Which audio interface

[mikek1357]

Hi folks,

Anyone with some advice on a cheap usb audio interface? What's most important is the sound quality that comes out of the box, I'm intending to use them with headphones.

I've already had a look at the focusrite scarlett solo, the steinberg ur12 and the NI komplete audio 1. It would be nice if the audio interfaces can drive headphones with more then 32ohms, like 80 or 250.

Until know I've done my mixing and mastering with cheap....dare I say it....Samsung mobile phone headphones on a on board audio chip from Realtek.

Below the track mixed with those cheap headphones and audiochip.

https://soundcloud.com/user-568715984/feedback

[chk071]

Note that with the Steinberg UR12, you only get RCA outputs. And, you won't get any line inputs either, in case you happen to buy a hardware synth at some point. So, I'd rather recommend the UR22 mk2.

Other than that, there's also this: https://www.thomann.de/de/presonus_audiobox_usb_96.htm

I can't really comment on the quality of it at all though, it's just that I've seen it some time ago, and, it seems very economically priced. If I'd be in the market for a first audio interface, I'd probably take that one.

[kvotchin]

IMO, the Scarlett range (low end of) is great value, and sounds pretty good for the money. I only upgraded to something else because of changed studio needs.

[Septimon]

If you are on windows: take one with low latency drivers, the cheapest Behringer Interfaces don‘t have that for example.
Scarlett, Steinberg or Presonus are good choices.
I have a Focusrite saffire and the HP output is loud enough for my 300 ohms AKGs, i guess the Scarletts are similar
I always buy used ones never had a bad experience.

[tehlord]

Having owned multiple interfaces over the years I have come to the conclusion that Steinberg or Audient are the best option at the budget end. That's actually owning and comparing, not only ever having had one and therefore recommending that ONE interface.

Go for an Audient ID4 or Steinberg UR22.

[rotku60]

I have the Steinberg UR22mkII it is rock solid and basically invisible in my set up. I use both Phillips 9500 and Beyerdynamics DT990's (250 ohms) without any volume issues.

[roman.i]

Hi folks,

Anyone with some advice on a cheap usb audio interface? What's most important is the sound quality that comes out of the box, I'm intending to use them with headphones.

Check out the new Motu interfaces, the M series (M2, M4).
Those are cheap, but have an impressive specs, including Sabre ultra dacs like in professional interfaces.

[chk071]

Can confirm the reports about the UR22 mk2. I have it for a couple of years now, and, I'm really happy with it. Rock solid hardware.

[dellboy]

If you are on windows: take one with low latency drivers, the cheapest Behringer Interfaces don‘t have that for example.

Not true.

Even the ultra cheap Behringer UM2 USB (£29 - 33 euro) with just one input has low latency asio drivers. It even has 48 volt phantom power and an XLR input and Tracktion thrown in.

And its built like a tank.

https://www.bax-shop.co.uk/external-aud ... -interface

[Septimon]

If you are on windows: take one with low latency drivers, the cheapest Behringer Interfaces don‘t have that for example.

Not true.

Even the ultra cheap Behringer UM2 USB (£29 - 33 euro) with just one input has low latency asio drivers. It even has 48 volt phantom power and an XLR input and Tracktion thrown in.

And its built like a tank.

https://www.bax-shop.co.uk/external-aud ... -interface

I‘m referring to the UMC22
Here is a link to the behringer website:

https://www.behringer.com/Categories/Be ... ans(en|en)

The driver they provide is „ASIO4ALL USB Audio Driver“

Might be build as a tank, but from the six devices I ordered for my school one broke within 12 months, still had warranty so it was not a problem. (Nothing at all against behringer in general, Crave is a cool synth for example)

[dellboy]

I‘m referring to the UMC22
Here is a link to the behringer website:

https://www.behringer.com/Categories/Be ... ans(en|en)

The driver they provide is „ASIO4ALL USB Audio Driver“

Might be build as a tank, but from the six devices I ordered for my school one broke within 12 months, still had warranty so it was not a problem. (Nothing at all against behringer in general, Crave is a cool synth for example)

I stand corrected, the link only has the asio4all driver.

Its odd because that model did originally have the official Behringer UMC driver. I have found a convoluted link to the old driver..............

http://recordingstudio9.com/about/download/

[Septimon]

It does work with ASIO4all but latency and reliability are better with A proper driver from the company itself in most cases.

[Silaris]

My recommendation is the PreSonus Studio 24c. It is a basic, budget friendly audio interface.

I own a PreSonus Studio 1824c, which is an expanded version of the 24c. Overall, I do not have any complaints about the quality or sound of 1824c. I am sure the same would hold true for the 24c.

[Steve Bolivar]

There's a similar thread over in the Computer Setup forum. There some good info there.
viewtopic.php?f=16&t=543834
Hope this helps.

[Passing Bye]

Behringer U-Phoria UMC202HD is best bang for your buck, you can even get more featured (and future proof) UMC204HD for the price you will pay for cheapest Focusrite Solo and the rest of the usual suspects, also it will drive your 80ohms cans for sure.