Anyone tried M-audio's Recent interfaces?

I'm using the Air 192 | 4. It sounds quite good for a cheaper unit. Their windows drivers are a bit flaky when playing audio from iTunes, web browsers etc, but work flawlessly with my DAW (Reaper). No issues on my Mac either. I've managed to get the latency down to around 8ms.

I can attach some audio samples if you want to hear how it tracks bass.

I bought this back in April, I have a feeling the focusrite stuff is a bit better, but that was all out of stock at my local shop.

 

I can only speak to the one I have - it's great for what it is and the low price. The build quality is great, the knobs feel nice, the headphone amp is plenty loud. Not sure if it can handle an effect send/return. Never tried that.

The Windows driver is really flaky for me too - on anything other than Reaper, but does seem to work perfectly while using Reaper. I get around it by monitoring through the PC sound card for non-Reaper audio. Kind of a pain but not too bad. I've put in a support ticket to them so we'll see if they update.

I'm using this for home studio scratch stuff only. For the occasional paid sessions I do, I'm usually at my buddy's studio with all the latest and greatest RME/UA stuff. Honestly though there's really not too much of a noticeable difference in sound-quality unless you're listening back on a high end system.

I believe the focusrite & motu interfaces are a step above this m-audio gear. That being said; RME, Apogee, or UA are the way to go if you're getting paid in my opinion.

 

All of my old MidiMan and M-Audio equipment still works, but drivers can be a problem. In my opinion, they've moved downwards when compared to the competition since being aquired by Avid. MOTU, on the other hand, has expanded in both quality and selection during the same time period.

MOTU is now my Go-To.

 

I agree with what was said here. I've got an Avid M Track Plus, and 2nd gen Scarlett 2i2. My buddy has the Air, and to my ears, the Scarlett sounds a bit better. The tone is a bit more well rounded, and sounds a tad fuller than the other 2. Both my 2i2 and M Track Plus are also about the same age, and the M Track has much more noise than the Scarlet. Noise which btw, never used to be there. Spot on with the drivers too. My daw didn't recognize the M Track when I bought it, so had to hunt them down (which was a bit of a pain), the 2i2 was instantly recognized without any issues.

 

Hey Ace, do you have any issue with your bass being to "hot" going directly into the m-audio Air? I have an Warwick with some emg active pickups. thanks..

 

No issues overloading the inputs, I'm using a jazz with EMG JVX's. Gain is usually set around noon.