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

[jjpscott01]

I have most of these small interfaces and my two favorites are the Audient Evo2 and also the Mackie Onyx 2x2. Both sound great and the Mackie in particular is built like a tank.

[mixyguy2]

I am VERY happy with the Motu M2. It's just a sexy lil thing.

Mine was with defect and I've returned it (bought it in Sept 2020). then I read a lot of reviews that the production/QC is bad and a lot of people had issues with both m2/m4. Hope it has changed since then.

I'm curious where these reviews were as I never saw any such review when researching them - they did have some driver issues initially, but AFAIK they are resolved.

Native Instruments Komplete Audio MK1 or MK2

As with all things NI, overpriced for what you get. So is Audient.

[mixyguy2]

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.

Seconded. I have the U-44, which has SPDIF i/o, MIDI i/o and a standalone mode, plus line out, monitor out and zero latency direct monitoring. Bus powered too and small enough for a laptop bag.

But weak mic gain on the preamps (43db...even most so-called low-end units are in the 55-60 range).

[Alex Leon]

I own a Presonus Studio 26c and really happy with it. Great solution for home project studio. Solid drivers. I trust in that audio interface after a 2 years of work on a laptop and PC (both with Windows10, Reaper and StudioOne). My personal favorite options is a good dynamic range for a headphones out and hardware MIDI interface.

[bardaxx]

Hello there, I'm looking for advice. I have an Audio interface UAD Arrow, and as a system, I'm using an MBP 14 M1 Pro with macOS Ventura.

All works well, but the only thing is that if my MacBook goes in stop/sleep, the UAD Drivers make my MacBook crash. So the only chance for me is to disconnect every time the audio interface or turn off the mac, and it's a pain.

So I was wondering about changing the audio interface, and I was interested in the UR44C by Steinberg 'cause I can get 2 more inputs that I missed on my UAD Arrow. Is it worth it?

I do not use UAD plugins too much so this for me is not a problem, actually, I'm using Cubase 12 so I think the UR44C is good. Is any UR44C owner here for feedback?

Thank you!

[kritikon]

I use UR22C - URs are all the same but with differing number of outputs. I'm very happy with mine. Good sound quality, reliable and I've never had any issues with the drivers at all (Yamaha, so you'd expect them to be solid). I'm on Windows so I can't vouch for Macs. Mic pre's seem OK, but TBH I rarely record any vocals etc so I can't say - they seem to have a good reputation though.

[darrensensei]

Hey guys. I bought a 204HD to take to school and try to help kids learn to record music, but ended up preferring it at home to the Presonus Studio 24C and swapped them around. I have read that Windows (10) recently released an update that screwed up a lot of soundcards of all descriptions. My PC has suddenly gone really bad. Nothing really changed settings wise, but idle processes and the like bumping up CPU and the Studio One Perfromance meter went through the floor, with most plugins whirring away at 30 and crackles and stutters in everything. Also getting stuttery video and lag and sometimes mouse lag. Running Malwarebytes and did Housecall, no virus or malware found. Ran System Mechanic, no disk errors or the like anymore, but system is not running well anymore. I noticed that installing the UMC driver added a Behringer 192k subdevice that has a yellow triangle in Device Manager. I am having a feeling that the Behringer drivers (tried both the last two) are not installing properly. Anyone got any ideas? Cheers in advance!

[digitalboytn]

Another vote for the Steinberg/Yamaha UR interfaces...

I've been using them for years and they are 100% reliable...

Set and forget

[RickRude]

Originally looked at a MOTU M2 and eventually bought an M4 for the additional extras to futureproof its purpose for as long as possible. No regrets at all

[txbdan]

The MOTU M2/M4s are an excellent value. They measure very well. The "audiophiles" are starting to snatch them up to use as DACs because they use a nice ESS DAC chip. They're built well with a metal enclosure, nice knob, nice meters.

I've had an M4 for a few years now used on several computers including M1 and M2 Macs. Not a single issue.

[Sera]

Friend swears by the SSL. I use the apollo for windows (thunderbolt is garbage on windows, don’t even try). We still both have Scarlett’s as backups.