Budget Audio Interface
- Thread starter Travis
- Start date
FrendanBraser
Member
I know people that have both. They are excellent interfaces for their price range and you would probably be happier with either. As far as the sound goes I'd describe the Audient as cleaner sounding if slightly hollow whereas the SSL has more character and fullness (enter more hoity toity sound adjectives here). I really liked the sound of the SSL and the unit had more gain on tap which is great as I've struggled with driving dynamic mics with some smaller lower end interfaces. I also like how everything in the SSL is accessible from the top panel, on the Audient some functionality is only accessible through the software. If you ever think you'll want to add more preamps to your setup then the Audient has ADAT out whereas the SSL doesn't which is a shame for the SSL tbh. The also made better choices with their outputs in my opinion and the unit itself is built like a tank.
peccary
Well-known member
Just a general question to others here: what is the benefit to an audio interface over a mixer with USB capabilities?
I was out of the music game for close to a decade and when I get back in a couple of years ago I felt like I'd missed the boat on interfaces. I was looking for something to help me record (yea, I'll get around to that hit album one of these days!) and I ended up getting an A&H Zedi10FX and the reason I gave myself is because I'm an old fart now who prefers physical knobs and switches as opposed to software knobs and switches. Is there more to it than tactile feedback and smaller footprint? I always felt like I was missing something.
I was out of the music game for close to a decade and when I get back in a couple of years ago I felt like I'd missed the boat on interfaces. I was looking for something to help me record (yea, I'll get around to that hit album one of these days!) and I ended up getting an A&H Zedi10FX and the reason I gave myself is because I'm an old fart now who prefers physical knobs and switches as opposed to software knobs and switches. Is there more to it than tactile feedback and smaller footprint? I always felt like I was missing something.
SYLV9ST9R
Well-known member
I think mainly is the way you are using it.
For me, the interface serves both to record and playback audio from my computer (well, when I sometimes used to DJ and do laptop based performances), so portability is a big factor here. But if it's for studio multi tracking, a mixer with usb capabilities might be preferable for you.
But if you're just tracking 1 or 2 instruments/mics, a smaller interface might serve you better, especially if you're starting your setup and don't want to be chained to one particular mixer.
My 2 ¢
SYLV9ST9R
Well-known member
Definitely one of the most important aspects!
BurntFingers
Well-known member
I have the id14. It's ok. It randomly stops working about once every 2 months or so and for the price (since it's reasonably premium) I'd have bought something else that I can rely on.
However, I have v1 and I understand theres now a v2 which night solve the random bricking. When I get around to selling it I'll buy a Scarlett, they've always been bombproof for me with a sound quality that seems equal.
However, I have v1 and I understand theres now a v2 which night solve the random bricking. When I get around to selling it I'll buy a Scarlett, they've always been bombproof for me with a sound quality that seems equal.
If you want/need plugins IK Multimedia AXE I/O includes Amplitube Deluxe. It is a bit more $$ total but not a bad deal. They also have a smaller unit (AXE IO Solo) for $100 less (and less software). The SOLO cost is right there with the M4, Zoom, etc Or the fuill size one comes up on Reverb.com or ebay for around $250 as well used (no software likely)
I have the full size one and software and have to say its awesome. GREAT quality, performance, low latency, A5 is pretty darn good software - I' have SGear, BlueCat AXIOM, and Amplitube 5 Deluxe. A5 is the best. I have a RME 9632 in my computer as well and never use it anymore - the AXE is that good.
I tried the MOTU M4 and it was fine (low latency etc) too. But it felt cheap compared to the IK AXE.
There's also the ZOOM UAC -2 that is supposed to have really good latency.
And I've used Behringer as well. Not bad actually for performance.
I think the main thing you want especially with guitar is low latency stability. All of the above (except maybe "B") can go <5ms on my (old i5) with no issues. They've gotten much better. The ones with super premium (ie Steinberg stuff with Rupert Neve transfomers or high dollar super "transparent" preamps) are IMHO market gimicks unless your setting up a high dollar studio for vocals etc
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Travis
Active member
I will take a look at IK AXE... I will use it 90% with torpedo captor.
If you want/need plugins IK Multimedia AXE I/O includes Amplitube Deluxe. It is a bit more $$ total but not a bad deal. They also have a smaller unit (AXE IO Solo) for $100 less (and less software). The SOLO cost is right there with the M4, Zoom, etc Or the fuill size one comes up on Reverb.com or ebay for around $250 as well used (no software likely)
I have the full size one and software and have to say its awesome. GREAT quality, performance, low latency, A5 is pretty darn good software.
I have a RME 9632 in my computer as well and never use it anymore - the AXE is that good.
I tried the MOTU M4 and it was fine (low latency etc) too. But it felt cheap compared to the IK AXE.
There's also the ZOOM UAC -2 that is supposed to have really good latency.
And I've used Behringer as well. Not bad actually for performance.
I think the main thing you want especially with guitar is low latency stability. All of the above (except maybe "B") can go <5ms on my (old i5) with no issues. They've gotten much better.
Robert
Reverse Engineer
I had an Audient a few years ago but had a lot of issues with noise / crackling unless I set the buffer size / latency very high. They were relatively new at the time and the issue was blamed on the driver, but I returned it before any updates were released.
A friend tried a newer model more recently but also had issues (I can't recall the details) and ended up returning it as well.
I'm using a Scarlett 2i2 at the moment, but I want to try the SSL2+ now that it's available.
A friend tried a newer model more recently but also had issues (I can't recall the details) and ended up returning it as well.
I'm using a Scarlett 2i2 at the moment, but I want to try the SSL2+ now that it's available.
JetFixxxer
Well-known member
I have used Focusrite (6i8, 2i2, and current 2i4) over the last 10 years or so. Haven't had issue with it, but that's not to say you will not. That SSL2+ looks pretty cool. Have to do some more research.
Dan0h
Well-known member
Back in the early 2000's I ran a small recording studio, recorded mostly smaller local bands demo albums. At that time I used a 2408MKII Motu interface and never had any issues, even when tracking entire bands 16+ mics at a time.
Over the last two weeks I have been going back and forth on getting the UA Apollo (Luna) or going back to Motu via the M2. Because I have terabytes of recordings from 20 years ago in Digital Performer, I decided to pull the trigger on the M2 and updating my DP5 to DP10. This option ultimately works the best for me. The M2 just arrived yesterday, I installed DP 10 yesterday as well and every single session from 20 years ago opened up like no time had passed at all. Besides Motu gear having really good preamps, the M2 runs at 32bit where everything else is at 24 bit.
I am just stoked to have the ability to lay some tracks down again. My 2cents.
Over the last two weeks I have been going back and forth on getting the UA Apollo (Luna) or going back to Motu via the M2. Because I have terabytes of recordings from 20 years ago in Digital Performer, I decided to pull the trigger on the M2 and updating my DP5 to DP10. This option ultimately works the best for me. The M2 just arrived yesterday, I installed DP 10 yesterday as well and every single session from 20 years ago opened up like no time had passed at all. Besides Motu gear having really good preamps, the M2 runs at 32bit where everything else is at 24 bit.
I am just stoked to have the ability to lay some tracks down again. My 2cents.