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Who currently has stock on popular USB Audio Interfaces???

vindibona1

vindibona1

Apr 18, 2015
3,142
3,505
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#1
I think my M-Track is done. I can't get it to work with either of my computers. Started to show symptoms a couple of weeks back.

After research I'd really like to have a MOTU M2 or M4, but would settle for the right Focusrite (6i6 or 4i4?). But it looks like the pandemic has caused a "run" on interfaces. Sweetwater and MF, GC and everywhere else I've looked has greatly depleted stock and the popular interfaces on backorder.

Is there some store somewhere, not so popular, that might have interfaces available? I can probably order something direct from Focusrite in UK, but they have not US domestic stock so would have to be flown in.

Any thoughts? Who still has interface stock in the $150-$220 price range?
 
#3
I ordered a PreSonus interface a couple weeks ago. It's not going to get here (Oahu) until mid-May. I think just about everything in this price range is pretty well sold out. I just bit the bullet and ordered it. Whatcha gonna do?
 
#4
Frank Tuesday said:
Pro Audio Star seems to. Use PAS18 for 18% off through 4/30.

Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen - ProAudioStar
Click to expand...

A 2i2 doesn't have the one necessary feature I need, midi in/out. The only other Focusrite they have is the 8i6. They only offer 5% promo through tomorrow. If they did 18% on that one I'd grab it.

Anyone else know of dealers that have stock of good mid-priced (if you call $200 mid) interfaces such as those mentioned?

Thanks.
 
#6
silky smoove said:
Most interfaces don’t include MIDI i/o. Requiring it from your interface will severely limit your options. Get an interface for audio and an interface for MIDI. Even a simple old M-Audio Uno or similar will work just fine and can be found for just a few dollars.
Click to expand...

I appreciate the thought of a separate midi. But my research shows that the cheapest decent one (unless you can find a better one cheaper) is about $40. That $40 added to something like Focusrite 2i2 puts the price in the same range as a 4i4 and more expensive than a MOTU M2 and not far off of the M4.

At this point I'm leaning toward the MOTU M4, if only because it has the monitor/live blend knob. I could live with the M2 if that was all that was available or I could get a screamin' deal on it (unlikely based on it's selling out). Knowing myself if I don't go for exactly what i want I end up regretting it later, or worse, "buying it twice".

However, I can, in the immediate, get a Focusrite 4i4 or a 8i6.
Is there any reason why I should choose either of these Focusrite interfaces over the MOTU M2 or M4???
 
#7
MIDI is very handy, and I have older keys that only have midi out.

But a lot of new keyboards and controllers have a USB connection as well as MIDI
They usually patch the firmware over USB.

It looks like the good interfaces have all sold out. You might try reverb or sweetwater used site if you don't mind buying used. Some people might have bought them when their economy was better, and may not need them now.
 
#8
seamonkey said:
MIDI is very handy, and I have older keys that only have midi out.

But a lot of new keyboards and controllers have a USB connection as well as MIDI
They usually patch the firmware over USB.
Click to expand...

I have an older Yamaha DX7 which a local band leader gave to me years ago. It's currently in a case in the closet, but I would guess it doesn't have a USB out like newer ones. According to Wikipedia, The Yamaha DX7 is a synthesizer manufactured by the Yamaha Corporation from 1983 to 1989. I hadn't realized it might be that old. It's in really good shape, but probably needs an internal battery change.

It looks like the good interfaces have all sold out. You might try reverb or sweetwater used site if you don't mind buying used. Some people might have bought them when their economy was better, and may not need them now.
Click to expand...

Nothing is available anywhere, new or used. I have a rep at Sweetwater and will be notified. I am also on the watch list at MF and on Reverb. But again, I can probably get my hands on a 4i4, or 8i6, but I really like the features of the M4. I'll probably call MOTU directly and see how long it will be before stores have them in stock once again.
 
