New audio interface suggestions wanted

[GrayGoesBlack]

I upgraded my interface last year, basically had the same preferences as you, and went with a MOTU M6, and couldn't be happier. I looked hard for a quality interface below $500, and I didn't want to pay for stuff I didn't need (like lame wooden sides and built in digital compressors..) and wasn't too big. I can highly recommend the M6.

 

[mikewalker]

If you want an interface "with a digital patchbay" - look at RME ($$$ but worth it!)

 

[Fernando Costa]

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

For what you want there is nothing better suited and cheaper than the Behringer U-Phoria UMC1820. It can't compare to the suggestions posted here - all much better - but if the use is not professional why spend more than 250/300 bucks?

 

[Rabidhamster]

I highly recommend RME

 

[bassbrad]

 

[rodak]

I have the Behringer UMC404HD and it's great. I think the requirement for effects loops is going to be hard to satisfy in that price range. My understanding is that an effects loop is a feature usually found on mixers (where it's usually called an effects "bus"), but most of what's being discussed here, including the Behringers, are interfaces, not mixers. So it sounds like what you really want is a mixer with a USB output that will bring 4 or more simultaneous channels in at once.

 

[Shlabotnik]

I love my Focusrite 18i20. Had it for years... stable... solid drivers on Windows and Mac... A+!

 

[seamonkey]

NAMM 2013 starts tomorrow and there is always a few new interfaces announced. If anything, the current models tend to go on sale right after NAMM.

 

[Slough Feg Bass]

I use the Tascam 16/08 and it sounds good, functions well, does pretty much everything. You can setup the routing in the software to use the ins/outs as effect loops if you want to, not too hard, just watch your gain levels and you will be good.

 

[brianrost]

I happen to prefer the Motu M4 or M6.

I have the MOTU M2 and really like it. The M2, M4 and M6 all share the same great sounding preamps and have useful metering. You want the M6 if you can afford it...4 mike/line inputs each with independent phantom power plus more two line only. Two independent stereo outs so you can connect two mono effects or one stereo effects to the B output pair, the A pair for your monitors. You can also the B output for a separate headphone mix. $400.

 

[soundsupport1]

Presonus make plenty of offerings.
For your needs, the Presonus Studio 1810c is perfect. 4 mic/line inputs on the front, 4 line inputs on the back. Gain monitoring on all channels.
PreSonus Studio 1810c USB-C Audio Interface | Sweetwater

Peace,
SoundSupport

 

[Patrice B]

Don’t forget to look at RTL figures (round trip latency) combined with driver efficiency…

My 18i20 2nd Gen isn’t that bad but my Presonus Quantum 2626 is a couple of notches above. Lower RTL at the expense of no direct monitoring or included DSP. Unfortunately, the Quantum line is discontinued due to the shortage of ThunderBolt chips.

The Behringers are cheap and noisy, IMHO.

See the honest and detailed reviews of Julian Krause on YouTube or also take a look here: Invalid Link Removed