KVR Audio

counterparty · Post by **counterparty** » Wed Oct 18, 2017 8:55 pm

Hi,

I make music on a laptop, and I'm looking for suggestions for a reasonably inexpensive USB audio interface that I can move around a lot and not have issues long-term with cables/ports/etc.

Essentially, I've had a Focusrite Scarlett 6i6 (1st gen), then a Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (2nd gen) and they've both developed issues with having to wiggle the cable around to get them to work. I've had the current one for less than a year, and it's getting harder and harder to make it work.

I need at least one XLR mic input with phantom power, a headphone jack, and ASIO drivers with decent latency so that I can process and listen to the mic input live. I don't have any immediate need for instrument inputs or MIDI. I'm using Windows 10 and Reaper.

Thanks

chk071 · Post by **chk071** » Wed Oct 18, 2017 9:02 pm

My Steinberg UR22, and UR12 interfaces haven't died on me yet.

If that's of any help for you, i have both for merely a year. Seem to be pretty solid though, at least they look and feel like it.

khanyz · Post by **khanyz** » Wed Oct 18, 2017 9:10 pm

My Mackie Spike is still going strong. I’ve travelled with it for ~10 years+, bouncing around my backpack and it still works perfectly. Even works with my iPad these days. The sound quality still stands up too, for demos, demoing and radio at least.

I can fault Mackie on many things (and have) but build quality isn’t one of them. Seems to be a Loud Tech thing as the amps I’ve got from Crate and Blackheart are similarly robust.

So I’d check out Mackie Audio Interfaces with a metal casing.

VariKusBrainZ · Post by **VariKusBrainZ** » Wed Oct 18, 2017 9:51 pm

I've had my RME Multiface for over 15 years, built like a tank, drivers still get updates

Boone777 · Post by **Boone777** » Wed Oct 18, 2017 9:53 pm

My old Motu that I caried around a lot is still fully functionnal and drivers work on any OS or computer.

Apratim · Post by **Apratim** » Wed Oct 18, 2017 10:06 pm

my friend is using a rme interface(babyface i think)
rme is good but is also a bit steep in price
he is using that for 3 apprx years now

counterparty · Post by **counterparty** » Fri Oct 20, 2017 4:27 am

Thanks for your suggestions, you've been very helpful.

incubus · Post by **incubus** » Fri Oct 20, 2017 5:49 am

DJ RME babyface pro (or is it bro? )

All joking aside I've loved mine for a long time now. Better latency, great sound, awesome drivers, go team RME!

masterhiggins · Post by **masterhiggins** » Fri Oct 20, 2017 6:24 am

incubus wrote:DJ RME babyface pro (or is it bro? )

All joking aside I've loved mine for a long time now. Better latency, great sound, awesome drivers, go team RME!

Best mini interface out there. Period.

incubus · Post by **incubus** » Fri Oct 20, 2017 10:18 pm

I think it's been 2 1/2 years now. I can't believe I waited as long as I did. Of course the original BF didn't have the really low latency drivers.

rotku60 · Post by **rotku60** » Fri Oct 20, 2017 10:48 pm

My Echo MidiMia (PCI) has got to be going on 15 years. I probably should look at upgrading sometime.

rACatkvr · Post by **rACatkvr** » Thu Oct 26, 2017 5:47 am

Not cheap but for long life- rme.

skipscada · Post by **skipscada** » Thu Oct 26, 2017 6:55 am

counterparty wrote:I've had the current one for less than a year

Where did you buy it? In the EU it should still be under warranty, two years being standard and some well-known dealers offering 3 years. If it's not covered by the warranty I'd change brand AND dealer. BTW, it's possible to change USB port if that's the problem.

yellowmix · Post by **yellowmix** » Thu Oct 26, 2017 7:39 am

Honestly, I spent more on all the lesser audio interfaces before the RME I would have saved money getting the RME in the first place. It's the Boots theory of socio-economic unfairness in action.

e@rs · Post by **e@rs** » Thu Oct 26, 2017 8:01 am

+1 for RME. Among the big boys in the audio interfaces game their price/quality ratio is the best.

Audio interface that won't die