Enjoy the benefits of a premium membership!
Upgrade Account
-
TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
Join free Log in
Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.
What do you think is the best audio interface?
- Thread starter bassbrother666
- Start date
I've used M-audio for years and just upgraded to a MOTU 828mk3. Low latency, rack mounted 8 analog ins and outs with pres on the rear panel. Lots of ways to configure it with other equipment. Does what I need it do, no issues, got a decent deal on a used unit. I like it! I also considered focusrite and presonus but didnt want to have to use the front inputs on their 8 input interfaces.
Using it between a Studiomaster 16-8-16 analog board and Logic Pro X.
Using it between a Studiomaster 16-8-16 analog board and Logic Pro X.
A couple not on your list that have caught my eye
iConnectAUDIO4+
Behringer XR18
Both can be used as live standalone mixers as well as audio interfaces. XR18 of course has many tracks but for live and recording it might have the edge. For compact use and mixing PC's, Macs and IOS systems together the iConnectAudio4+ has the edge.
Another thing about interfaces is the software they come with. Some actually come with usable DAWs if you don't have one already. That can be a big price bonus.
iConnectAUDIO4+
Behringer XR18
Both can be used as live standalone mixers as well as audio interfaces. XR18 of course has many tracks but for live and recording it might have the edge. For compact use and mixing PC's, Macs and IOS systems together the iConnectAudio4+ has the edge.
Another thing about interfaces is the software they come with. Some actually come with usable DAWs if you don't have one already. That can be a big price bonus.
If you want all the information you can handle about interfaces and recording in general check out Invalid Link Removed
Komplete Audio 8! Technology is ahead. Powered by USb and can be used in live performances
Professionally I've had the most success with RME. They sound great, are super stable, and have low latency. Metric Halo, Prism, Antelope, and IZ technologies are all amazing sounding interface manufacturers that you may want to check out.
For a casual user, if it doesn't crash, it's probably good enough. I think the new MOTUs, Focusrites, and Steinbergs sound fantastic. I use the M-Audio Profire 2626 and 610 live with great success (I wanted something cheap enough that, if someone spilled beer on it, I could just buy another one).
For a casual user, if it doesn't crash, it's probably good enough. I think the new MOTUs, Focusrites, and Steinbergs sound fantastic. I use the M-Audio Profire 2626 and 610 live with great success (I wanted something cheap enough that, if someone spilled beer on it, I could just buy another one).
svtb15
Inactive
- Mar 22, 2004
- 13,004
- 4,741
- Disclosures
- I play it all. Whatever works for the gig. Q+
Tough decision between Apogee and RME. IMHO Apogees preamps and AD sounds bit more 'musical', when RME is more accurate and stellar (this is not bad thing). Well, you can't go wrong with either one. Best is to get one with suitable features and learn it inside out.
I'm using vintage Shure M63/M68 mic preamp plugged into my iPhone6 recording straight to GarageBand.
I know it isn't fancy, but it's analog on the front end and let's me get a vintage tone for my bass tracks cheaply.
I know it isn't fancy, but it's analog on the front end and let's me get a vintage tone for my bass tracks cheaply.
Too vague of a question. A good interface with high end converters is vastly superior than an entry level one is the only possible answer. Unless you are a professional, I doubt many people here have compared any of those $2-$5k interfaces which are obviously way better than a $200 one.
But it depends on what features you need (preamp, how many inputs, output...)
From the answer here I can tell that everyone is just saying that whatever they own and use IS the best interface. To this I'd say I get some quasi pro results with my Focusrite Forte.
Same question as what is the best car, what is the best bass for metal, who is the best wife, the best doggy...?
But it depends on what features you need (preamp, how many inputs, output...)
From the answer here I can tell that everyone is just saying that whatever they own and use IS the best interface. To this I'd say I get some quasi pro results with my Focusrite Forte.
Same question as what is the best car, what is the best bass for metal, who is the best wife, the best doggy...?
Last edited:
I've recorded with both the POD UX2 (a fantastic piece of gear in it's own right) and the Zoom B3.
