Which audio interface

[_leras]

Probably doesn't make a huge difference at low price point. I have a Steinberg ur24c that is very decent for its price that I use when travelling. Solid build, very decent sound.

If you can afford it though I'd recommend RME for a great studio interface.

[Cavey Arrgh]

Can't answer specifically but check your choice can drive those 250 ohm headphones properly.

just bought a steinberg ur 22 c, very happy.

What headphones do you use? IIRC correctly, those Steinbergs have weak headphone amps.

Just want to echo these warnings. I bought a UR22C and later learned heaphone amp/output (ohm) specs vary WILDLY among similarly priced interfaces, UR22 being among the worst. I returned the UR22 for a MOTU M2 (but many others are fine for this). Julian Krause has a chart comparing this spec for lots of interfaces.

[stoopicus]

Microphone: Rode Nt1 Signature

For a mic this nice you probably want to go with either the MOTU M2 or the Solid State Logic SSL2, both of which are basically near the top of the consumer tier's mic preamp quality, per Julian Krause. You should really check out his channel:



I owned a SSL2 and it was fantastic. My only gripe was the inputs were on the rear.

I really wish more audio interfaces had the layout of the Zoom U24, it's perfect, laid out top-facing like a mixer. Unfortunately a bit dated in sampling frequency support these days, though in reality, it's just fine. Maybe just a bit noisy compared with the others though.

[stoopicus]

I know scarlet has bad reputation cuz of their scarlets solo

Only among misinformed fools. They have excellent interfaces all around. Much earlier versions had some driver issues, but those are a thing of the past. (Same with MOTU, btw.)

One thing that irritates me with the Scarletts is that (at least for the solo and 2i2) there is only a Direct Monitoring switch and not a blend knob. This is a showstopper for me.

Otherwise their quality is great and there's nothing at all wrong with them. Especially the v4, which dramatically improve their noise floor and also do have a monitoring blend in the software (still annoying but at least there's a way to deal with it.)

[jclosed]

The Scarlett is a nice device, and I have used it in the past. The last generation can be considered trouble free, and I used it a few times on location. I agree that the very first models had a bad reputation, and not without reason.

I myself use a Motu M4, and it is a rock-solid device, that comes with also rock-solid drivers. I have no need for a even higher quality device, but if I would be forced to make a switch I would go for a RME device. They are very costly though...

[The Noodlist]

The Scarlett is a nice device, and I have used it in the past. The last generation can be considered trouble free, and I used it a few times on location. I agree that the very first models had a bad reputation, and not without reason.

I myself use a Motu M4, and it is a rock-solid device, that comes with also rock-solid drivers. I have no need for a even higher quality device, but if I would be forced to make a switch I would go for a RME device. They are very costly though...

I've been impressed with the sound quality of the MOTU M4, it also has excellent instrument inputs. I think it's superior to the Focusrite 8i6 3rd Gen that I also use.

[Ratibbla]

Did you look at MOTU M2? I'm really happy with mine.

I've heard that the M2 has some issues with the Windows driver, like it causing sound chirping. Maybe they've updated it by now though

[WackyZoundz]

I've never seen a stable and working low-latency Windows driver for any MOTU interface so far. It's surely good hardware but the drivers are garbage.

[bagpipe200]

Did you look at MOTU M2? I'm really happy with mine.

I've heard that the M2 has some issues with the Windows driver, like it causing sound chirping. Maybe they've updated it by now though

I've never had that happen on my M2 running Windows 10.

[Klisyaeron]

I've never seen a stable and working low-latency Windows driver for any MOTU interface so far. It's surely good hardware but the drivers are garbage.

Even for the M4? I've heard it has pretty good reviews

[WackyZoundz]

MOTU interfaces get good reviews because pretty much every MOTU user is on Mac which eliminates the driver issue. If you want a similar experience on Windows I recommend RME interfaces.

[The Noodlist]

MOTU interfaces get good reviews because pretty much every MOTU user is on Mac which eliminates the driver issue. If you want a similar experience on Windows I recommend RME interfaces.

 

RME is higher priced in comparison, I've had years of hassle-free use from a
HDSP 9632 PCI. Rock solid.

With the MOTU, I have a Traveler MK1 and M4, it makes me wonder if it's related to Windows exclusive audio mode, the MOTU interface is sometimes grabbed by Windows for system audio after powering on the unit causing possible issues. With that said, the MOTU Windows drivers' changelogs have various fixes, room for improvement?

[WackyZoundz]

I tried freeing MOTU interfaces by configuring onboard soundchips as default audio devices, same result. It's really the drivers which are just not well written in general.

[mixyguy2]

At the entry level interfaces (which is what I sensed the OP was looking at given the tenor of their post) I stand by my point - I'm not talking about RMEs or even the Apollo interfaces

ah OK, that does make a diff. Generally speaking, I'd agree. But the diffs in quality if not features in even high-end models vs low has diminished a great deal and no doubt will continue to do so.

As for bundled software, why would that be a poor reason for someone looking to get their first interface (especially if they're newer to recording)?

Because most if not all such software can easily be matched if not surpassed with free software readily available on any number of sites, including this one. It'd kinda be like deciding to go to Steakhouse A over Steakhouse B because A offers a free soda with your meal and B doesn't.

But again your overall point stands and I wish more people understood it ...the diffs in both hardware and software has shrunk rapidly in recent years and is often exaggerated not just by the sellers, but the buyers.

[stoopicus]

MOTU interfaces get good reviews because pretty much every MOTU user is on Mac which eliminates the driver issue. If you want a similar experience on Windows I recommend RME interfaces.

Yeah but for the price of a RME you can buy a Mac, the MOTU, and the full version of any DAW you want

Ok sure that depends on which RME, but still. They are awesome but I doubt OP really needs ADAT or a 112dB SNR yet. (As much as I would love them).