices.
If you want inserts and midi, as well. As a high grade hp amp then you really need to invest at least over a grand on your interface.
Probably something like an RME ufx iii
After reading users comments the Audio Science Review page on the e2x2, which is the same as the e4x4 with just fewer inputs and outputs, I feel that Topping still has a lot of work to do to polish up their software experience. The main thing these two devices have going for them is the headphone amps, which sound way better than several pro expensive interfaces on the market. But multiple comments about how hard it was use the input gain knobs themselves (difficult to grip), paired with that the gain control was rather difficult to control and certain popular mics (87 bete) couldn't get enough gain level to power them. Others had major software bugs with the sample rate always jumping to 44.1K even if you were choosing another option. And others couldn't seem to get out of a loop of it always wanting to download updates, but those would never take. It seems like Topping is on their way to a decent product at a good price point, but they aren't ready for prime time just yet.
Oh, and a rep from Topping was popping in and out of the thread. It sounds like they will be adding more interfaces with more or fewer options. All kind of with the DAC that he seemed to admit was a tier just below the RME FS models, or a Prisim. Which all that could still be really good! And he said their plan was to step up the DAC at some point to be even better. So maybe they are hoping to improve the experience with these models first before going to that ultra pro level? He also said they are just Ali Express for now but are looking into distributors for USA and elsewhere. I'm certain that will raise the price, but he seemed to acknowledge that a more local resale option is better for everyone.
I've been using it for months and had no issues.. At all. Windows and Mac. Maybe these were issues when e2x2 first came out but I've been able to record at any sample rate and also playback at 192. From my user experience there is nothing to polish up on as everything works 🤷♂️
This can even power austrian audio oc818 no bother which is a very hungry mic and I don't get the issue with the gain pots. Maybe they fixed a lot of things before releasing e4x4. Dunno
@@PaulThird that's good to hear. I'm sure you could come across the thread. It really does seem like an ideal mobile interface for ITB mixing with headphones.
Yeah I'd say it's the best on the market for that purpose
@@PaulThirdhi, but what about the DAC quality for nearfield ( or other ones) listening monitor ? Too low max dBu out ? And what about latency and drivers stability ?
Can you recomend a cheaper audio interface with 4 channel output?
Nope
I just need a preamp audio comparison with the audient ID14 to pull the trigger and buy the E4X4
Ed Thorne done it on his
@@PaulThird Thanks!
Damn. I wonder if this can somehow be integrated with my apollo x8 units. Id love something i can use with my headphones.
Unfortunately there's no adat or spdif with the topping
You can always track whatever you'd like with the x8, but then mix through the topping with headphones. The Apollo doesn't need to be the interface you monitor through in your DAW, but as long as you have it connected to your computer via USB, you'd maintain your DSP plugin access.
Yeah that's true but if you use the X8 for any analog gear then you can't use it for that purpose as the I/O in the daw has to see the X8 as the main interface
That's where toppings dx7 pro+ comes in handy as it has optical and coaxial spdif inputs so I use the X6 as the main interface but monitor through the Dx7 pro+ via coaxial Spdif (X6 doesn't offer optical spdif)
My hope is that topping make a monster interface with the pre's and ADC of E4x4, DAC of DX7 pro+ or DX9, full adat expandability, and if they managed to add the remote control capability of the DAC like DX7 + it's flagship Bluetooth .... Would absolutely destroy the market
Well, this is insane. On first glance one of the benefits of the RMEs (for small producer means) is that they offer XLR outs. But practically that shouldn't be an issue. In case someone has monitors that don't offer a TRS in you can buy a TRS (6,3) to XLR cable (or an adapter) and that should solve the problem without downside (for ~10 Bucks per adapter or cable) - as far as I know. Those are not very common, but they exist. If the quality is what your experience with Topping suggests, that's a bargain everyone starting out should take advantage of in my opinion.
Yeah, hopefully their QC is good. That's my only concern but I've never had an issue with a topping product to date so I can't see past this interface for a home studio unless you want the expandability, then audient may look more appealing with adat. Plus they only sell it via one shop so it's not like they are churning out boatloads so my hope is that they keep the quality at a premium
@@PaulThird Yes. In my mindset expandability is not really a start-out concern for low-budget producers. You want (XLR) inputs, optional phantom power, enough outputs for one or two sets of monitors, low latency monitoring and a decent headphone amp. So the only thing (at first glance) I noticed is the lack of XLR outs. Thus, in a homestudio setup with let's say the small iLoud MTMs as monitors, you may think you can't connect them to that interface (if you're starting out). It really checks all the essential boxes (partially abundantly so).
I wonder what the driver support is like...
No issues so far on windows and mac
I love my Topping L50 ❤
So you should 🤓
Picked up one myself recently. Its noticeably better than the haedphone amp in focusrite clarrett 8. Cost next to nothing as well.
@@bugeyedmudafuka2 my Clarett 4 is poor too
Please show us your new studio and gear
Soon, still waiting on a few things
i have tested Topping L50 and 600$ Aune headphones amplifiers and they are not even close to stock head amp in RME UFX II.
The two main questions is Asio and stability. Typically cheap interfaces offers use Asio4All.
For the money you can get Audient MK2 series but it is working bad with planar headphones (id4 and id14 distorts sound on high volume).
Also China supports russian agression on Ukraine 💙💛 so I will definitely skip this one.
