Audio interface with solid drivers/software that doesn't break the bank?

[ztrauq]

I have a Focusrite Scarlett Solo USB audio interface that I got because it was cheap and I didn't need to drive much: a pair of small studio monitors, a couple microphones, and monitoring hadphones. When it worked it was fine, I'm not sure what changed, but now no matter what I do the thing sends out audio that sound like it's been weirdly bitcrushed.

Uninstalled/reinstalled, tried a bunch of suggestions from internet searches, switched every setting and buffer size the software offers, and it still has the same sound issue.

At this point I'm kind of ready to give up on it and switch to something different, and someone suggested RME interfaces for having quality drivers and software, but they seem to start at around $900 or so.

I'm wondering if anyone knows of a brand that has basic interfaces in the $150-300 range that also has reliable and easy-to-configure drivers and software?

[kvotchin]

I’ve heard good things about the current gen of Scarlett interfaces. Then again, I might be biased, because I had a 1st gen 2i4, and it was absolutely fine. Only upgraded because I felt like it, and there was a used RME, as it happens, at a good price.

In truth, the 2i4 would probably still suffice for my needs. And yeah, apparently 2nd gen is superior is a bunch of ways. *shrug*

[bagpipe200]

I had a Focusrite Scarlett 8i6 and replaced it with a MOTU M2. Absolutely rock solid. Haven't had one issue with it in almost 2 years of daily use.

[Ploki]

Steinberg UR series, or 2nd hand RME

[WasteLand]

i have a Focusrite Solo (third gen) for my laptop, not my first choice, but found it second hand, for a great price, in a real, yes a real shop, a second hand shop...

no probs here, really. not the best interface.

the Behringer UMC204HD i had before, for my laptop was better, latency etc. (yes a much better latency the half of the Focusrite..). but i choose to go for small, and it suits my needs.

so a Behringer UMC204HD is great, a Motu M2/M4, never used them, seem to be great. but are they sold out, all the time.

for my studio i have a RME, which is indeed the best interface, in many ways, can play more plugins (yes, efficiency is real...), etc. second hand, well, it was given to me... 19 years old and still working like a charm...
does not work for a laptop (uses a PCI card, a PCIe/PCI bridge works great). and has also no pre-amps, which i don't mind, i always used a pre-amp from Roland... (also a very old one...).

but of a confusing story.

when did the Focusrite Solo began to act up (windows/mac)? after an update?

but if you were happy with the Solo and want the best in that price range, i believe the MOTU M2/M4 are the best.

a second hand RME can be bought for 150, but it depends if you have a laptop, than prices are higher, because you will need a newer RME, and second the price of those ones (the Babyface Pro or Pro FS) is beyond the price range you state.

behringer UMC204HD (why not the UMC202HD, the UMC204HD has better control over direct monitoring... but is also a good replacement for a Solo), cheap, but good, very good, outperforms Focusrite, and sounds excellent.

want to spent more i think the MOTU M2/M4 are the go to, interfaces.

(in a way i regret that i sold the UMC204HD, but sold to a friend, he is very happy with it, so well...)

[thecontrolcentre]

NI interfaces are affordable with solid drivers. I ran an AK1 for 15 years or so with zero issues.

[cryophonik]

I've owned several higher end MOTUs in the past and they served me well, so the M2 would definitely get my recommendation (but, I've never used that model). Maybe take a look at the SSL2? Again, I've never used that one, but it's in your price range, gets good reviews, and it's an SSL, which should speak for itself.

[Goony]

Had focusrite 18i20 2nd gen for a few years on both a PC and now my M1 mac mini, no issues,solid performance.

[Ploki]

NI interfaces are affordable with solid drivers. I ran an AK1 for 15 years or so with zero issues.

except when they’re abandoned and stop working

[thecontrolcentre]

NI interfaces are affordable with solid drivers. I ran an AK1 for 15 years or so with zero issues.

except when they’re abandoned and stop working

Mine still works, altho the midi control buttons stopped working after an OS update. It was designed for XP after all

[Ploki]

NI interfaces are affordable with solid drivers. I ran an AK1 for 15 years or so with zero issues.

except when they’re abandoned and stop working

Mine still works, altho the midi control buttons stopped working after an OS update. It was designed for XP after all

Audio kontrol 1 stopped working on mac long before M1 and Catalina, altogether.
while much much older RME interfaces still work

[IcedChai]

reading this has been pretty helpful, thanks everyone

[Watchful]

I use the Alesis Multimix USB FX, which is under $200, and gives me 8 audio inputs, and connected right to my Win 10 device via USB with no trouble. It's a few years old and has been 100% reliable. Built-in guitar DI (if that's important to you), and I have a couple other pieces of equipment plugged into it.

I don't use the built-in FX, but it's great for recording in the studio or supporting live music.

https://www.alesis.com/products/view/multimix-8-usb-fx

[BONES]

Over the past 20 years I've had a dozen or more USB interfaces and they have all worked perfectly well. If I had to recommend anything in your price range, it would probably be a Yamaha AG03 or, if you need a few more inputs, an AG06. They use the same drivers as the Steinberg interfaces but they are in a mixer form factor that I find very handy. They are made from steel so they are tough and you can add DSP effects to your external gear, via an application that runs inside your computer. They are pretty cool.

If that's more than you need, then I'd recommend a Zoom U22. I have the larger U24 and it has stellar sound quality and low latency, which are the two most important things.

[canadian_moose]

MOTU M2/M4

I have the M4 and its very good. Highly recommended.