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New audio interface suggestions wanted

I

Inconnu

Nov 1, 2005
2,407
1,148
Montreal, Canada
#1
Hi!
I’m thinking about changing my audio interface this year. Mine is getting older and there’s a few downsides I want to get rid of.

What I’m looking for is an interface with:
- The possibility of recording multiple independent tracks at once. 6 would be great, but I could live with 4.
- At least one effect out (the possibility of plugging an external effect processor), 2 would be even better (I have vintage effects modules I want to keep using).
- Good headphone volume (my current interface isn’t good in that field).

Budget? The cheaper that does what I need, the better. I’m not a pro, just a very enthusiastic hobbyist.
 
#3
How do you need to connect these "vintage effects modules" into the interface? Without that requirement you can basically throw a dart at any 4 or 8 channel interface and you'll be all set. Depending on what you're trying to connect and how the connection will be made is going to significantly reduce the number of viable interfaces.
 
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#4
silky smoove said:
How do you need to connect these "vintage effects modules" into the interface? Without that requirement you can basically throw a dart at any 4 or 8 channel interface and you'll be all set. Depending on what you're trying to connect and how the connection will be made is going to significantly reduce the number of viable interfaces.
Click to expand...
I basically want an effects in/out, but 2 would be better.
 
#5
Inconnu said:
I basically want an effects in/out, but 2 would be better.
Click to expand...
That doesn’t provide much information. What type of inputs are being used? Are they mic level or line level? Do they need to be input channel specific? Do they need to be applied to any/all channels? If so, should this be assignable or global?

Figure out what you need and I’m guessing there will be a very short list of interfaces remaining.
 
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#6
silky smoove said:
That doesn’t provide much information. What type of inputs are being used? Are they mic level or line level? Do they need to be input channel specific? Do they need to be applied to any/all channels? If so, should this be assignable or global?

Figure out what you need and I’m guessing there will be a very short list of interfaces remaining.
Click to expand...
Ok. Instrument level, I’d like to assign, a bit like on a mixer.
 
#8
Inconnu said:
Ok. Instrument level, I’d like to assign, a bit like on a mixer.
Click to expand...
If you want it to be assignable you’ll need an interface with a suitably powerful software routing platform. You said the cheaper the better, but for anything reliable with that functionality on dedicated inserts you’re at least into MOTU territory on the low end, and RME on the higher but not insanely high end.
 
#9
seamonkey said:
This has inserts
Behringer U-Phoria UMC404HD USB Audio Interface
Click to expand...
I believe these inserts are channel specific, and the OP has specified they need the inserts to be channel assignable. This will work if they can compromise on their clarified goal, but not if assignability is a requirement. I could also be wrong about the inserts if they are in fact channel assignable.
 
#10
Any interface with 8 inputs will get you 6 inputs, and usually those will have enough outputs to use remaining 2 inputs as effects loops. You don't need hardware inserts as such, and also you'll be able to route anything you want through effects this way.
 
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#12
The headphone volume issue has nothing to do with the audio interface but the headphone impedance itself: the more ohm rating you got, the lower the volume will be, that's why there are sometimes multiple versions of the same headphone, like the Beyerdynamic DT770 Pro that can be found either in 250, 80 or 32 Ohm. If you want to be sure your headphone will be enough loud for any device, then a 32 Ohm one is the way to go. Yours probably rated way above that.

In fact, it has to do with sources current and impedance too, but it's a way more complex field of knowledge. Basically, higher impedance headphones work best with tube sources that can be found in pro studios for example.
 
Last edited:
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#13
I have a scarlet 18i20, it’s got a bunch of inputs and outputs and 2 headphone outs. A nice talkback built in mic and monitor mutes. The preamps are ok, the air function adds a little presence but overall the preamps are just ok. I use a tube di to get my bass juiced up sounding better. If I were to buy a new interface today it would be something by Apogee or Universal Audio.
 
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#15
There’s not many interfaces that have more than two instrument-level inputs. Most will have 1-2 on the front panel for guitars, and the rest are usually TRS / XLR combos for mic and line level signals.

The Universal Audio Volt 476P has four instrument-capable inputs.

However, for your situation and requirements, unless you’re recording multiple instruments simultaneously (ie a band setup), you might want to use an outboard mixer to plug in all your gear (including effects on an effects bus) and record into a more basic interface (Audient ID series are good), and just assign the inputs as needed in your DAW.

Otherwise, you need to look at something like a higher-end MOTU interface with its CueMix onboard DSP mixer, or a Universal Audio Apollo series interface with its Luna recording system - and you might still need either an outboard mixer with more instrument level preamps or you’ll have to invest in DIs / inline preamps to bring the signals to mic level. If the latter, you’ll need a Thunderbolt-capable computer.
 
#17
Inconnu said:
Hi!
I’m thinking about changing my audio interface this year. Mine is getting older and there’s a few downsides I want to get rid of.

What I’m looking for is an interface with:
- The possibility of recording multiple independent tracks at once. 6 would be great, but I could live with 4.
- At least one effect out (the possibility of plugging an external effect processor), 2 would be even better (I have vintage effects modules I want to keep using).
- Good headphone volume (my current interface isn’t good in that field).

Budget? The cheaper that does what I need, the better. I’m not a pro, just a very enthusiastic hobbyist.
Click to expand...

I dunno, I use a Steinberg UR-12 which is reasonably priced. Not a lot of bells and whistles and works well with Cubasis. If there is a negative, it does not work well with iPads, and certain Apple OS operating systems.
 
#19
Lovep said:
You will get lots of opinions for your next interface. Most interfaces in the $250-400 range are great and quite comparable in terms of features. I happen to prefer the Motu M4 or M6.
Click to expand...
I agree, I have been using MOTU interfaces for 20+ years(with Macs) in a professional capacity, and they have been consistently reliable, and great-sounding. I use several different mic pres in front of mine, but the stock pres in them are really quite good, and have gotten way better.
 
#20
Inconnu said:
I basically want an effects in/out, but 2 would be better.
Click to expand...

Inconnu said:
Ok. Instrument level, I’d like to assign, a bit like on a mixer.
Click to expand...
You should have a look at the Arturia Audiofuse Studio. 8 inputs (4 preamps), two inserts (this is where you’d place your outboard gear - you can also reamp through these), two headphone outs with independent gain, Bluetooth in, and more. I use this in my home studio and also with my location recording side business. When I’m working at home, I have outboard gear in the inserts and it works well!
 
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