RME and UAD still the best and solid solutions IMHO
That doesn't make any logical sense as the L50 is completely linear, has all the power required and is one of the best measuring hp amps on the market. There's not ANY logical reason for the UFX II amp to be better.
Emrah had the UFX II and still used a hp amp with it 👀 he actually has an adi-2 pro FS now and still bought an A70 pro. He's completely OTT though
Apollo hp amps aren't great and the drivers in the topping have been solid for me on e4x4, dx7 pro+ & dx1.
However RME will always win the driver stability battle. That's a given.
good thing im in china right now, the e4x4 pre is ridiculously cheap here, definately baggin this one next month
🤓🤓
Who is better topping dx1 + audient evo 4 . Or this e2x2
E2x2/ E4x4
@@PaulThird how ther performence of mic pre can i lose any detiled compared audient preamp?
@@PaulThird are the headphones give me nutrual sound without any color
Just go on the review of e2x2 by Julian Krause & audio science review and it'll tell you what you need to know
Does it guarantee punchy kicks?
In what way
Very surprised by this review. I would have to hear it to believe it. Typically the headphone amps and mic preamps are areas even high end AD/DAs disappoint.
That's because they don't have the technology in the first place. Topping made their career making the best headphone amps and DAC's on the market, THEN they got into the interface market.
That's the big difference between topping and the rest.
it feel wrong to order a product from aliexpress, its always been a scam site for me. and definitly that you dont get what you bought. is it safe to say that what you want from topping is what you get quility product???
I still use it for my podcast and videos. No issues, great quality
How are the preamps? Hows the latency?
Basically zero latency monitoring and the preamps are clean. That's why I use them for the podcast
@@PaulThird how is the latency through a daw though? Say you wanted to monitor with plugins?
thank you so much for this video! However, I temporarely live in the UK and due to brexit it's not possible to order anything that exceeds 135£ from Aliexpress. I wrote a message to Topping, let's see if they can do something
Hopefully apos can get them as they sell most of the rest of the topping range
@@PaulThird Hi Paul! I've just sent them an email, let's see what they can do for me. I also would like to ask you something if that is possible. I'm a sound designer and my current setup is:
-Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 (2nd gen)
- byedynamic DT770 pro (250Ω)
- a cheap portable headphone amplifier from ESYNic (costs around 30€).
Lately I wanted to resell my current audio interface and I can't decide between the Topping E4x4 and an Audient id14 MKII. The topping option is really appealing because of the excellent HP amp (I mainly work on headphones), but, do you think this will still be much better than the combo Audient id14 MKII + my current amplifier? I never had problems with my ESYNic, I can't hear any background noise and I can reach high levels of gain with it. Do you still think that the Topping E4x4 would be a much better option for me?
I bought this interface. I'm waiting for delivery from China.
How long did they say for delivery?
Well well well! I'll keep this in mind. Though my Presonus interface is good.
Which one?
@@PaulThird I forgot, so I didn't write it in my original comment 😆 but I remember now: Studio 24c. How are the preamps on this one? I use high Ohm headphones anyway.
Super clean. I'd definitely give it a look as I couldn't go back to using the revelator io24. Preamps and headphone amp are shit. You'll probably find that the studio 24c uses the same hp amp in the revelator io24 as that's how they keep costs down. Most manufacturers use the same hp amp for all their interfaces. Pretty standard practice.
On my video it's genuinely just topping > lauten atlantis > compression and de-esser in studio one
That's it. No eq, no rx. It's super low noise. Very clinical
@@PaulThird Excellent, thanks!
Man, I really regret that I had to sell my SPL 2Control, in my opinion the most useful headphone amp (stereofield control)…
Pity that it's not suitable for low impedance headphones. Pretty high THD for as well so not the cleanest either.
Crossfeed feature may be handy but id say you made the right decision to get rid
Wow! I am an hi-fi nerd where Topping destroyed every competitor. I will look for this device for my live playing
🤓🤓
👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏
🤓🤓
I love my rme babyface.
🤓
Now we need 32 i/o and I’m sold 🛸
🤓🤓
@@PaulThird Is it possible for you to do a poll on youtube question how many people actually listened to music in atmos? Would be interesting, what do you think?
Nah, pointless poll being honest. Doesn't achieve anything
Aliexpress has been quite good for customer service in my experience.
If something arrives, that is nothing like it's advertised to be, I've been refunded the full amount and not even asked to return the product... probably because it's too expensive to return... this is for cheaper items... I've brought audio equipment, and it's come and been what it is said to be, so I haven't had any experience when it's not, in regards to more expensive items
Good to know
🤓🤓🤓
Remember to check out my audio podcast 🤓
Is this a paid add?
Nope. Explained briefly near the end of the video if you actually watched it
Wish I'd known this before I bought my glitching, distorting Audient iD14 that just sits on my desk gathering dust...
Is that mk1?
@@PaulThird No it's a mk2. Not had it for long.
That's odd. Usually highly regarded
Oh that’s a bummer. Mine is working flawlessly from 2020 and doesn’t want to stop. I’m really happy with it
@@PaulThirdI know that's why I bought it. It could be a setting that I've missed. Just got to keep searching/testing.
My dude,, don't make me sell my ssl2,,, only had it a year 😅
😅😅
BLACK LION MAN
No way that thing got absolutely lynched online!!
Awful interface.
I don’t have the guts to buy this
Why haha
🤓🤓🤓
Remember to check out my autism channel if you want to learn more about my life 🤓🤓