Audio interface suggestions?

[longfinger]

I It's just really to play along with songs from different sources on my Mac. .... I'm usually using a Fender & Rick Bass through an Ampeg PF500 amp. .

You can plug your Mac into the Audio In of your Ampeg PF500. Use headphones to listen to both. Simple cable.

Audio Interfaces are really about getting the audio into a computer to record, edit. If you're not doing that, then no real need for an Audio Interface. (Sure, one could say that getting better audio out of the computer could require an audio Interface, like DJs might have, but that doesn't seem to be you either...)

 

[guitarsfrommars]

You can plug your Mac into the Audio In of your Ampeg PF500. Use headphones to listen to both. Simple cable.

Audio Interfaces are really about getting the audio into a computer to record, edit. If you're not doing that, then no real need for an Audio Interface. (Sure, one could say that getting better audio out of the computer could require an audio Interface, like DJs might have, but that doesn't seem to be you either...)

To record, You require d/a, a/d conversion which you will not have using a simple cable.

 

[ctmullins]

To record, You require d/a, a/d conversion which you will not have using a simple cable.

Which might be relevant if the OP were looking to record. Which he’s not.

 

[GreyBeard]

Your needs can be met by most any 2 track interface. I've had good service from my OLD Tascam

 

[DrayMiles]

I would highly recommend Universal Audio's Apollo Twin, but it is out of the price range mentioned by a fair amount.

 

[Gizmot]

As noted, there are lots of reasonable choices. I’d also suggest checking out Audient - it has the reputation of being the best sounding unit in your price range.

 

[themickster]

I'm looking suggestions on an audio interface to play at home through so I don't drive the family nuts with noise. I've poked around and there seems to be so many models, specs and prices that I have no idea what to buy. Some of the discussion gets really technical and it makes my low-tech head spin. I'm guessing a lot of models might have functionality that I really don't need.
Here's the basics I need from it:
1.) Something I can primarily use for bass but occasionally guitar. 2.) At least two inputs, recording ability OK but I probably wouldn't use it much. It's just really to play along with songs from different sources on my Mac. 3.)...of course good sound quality and a something say under $300
If it matters I'm usually using a Fender & Rick Bass through an Ampeg PF500 amp. Sometimes a Fender Strat when I feel like playing some simple three chord rock

From looking around it looks like all of interfaces have cabled headphones (no wireless?)
While i'm here... does anyone have suggestions for nice headphones under $200

Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

Presonus interfaces come with Studio One Artist recording software. You might want to look at a mini amp with headphone out and a line in for your playalong tracks.

 

[BismarckHerring]

From looking around it looks like all of interfaces have cabled headphones (no wireless?)

If you're thinking about bluetooth headphones, there are a couple of reasons why audio interfaces don't have that option. First of all, practically all computers have bluetooth connectivity built in these days, so it would add nothing to have it in the audio interface as well. Second, the audio quality isn't as good as on wired headphones. But most importantly in this case, the latency of bluetooth audio is too high to be used for monitoring. You'd only hear what you play after a delay (I just looked it up, and the delay is at least 32 ms, but it's more likely to be between 100 and 300 ms).

 

[Plain Old Barry]

The MDRv6 used to be essentially the same thing for considerably less money, not sure if that still holds true though.

You might have that backwards...

I paid about $85 for my V6's in the early 90's, not adjusted for inflation. They'd be $180 now...

7506's are ~ $80-85, delivered...

https://www.amazon.com/Sony-MDR7506-Professional-Diaphragm-Headphone/dp/B000AJIF4E?th=1

 

[MYLOWFREQ]

I'm looking suggestions on an audio interface to play at home through so I don't drive the family nuts with noise...

Your amp can already do this. You said two inputs are not mandatory so you're all set.

 

[FilCo]

You get a lot of benefits from a good audio interface. I think it is a good investment, even if you don't need everything they offer right now. As mentioned by others, the audio playback is greatly improved. In some cases, you won't even believe how much better audio sounds. You need one to record, and even if you don't plan on that now, maybe you will later. Your current amp has audio in, and a headphone out, which is great, but it can't record. If you want to practice, you can use the audio interface with a DAW as a looper. Reaper is free, and as good as the best DAWs you have to pay for.

Agedhorse brought up the point that direct sound is sterile and mostly undesirable, and like all of the points he makes, he is right about that. However, with Reaper, and a couple of free plug-ins, you can create some dreamy bass tones. I have been astonished at the quality of tone you can get using even the most basic software. Buy some stuff from D16, and you will probably question why you have any outboard gear at all.

I've tried dozens of interfaces, and in your price range, I think Audient is hard to beat. If you went audient to reaper to the free D16 limiter, I'm pretty sure you'll be amazed.

 

[Jason Sypher]

I’ve been using a Universal Audio Apollo 2 for a few years and love it. It’s more than you need but their Volt line of interfaces look very capable. I suggest the Volt 2. Right now they are running some promotions through Dec 31 that include a bunch of free very useful plug-ins that will give you a lot to play with and probably teach you quite a bit in the bargain. Definitely check them out before the end of the promotion. I understand this is more than you bargained for but it fits easily in your budget and will teach you a lot.