#9
The newish SSL2+ has MIDI I/O and is a great little unit. I have one and I recommend it over The lower end Focusrite. Much quieter.

But I see they’re out of stock at the typical US retailers. Check out Canadian retailers - they might be able to ship to US. AVShop.ca is my got to but Long and McQuade might have more inventory.

if you’re really desperate I’ll ship you my 2nd gen Focusrite 6i6. Free no string attached - maybe pay for shipping?
 
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#10
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#12
silky smoove said:
$18 on Amazon and would work just fine: https://www.amazon.com/Converter-Li...1&keywords=m-audio+uno&qid=1588464203&sr=8-12
Click to expand...

Thanks Scrappy (reference to Zohan). To be honest I don't know anything about midi at all; how it converts to music, how you balance it, if you record it simultaneously with other instruments. I know nothing. While I have midi cables, so far I've elected to use the 1/4" instrument out to the intefrace instrument 1/4" for any previous recording I've done. But I know I want to be able to do more. In addition to laying down tracks I'd like to transcribe music notation and have no idea how to do it with a keyboard. I suppose once I learn how it's done it will make my life so much easier.

So the midi aspect of the interface aside, I still think I like the MOTU's. And while I can get a decent interface without midi for somewhat cheaper, unless there is a reason not to, I think that's the route I want to take.

Based on @DirtDog 's recommendation I looked up the SSL2+ and thought that was a cool interface too. I liked the 4k feature on the SSL2's and perhaps I have to look into them a bit more. But like the MOTU's and many Focusrites, they aren't available either.
 
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#14
seamonkey said:
Here's a great review of the HeadPhone performance of these types of interfaces

MOTU M2 wins but they are all very good overall.
Click to expand...


Right now if an M4 came available I'd jump on it. But if I go with the M2 for $40 or $50 less, what will I give up with the M2, and is it significant? I'm particularly concerned with latency and want the easiest way to record over my own tracks.

I listened to an SSL2+ review with the 4k button. Is this a useful thing that you can't simulate in the MOTU's. If significant, is it the same or better than the Focusrite G3's?
 
#15
vindibona1 said:
I listened to an SSL2+ review with the 4k button. Is this a useful thing that you can't simulate in the MOTU's. If significant, is it the same or better than the Focusrite G3's?
Click to expand...
It's just a selectable EQ curve for the circuit that simulates what happens when running the signal through an SSL 4000 series console (presumably a model E or G). It's marketed as a very bright and sparkly console, but it also has a good degree of "grunt" and ugliness to the midrange that worked very well for a lot of records, especially through the 80s. It's an interesting feature to include, similar to the 'Air' setting on Focusrite's Clarrett series, but nothing essential. It's one of those things that you may like on some sources and not like on others. Definitely not a necessity.

At a glance it appears to be something you engage while capturing on the way into the interface and not a DSP solution that can be auditioned and applied after the fact while mixing.
 
#16
vindibona1 said:
Right now if an M4 came available I'd jump on it. But if I go with the M2 for $40 or $50 less, what will I give up with the M2, and is it significant? I'm particularly concerned with latency and want the easiest way to record over my own tracks.
Click to expand...

The only difference is M4 is 4-in and 4-out. Latency is not a worry with all these interfaces. Latency is dealt with on the PC. Seriously, Analog to Digital takes microseconds, then it goes through the bus, buffering, DAW, VSTs, ... - this is where the latency is. It is 99.999% of the latency problems people have is with computer setup.
Keep the PC tuned by searching for how to tune a PC for use with a DAW.

When you record all the DAW will account for any latency even from any VST you have on the track and it will sync to other tracks you have.

Now if you want to monitor "DAW" and "VSTs" well those have to get converted back to Analog. The digital is sent from the DAW back to the interface D/A converter. Once the Interface has the Data it takes microseconds to convert back. Many people will instead say just use the direct monitoring so you don't have to deal with DAW/VST/buffering latency.