I can easily say, beyond a shadow of doubt that the B3 slays the Line6 in terms of bass tones.
That being said I'm a huge fan of Line6 from back when I was a guitarist, and the tones for guitar are incredible.
It also has all sort of vocal effects and lovely presets. But if we are only talking about bass tone, I would go with the ZOOM. If you want anything more you won't regret getting the Line6.
Caveat: setting up and using the UX2 is a freaking pain in arse! But once you get the hang of it, it's a sweet piece of kit (also comes bundled with a bunch of software, most of which I never used...)
I can easily say, beyond a shadow of doubt that the B3 slays the Line6 in terms of bass tones.
That being said I'm a huge fan of Line6 from back when I was a guitarist, and the tones for guitar are incredible.
It also has all sort of vocal effects and lovely presets. But if we are only talking about bass tone, I would go with the ZOOM. If you want anything more you won't regret getting the Line6.
Caveat: setting up and using the UX2 is a freaking pain in arse! But once you get the hang of it, it's a sweet piece of kit (also comes bundled with a bunch of software, most of which I never used...)
+1 on behringer xr18,
it slays everything else i tried as audio interface; 2,3ms latency on 64 samples? that thing is a beast.
I have a Focusrite Forte and a SPL Crimson. I use the interface not only for recording purposes but as the center of me practising / composing / making music. I love the Crimson for that purpose. It's not just the audio quality, I love the fact that it can be used standalone without a PC, has two different headphone outs and allows a lot of sources to be connected to my monitors / headphones that can be easily switched on or off.
I use the Forte only for listening to music on my MacBook.
I use the Forte only for listening to music on my MacBook.
I have no idea what's "best. Or even what "best" means in this context.
But I do like everything I've tried from Focusrite. If I need anything with higher specs or more sophistication than that, I'll book studio time rather than tie up a small fortune in recording gear.
But I'd rather write and play music than record it. And since there's people who would rather record music (and do it for a living) why try to duplicate their efforts or acquire their full skillset if it's not what you want to do? I'd rather just focus on what I'm trying to accomplish, and know enough about what the other guy does to be able to ask him/her an intelligent question - and understand the answer they give me. YMMV.
But I do like everything I've tried from Focusrite. If I need anything with higher specs or more sophistication than that, I'll book studio time rather than tie up a small fortune in recording gear.
But I'd rather write and play music than record it. And since there's people who would rather record music (and do it for a living) why try to duplicate their efforts or acquire their full skillset if it's not what you want to do? I'd rather just focus on what I'm trying to accomplish, and know enough about what the other guy does to be able to ask him/her an intelligent question - and understand the answer they give me. YMMV.
+1
I now often use the uneffected tone which makes the bundles almost obsolete.
P.S. Presonus AudioBox is NOT the BEST audio interface but, IMHO,
it's THE BEST audio interface for the beginners in terms of the PRICE, and you are also getting Studio One 3 DAW.
NOTHING CAN BEAT - IMHO - the following deal from Guitar Center - $69.99 for Presonus AudioBox 2x2 USB Audio Interface.
it's THE BEST audio interface for the beginners in terms of the PRICE, and you are also getting Studio One 3 DAW.
NOTHING CAN BEAT - IMHO - the following deal from Guitar Center - $69.99 for Presonus AudioBox 2x2 USB Audio Interface.
very surprised the focusrite is rated higher than the rme or apogee. I have never been impressed with the focusrite interfaces. sound very "2d" to me. Pres are good on a lot of these. internal clocks and conversion is where you lose the nice wide 3d sound.
iConnectAudio2 was announced at NAMM 2016
Again combine multiple computers, including an iPad into the studio. Lets you use iPad effects with a PC or Mac
It's also got a builtin patch bay.
Street is $200, but these extra features can offset the price if you need/want them.
Just taking an iPad sometimes is why I want one.
Again combine multiple computers, including an iPad into the studio. Lets you use iPad effects with a PC or Mac
It's also got a builtin patch bay.
Street is $200, but these extra features can offset the price if you need/want them.
Just taking an iPad sometimes is why I want one.
