Focusrite vs Presonus vs M-Audio
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- KVRist
- 142 posts since 9 Apr, 2012 from United States
Im looking to get a new audio interface because my Lexicon Alpha broke (its $60, what do you expect?) and im not sure which out of the three i found to buy. I am currently looking a the Presonus Audiobox USB, the Focusrite 2i2, or the M-Audio Mbox. Since they all basically have the same specs, im looking for personal opinions, experiences, or just pointing out that one has something the other doesnt.
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- KVRAF
- 2312 posts since 9 Jun, 2002 from East of Santa Monica
Agree with previous poster. Steinberg's interfaces seem to be almost universally well-regarded in all aspects.
That being said, I have seen odd problems reported with some UR22 units - possibly a quality control issue.
Just make sure you buy from a retailer with a good return policy.
That being said, I have seen odd problems reported with some UR22 units - possibly a quality control issue.
Just make sure you buy from a retailer with a good return policy.
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- KVRAF
- 9144 posts since 7 Oct, 2005
I went to buy Focusrite Scarlett 2i4 and it was out of stock in the shop. The salesperson offered Saffire USB 6 with $50 discount (and it was cheaper than 2i4) He opened the box and I liked a lot what I saw, the build quality is great. I made sure that it is USB 2 (it was written on the box also) So, I bought it! That was more than one year ago.
I test it in my old laptop (which has Windows 7 and OS X Snow Leopard). The latency in OS X is better than windows. But even in Windows, it was ok.
I had a strange problem of clicking and crackles in Windows 7. In the end, it was the wifi driver in Windows which was making the latency and noise!! I replaced the driver with one that works without a problem. So, it wasn't audio interface problem.
I was affraid that it would not function properly in the new laptop (windows 8 and USB 3 only), but it works perfectly fine. Sometimes when I use it outside the DAW, it sounds all distortion. I just start/restart my DAW and it initialises (it seems) the audio interface and I'm good to go. I expect it to work for more than 10 years when I look at it! it is built like a tank! So after all I'm very happy with it
I test it in my old laptop (which has Windows 7 and OS X Snow Leopard). The latency in OS X is better than windows. But even in Windows, it was ok.
I had a strange problem of clicking and crackles in Windows 7. In the end, it was the wifi driver in Windows which was making the latency and noise!! I replaced the driver with one that works without a problem. So, it wasn't audio interface problem.
I was affraid that it would not function properly in the new laptop (windows 8 and USB 3 only), but it works perfectly fine. Sometimes when I use it outside the DAW, it sounds all distortion. I just start/restart my DAW and it initialises (it seems) the audio interface and I'm good to go. I expect it to work for more than 10 years when I look at it! it is built like a tank! So after all I'm very happy with it
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- KVRist
- 392 posts since 21 Sep, 2011 from Northern California
+1 on presonus audiobox 22vsl, a really nice interface for the price.
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- KVRist
- 466 posts since 14 Nov, 2003
@Lazerbacon
Which one did you buy? What do you think of the choice now?
Which one did you buy? What do you think of the choice now?
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- KVRist
- 50 posts since 2 Mar, 2012
Whether you're on a mac or pc should be considered. Lazerbacon Take it from me if you're on a pc DO NOT buy ANY hardware by Tascam, and go for the focusrite. The name of the game is who has the most solid drivers, and for pc that's definitely focusrite. I have a 200 dollar saffire 6 that runs like a dream while my 300 dollar Tascam US-800 collects dust in the corner because the drivers are such crap that I cant do anything with it. I know Tascam wasn't one of your options but just something nice to remember.. plus the saffire 6 is SOLID, picking it up makes you want to toss it onto a curl bar and do some reps!
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- KVRer
- 6 posts since 9 Mar, 2013 from Outernet
I also made the switch from a US800 to a Focusrite(18i20) - Now I know what Stable means. 
I will never buy another Tascam product.
Plus, Focusrite's tech support is very responsive if you ever have any questions.
I will never buy another Tascam product.
Plus, Focusrite's tech support is very responsive if you ever have any questions.
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- KVRist
- 32 posts since 2 Jul, 2009
I have the Focusrite 2i2 and it's been wonderful! Excellent sound, although recently the pot for headphone volume hasn't worked right and at certain positions only sends signal to the left element of my headphones. Oxidation, I think. But otherwise, I recommend!
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- KVRist
- 227 posts since 26 Aug, 2010
Thanks for this. I intended to buy a Tascam interface.bLUiVORY wrote:I also made the switch from a US800 to a Focusrite(18i20) - Now I know what Stable means.
I will never buy another Tascam product.
Plus, Focusrite's tech support is very responsive if you ever have any questions.
What about AKAI EIE PRO and Alesis Io4?
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- KVRAF
- 4468 posts since 15 Nov, 2006 from Hell
i tried EIE Pro once. drivers were so dreadful i had to send it back. nice unit otherwise.
I don't know what to write here that won't be censored, as I can only speak in profanity.
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- KVRist
- 227 posts since 26 Aug, 2010
Why not just using Asio4All?Burillo wrote:i tried EIE Pro once. drivers were so dreadful i had to send it back. nice unit otherwise.
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- KVRAF
- 3303 posts since 6 Jul, 2012 from Sick-cily
Can find in second hand an M-Audio Fast Track Ultra (4 ch), very powerfull, 4 ch with over 60 dB gain, 2 line ch, spidif, midi, 2 send\return in ch 1 & 2... What else? Drivers Support guaranteed by Avid... Pro Tools compatible...
Simply the best... AMEN!
Simply the best... AMEN!