Arturia audiofuse 16 and alternatives

[Mac Hine]

Thinking about getting audiofuse 16 for recording harware synths. As an alternative I have been thinking something like Mackie onyx 16. So, any audiofuse 16 owners here? Have you been happy and is there something else you should recommend?

Currently have motu m2 and have been connecting it to 1 synth at the time. So I would want to build easy setup to use with hardware and vst:s. Propably would not use hardware and vst same time as timing issues are driving me crazy.
Any thoughts before I pull the trigger?

[Etienne1973]

Propably would not use hardware and vst same time as timing issues are driving me crazy.

What sort of timing issues? If you didn't have them, would you generally like to use HW devices and SW VSTs at the same time? I'm asking because maybe some folks here can troubleshoot your timing problem(s).

[Supersonic20]

Thanks for this topic

[Constructed Identity]

I will get mine Tuesday and I will let you know. I don't like the plug situation for it with it's 'wall wort' but it has features like USB hub and display that I really like.

[Fiscally4706]

is there something else you should recommend?

In April, Motu released the new 16A: https://motu.com/en-us/products/16a/

Screenshot 2025-08-31 at 4.28.23 PM.png

[Mac Hine]

Thanks for tip! Motu seems interesting. It has couple dsp effects which I miss from Arturia but does not have mic inputs.

[Mac Hine]

What sort of timing issues? If you didn't have them, would you generally like to use HW devices and SW VSTs at the same time?

Not sure. I would imagine that I will use them separately or maby record hardware first and then add vst later. I use FL and my timing issues are mostly latency related. Add some VST to the track and midi track for hardware. Route HW-synth to soundcards input. VST and HW is totally out of sync. Then I adjust timing on midi send channel to compensate the timing. All ok, then add some vst to track and timings are off again. Have not found a clever they to fix this. I read that bitwig can compensate that automatically. Not sure if that is correct. It is not big problem but adjusting timing kills the mood. It may also that I have just missed something.

[BertKoor]

If you get something like an Arturia Audiofuse 16rig, I'd recommend a patch bay. That is, if you want easy access to plugs at the front, not at the back. That's why for my old Mackie 1604 I got the extra metal pieces to tilt the back panel to become top, so all I/O is easily accessible.

[Constructed Identity]

Thinking about getting audiofuse 16 for recording harware synths. As an alternative I have been thinking something like Mackie onyx 16. So, any audiofuse 16 owners here? Have you been happy and is there something else you should recommend?

Currently have motu m2 and have been connecting it to 1 synth at the time. So I would want to build easy setup to use with hardware and vst:s. Propably would not use hardware and vst same time as timing issues are driving me crazy.
Any thoughts before I pull the trigger?

Well in two days I pretty much have a handle on mine. It has a nicer user interface than motu and slick features like a programmable button on the front that can either be an attenuator, an A-B monitor switch, or a mono. The giant block on the plug is annoying, but I think I will quickly forget about it and love this thing.

[vitocorleone123]

I use a RME Digiface USB + Ferrofish Pulse 16.

Before the idiotic tariffs the total cost was around $1400 or so, I think.

[Fiscally4706]

Thanks for tip! Motu seems interesting. It has couple dsp effects which I miss from Arturia but does not have mic inputs.

Another new release yesterday: https://motu.com/en-us/products/848/

Screenshot 2025-09-10 at 8.19.49 PM.png

[Mac Hine]

Another new release yesterday: https://motu.com/en-us/products/848/

Noticed that one too and was exited but 2000e + adat expansion. :/ So, far it seems that I will go with Arturia.

[tehlord]

I've had the Audiofuse and it's great. Surprisingly well built and robust and no issues with it at all. The Arturia ADAT expanders would be a useful addition too if you ever needed more inputs/outputs.

[Fiscally4706]

Another new release yesterday: https://motu.com/en-us/products/848/

Noticed that one too and was exited but 2000e + adat expansion. :/ So, far it seems that I will go with Arturia.

How many mixes/submixes and aux send/receive do you need? Arturia has some limitations, definitely look over the user manual and their routing matrix before deciding. Maybe a Youtube video goes over them, not sure.

[kevinsparks]

Regarding MOTU, many of their interfaces (including my 8pre) will constantly crash if you try to run them at 96khz. It might be best to avoid the 16A.

Good luck on your quest