Sweetwater and other online stores estimate M4 by end of May.
It May be worth the wait.
May the 4th be with you ;)
 
#17
silky smoove said:
It's just a selectable EQ curve for the circuit that simulates what happens when running the signal through an SSL 4000 series console (presumably a model E or G). It's marketed as a very bright and sparkly console, but it also has a good degree of "grunt" and ugliness to the midrange that worked very well for a lot of records, especially through the 80s. It's an interesting feature to include, similar to the 'Air' setting on Focusrite's Clarrett series, but nothing essential. It's one of those things that you may like on some sources and not like on others. Definitely not a necessity.

At a glance it appears to be something you engage while capturing on the way into the interface and not a DSP solution that can be auditioned and applied after the fact while mixing.
Click to expand...
FWIW, Focusrite includes the "Air" mic pre function on the Scarlett series as well, which seems to review pretty well.

I just pulled the trigger on a Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 gen3 interface to replace my reasonable but pretty outdated Scarlett 18i6 gen1. Focusrite have made some decent updates to headroom and dynamics thru the 3 generations of these boxes (along with adding the AIR function for the pres), so I'm hoping for a good experience by moving up to the current generation. I'll also be able to connect my older 18i6 with the new 18i8 via SPDIF if desired.

I wasn't unhappy with the gen1 18i6, but better specs, USB C vs USB 2 and an updated add-on goodies package (VST's, Ableton, Focusrite Red plugins, Addictive Keys etc.) made it an easy decision for me. We'll see.

to the OP, these and other audio interfaces seem to be readily available at Sweetwater, Amazon, B&H ... all the usual online suspects.

good luck
 
#18
pfschim said:
FWIW, Focusrite includes the "Air" mic pre function on the Scarlett series as well, which seems to review pretty well.
Click to expand...
Cool to see them spreading their features around the product lines. For my money Focusrite's ideal spot is the Clarrett line because of the nicer preamps. The Scarlett series preamps have never really blown me away, but I always liked everything that happened after the preamps in those boxes. The Clarretts, to me at least, are like the modern Scarletts but with a front end that I think actually sounds good. I did a recent comparison of the Scarlett and Clarrett versions of the OctoPre while auditioning 8-channel preamps for my ongoing studio upgrade and the Scarletts sounded very flat and lifeless compared to the Clarretts which were an incredible value. They won't compete with higher end professional tier units, but they're a tremendous value and sound very in line with offerings in the prosumer tier of products from their competitors. That's not to say that the Scarletts can't produce excellent results, which they most certainly can, but to me the sweet spot for Focusrite is the two channel Clarrett model, assuming you don't need a ton of i/o.
 
#19
I've always got pretty decent tracks done with my dated Focusrite home recording gear. Not the same as I get when I work in a pro studio, but perfectly acceptable for the purpose.

It will be interesting for me to hear if I can detect any quality improvements from moving up to the current generation with their improved headroom, dynamic range and newer mic pre's with the "Air" function. Honestly though, I have pretty good luck running my handful of decent basses into my go-to live pedal board (Cali76CB and Noble DI) into the older Focusrite, so I'm not expecting (or needing) night and day difference/improvement ... just looking to bring my home recording gear up to relatively current status.

FWIW, I did look at the Clarett range as well (2pre and 4pre) but they did not include SPDIF until the 8Pre and I just don't need that many inputs/pres and the price kind of busted my budget expectations. So, I went with the Gen3 Scarlett.

we'll see how it goes.
 
#20
pfschim said:
FWIW, I did look at the Clarett range as well (2pre and 4pre) but they did not include SPDIF until the 8Pre and I just don't need that many inputs/pres and the price kind of busted my budget expectations. So, I went with the Gen3 Scarlett.
Click to expand...
I didn’t realize the lower channel count versions lacked a means of digitally expanding i/o. That’s a major drawback for sure.
 

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