Does this exist: monitor control + audio interface

[BunchyMutt]

My ideal setup would be a single unit, form factor doesn't matter, that has basic monitor controls and is also a USB audio interface.

At the least I'm looking for

- S/PDIF (RCA Coaxial) in and out
- balanced outs to monitors
- Thunderbolt USB C to computer
- Headphone out with level control

Monitor control
- Volume
- Stereo/Mono
- Output L/R mute

Does a single unit like this exist or would it be easier to get two units like the Heritage Audio Baby RAM + Scarlett 8i6 3rd Gen? Would monitoring through the 8i6 and the Baby RAM introduce latency?

 

[Aloe]

better get two devices, audio interfaces are getting obsolete more quickly than analogue audio hardware.

analogue audio hardware like hp amplifiers, monitor controllers or mic preamps doesn't introduce latency, as no ad/da cycle takes place. so you're good.

 

[BunchyMutt]

better get two devices, audio interfaces are getting obsolete more quickly than analogue audio hardware.

analogue audio hardware like hp amplifiers, monitor controllers or mic preamps doesn't introduce latency, as no ad/da cycle takes place. so you're good.

That’s a great point. Especially considering that focusrite has released a new generation of the Scarlett interfaces every ~2 years, and the third gen came out in 2019

 

[Krisfield]

The RME interfaces do all that I/O routing in the one unit via the TotalMix FX software, but it’s USB and pretty expensive. You can control TotalMix FX using the computer, an iOS app, or a desktop remote.

 

[BunchyMutt]

No longer made, but I just found out about the TC Electronic BMC-2. It doesn't have a USB in, so it would need to be accompanied most likely by a USB-C to Optical TOS adapter so that isn't ideal, but it's an interesting piece of history since it seems like it was something ahead of its time

 

[Tosh]

MOTU 828ES does all of that and more
the interface itself is USB2/TB2 - I have mine connected to a Mac Mini TB3 port using an adapter cable, no problemo

 

[Aloe]

Presonus ioStation 24C. Works very well!

except of it doesn't have monitor controls requested by OP. it's a DAW control, not a monitor control. also no S/PDIF.

I have and use a FaderPort, it's indeed nice, but totally not what OP requested

 

[Geri O]

except of it doesn't have monitor controls requested by OP. it's a DAW control, not a monitor control. also no S/PDIF.

I have and use a FaderPort, it's indeed nice, but totally not what OP requested

Fixed.

 

[BunchyMutt]

MOTU 828ES does all of that and more
the interface itself is USB2/TB2 - I have mine connected to a Mac Mini TB3 port using an adapter cable, no problemo

interesting! It's on my list to research more