 

[Rip Van Dan]

I'm looking suggestions on an audio interface to play at home through so I don't drive the family nuts with noise. I've poked around and there seems to be so many models, specs and prices that I have no idea what to buy. Some of the discussion gets really technical and it makes my low-tech head spin. I'm guessing a lot of models might have functionality that I really don't need.
Here's the basics I need from it:
1.) Something I can primarily use for bass but occasionally guitar. 2.) At least two inputs, recording ability OK but I probably wouldn't use it much. It's just really to play along with songs from different sources on my Mac. 3.)...of course good sound quality and a something say under $300
If it matters I'm usually using a Fender & Rick Bass through an Ampeg PF500 amp. Sometimes a Fender Strat when I feel like playing some simple three chord rock

From looking around it looks like all of interfaces have cabled headphones (no wireless?)
While i'm here... does anyone have suggestions for nice headphones under $200

Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

I've had a couple of them. One was the Behringer Euphoria UMC202HD and the other one is the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 Gen3. Paid a hair over $100 for the Behringer and it worked fine until it fell off the top of my computer down to the floor. It broke the internal power connection. If you held the cord in just the right position it would work but let go of it and it stopped. Checked with them about repair (was a few years old) and repair would almost be the same price as a new one.

Checked around and finally decided to get the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 Gen3. I paid $179 for it about 3-years ago and I see you can get it at Sweetwater for $159 right now. It sounds better than the Behringer and it has level halos that illuminate around the volume control for each channel. All of the audio interfaces I've seen all have links to download a "light" version of one or more DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) for recording. Plus the free program Audacity is still available and it does most of the stuff you'll need starting out.

The nice thing about the halos around the volume control is that they flash green as you are recording a signal to let you know it's picking something up. Most audio interfaces have a green light that flashes as you record and a red light will flash when your signal clips - you're recording too hot. Problem with the red flash is that whatever you were recording when it flashed distorts badly...does not sound good. So it's kind of an after the fact notification, which is learning about it too late necessitating re-recording whatever you were doing. However the Scarlett has three colors that its halo will use: Green is for a good signal, Amber is a warning that you are on the edge of clipping and red means the signal is clipping and distorting. That Amber light has saved my bacon a number of times! It's light, easy to use, let's me know my signal is getting too strong before it distorts, and just sounds great. I highly recommend it.

By the way, I use it as my sound source entirely on my computer. None of the audio cards that come with computers sound as good.

 

[Passinwind]

You might have that backwards...

I paid about $85 for my V6's in the early 90's, not adjusted for inflation. They'd be $180 now...
View attachment 4914694

7506's are ~ $80-85, delivered...

https://www.amazon.com/Sony-MDR7506-Professional-Diaphragm-Headphone/dp/B000AJIF4E?th=1

Yeah, it was just the opposite at the time I bought my V6 cans at Fry’s. 50 bucks brand new IIRC, and near or upwards of a hun for the 7506. I’m on the third set of earpads, I’ve had them for quite a long time. Probably early 00s if I had to guess. Could've just been Fry's being goofy though.

 

[jtg]

I too have a Behringer U-Phoria HD model (UMC204HD) that I have used for several years for similar purposes to yours. The U-Phoria line is not fancy, but accomplishes the type of things you are describing on my PC. Julian Krause (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0HrD4cTsQpAZ8KK9jPzzGg) reviewed the UMC202HD, a similar model, and found many good qualities as well as weaknesses that may not be a problem for your intended use.
All the U-Phoria gear appears to be getting blown out "while supplies last" so this is a very good time to buy one. The one I have is now $79. See Behringer U-Phoria | Sweetwater.
I have previously had an Alesis iO26, a Focusrite Forte, and a Tascam US1641. The Behringer does not sound as good as the Focusrite but has been the most stable, consistent, and trouble free of all those interfaces, is conveniently small, and has useful front panel controls.

Closer to your price range, the Solid State Logic SSL2+ also seems to have some good reviews and is on sale right now for $229 basically everywhere, apparently for the next week. Solid State Logic SSL2+ USB Audio Interface. If you like knobs on top it seems like a nice choice.

I have my eye on the MOTU M4, also well reviewed, for a few ducats more (the M2 is a little cheaper) MOTU M4 4x4 USB-C Audio Interface. Nice features and specs on these.

 

[kumimajava]

Focusrite seems to be getting a lot of love in many places, and that's also the recommendation I initially followed.

Sadly, the DAC at least on the 2nd gen models, is rather terrible. Since I was also using the interface for playback (headphones & also an external amp/speakers), this was a persistent annoyance. Not sure whether (or how much) the 3rd gen would be?

Recently switched from the Focusrite 2i2 to Motu M4, and it's felt like a massive improvement. Wish i'd have made the switch sooner. Since the DAC in the M4 is the same as in M2, i expect those would sound similar - and if you only need one/two inputs, the M2 may be enough (and a bit cheaper).

For a more left-field suggesion: perhaps a Phil Jones BigHead (mk1 or mk2), which would also work in a portable setting. From memory, this could also be used as an interface.

 

[seamonkey]

on my Mac.

One thing to keep in mind is if you have a newer mac with a headphone jack, the built in DAC is as good as anything you'd find on most interfaces.

IK multimedia iRig 2 is a simple $40 interface (buffer) that will use the built in DAC on a Mac
IK Multimedia - iRig 2

Try it with Free GB, or Free version of Amplitube and the free Version of IK Tonex

 

[IvanBassist]

UAD Volt

 

[Katoosie]

I use the phil jones big head pro and its fantastic. It doubles as a portable amp and an interface all in one. Has an input, line out, can go straight into any DAW with an usb cable. Super high quality sound, very clean. Lasts hours on one charge and is super small, too. Has 4 controls, gain and volume as well as bass and treble.

I use it as a portable amp on my pedalboard and an interface for my DAW.

If I wanted an interface specifically... I would probably go for the SSL 2+. Seems to be a superb choice for the price.

 

[MikeBassPT]

Or try Yamaha AG06 MK.