They can't all be winners.... Here's a link to the Comica Linkflex AD5 if you want to check it out: geni.us/StDdL Timestamps: 0:00 Overview 1:21 Unboxing 2:15 Hardware Features 4:44 Good, Bad, & USB Cables 6:07 Denoise (Gate) 7:39 Effects (EQ, Reverb) 8:43 Not Buss Powered 9:36 Monitor & Mix Controls 11:28 Mic Gain Issues 13:31 Better Options
Thank you so much for your honest comments. Regarding the problem you mentioned in the video, we actually made some improvements during mass production. 1. About noise reduction. Our current product has been changed to two gears, one for condenser mics and one for dynamic mics. 2. About power supply. Because we consider the situation of outdoor use, we use the built-in battery design. Besides, if the power supply port and the USB output port are the same, it may cause unstable power supply or the current is too small to drive. So we ended up choosing this option. 3. About headphones and speakers. We also made changes in mass production. In recording mode, the monitor knob controls the 3.5 headphone, and the MIX knob is responsible for controlling the 6.35 speaker output. In the recording mode, the input is the output, and the MIX knob will control the output only in the live mode. 4. About mic gain issue. We also made adjustments during mass production. The gain of the condenser mic itself is relatively high, so we do not recommend excessive gain adjustment for the condenser mic. And, we have reduced the gain of the product. If you still feel that it is too high, you can turn on INST to reduce some gain.
Is there a way to update the firmware, so that I can see these improvements in action? Seems a bit counterintuitive to send a reviewer an unfinished product. It seems that my complaint about it being a prototype turned out to be true. Issues 1-3 are just my own opinion, and obviously a real-world user could take it or leave it, agree or disagree. My biggest problem was #4, the mic gain issues. In the video I am not using "excessive gain". I just want to make it very clear that in the video, I had to turn the gain knob all the way down in order to record dialog with a condenser mic. When you hear the mic distort in the video, I have the gain at around a quarter turn. Doesn't leave much room for the mic level to grow. If you look at the video around the 12:30 mark, you'll see the gain knob is all the way to the left, and the meter is showing it's hard red. The gain with a condenser mic is so high that virtually any instrument or singing voice I put in front of the mic would distort. If the "inst" button also works as a pad, that's a good start. But when the mic gain is all the way down, most people would expect the mic level would to be much lower, as it would be on virtually any other audio interface on the market. I would certainly like to see these improvements in action if a firmware update is possible.
No one wants to muck about with multiple settings to set the gain. Headphones need a permanently separate knob from the main output, like other decent interfaces. You need a complete rework of the UI and functionality. Finally, the manual is sorely lacking.
There should be more of this type of review out there in TH-camland. This is not some sour-grapes diatribe, this is an honest review of a bad product. You're not nitpicking, these are basic utility problems that make the product demonstrably bad. Manufacturers need to be held accountable for duping the public with subpar products. This is not a major company, so you probably won't get a lot of vitriolic comments, but I still think you're brave and I applaud the integrity demonstrated here.
Thank you. I appreciate this. As you might be able to tell, I went into the review with all good intentions, very positive, and by the end, just disappointment. The 2-day gap between opening shots/unboxing, and demonstrating the product were because I legitimately thought I was using the unit wrong, and needed to test it further. I was like "this can't be how this really works?". The features are nice. The idea is very ambitious. But IMO if you don't have separate monitor and HF volume controls, this makes it completely unusable for studio/home studio recordings. The sound quality itself, is good! But with every condenser mic I plugged into the unit, I would have to pull the gain to ZERO, in order to record just my voice. Any instrumental or sung recording would distort. It's like the gain knob and meters are calibrated incorrectly. Most of the other reviews I've seen only use dynamic mics, and even in some of those reviews, the meters are "clipping". Again, could work as a cheap podcast interface, or for dialog during a live stream. But musical recordings, no way. Thanks!
I liked how you presented this constructively rather than condescendingly. Most of the issues you raise could probably be fixed without changing the circuit board, and presumably all without the changing the tooling. They likely can fix all that stuff, change the finish color or the logo, call it AD5-plus or something and have a product.
Thank you for this review. Your negative comments are actually positive for me and I think this unit is exactly what I've been looking for in a sub-$200 unit! #1 I'm so glad it's not bus powered as I'll be plugging this into a camera or iPhone and I've had to return so many other units because there was no dedicated power. I guess they could have made it bus powered with a switch to split to prioritize power on the dedicated power in if a signal is detected, but that would increase the price. #2 Dynamic is great. As I'll only be plugging in for backing tracks from an iPad (or use something like TomPlay). And my (windsynth) instrument plugs straight in as well. #3 Speaker and headphones together ... okay for me too! I'll either use speakers to entertain or the headphones for practice late at night but not both. But if I did, I could always control the volume of my headphones separately through its cable. #4 The mixer on top - great! Exactly what I was hoping for if I understand you correctly. I can mix the amount between the two sources (backing track vs instrument)? That would be excellent. Thank you for the in-depth review. I'm looking forward to getting one and see how it works! Cheers!
Thank you for your honest review. I wondered why all the initial reviewers had horrible sound in the first place or didn't even do proper reviews but lots of talk talk talk. I reviewed a lot of interfaces on my other smaller channel. This reminds me of a Vocaster Two (Focusrite was dumb doubling the price of the Scarlett 2i2 and removing the features this device adds in) in discount form and throws in the instrument and 1/4" in jacks that were removed.
Which windscreen are you using @MusicTechHelpGuy with your Ethos? I just got one this week and was intrigued. Also, I picked up this Comica to try out before I came across to your review. I emailed the company to see if the firmware updates are applicable to the unit that I purchased. Hopefully they will make it downloadable for others.
It actually works fairly good for that option. That was the original reason why I was excited to try this before I found all the issues. However, they have since sent me another unit where they have fixed some of the issues I brought up. So I'll be reviewing that shortly.
So not being bus-powered is a fatal flaw are you kidding do you take yourself seriously because that's something that I look for as requirement to purchasing a non-bus-powered device. And who in the right mind buys a two-channel audio interface for big-time production of music like you do like you're acting like it's designed for it's clearly not You're like saying this Volkswagen beetle just is not a good public transportation system you know it doesn't hold enough people well duh it's not what it's made for. Would it be possible for you to list some of your most proud work here so that we can go give it a listen and see you know what we think of your chops I would be really interested to hear what you've done and how it sounds. Lastly I really just wanted to tell you a little tip to save you some money but you've already gotten the message that Crisco is a less expensive alternative to hair grease. Have a good day and thanks for the awesome review and I'll look forward to seeing your mixing examples of your proudest work or your best work to give it a listen and analyze so that hopefully one day I too might make it in the business you know the business yeah the business. If you have any tips on where the Crisco is the cheapest like Kroger or Walmart or wherever that would be nice to know I mean save me some legwork on that too did you know that the store brand Crisco is just as good as the brand Crisco.+/-3db. I can't hairdly tell the difference I have to say I'm a little perplexed at how this little comica two channel audio interface even fell upon your radar to have time to review I mean I'm sure that you're so busy with all of your big time gigs, I don't think this little interface is worthy of your precious time to even review. Thank you anyway for you know sacrificing you know for us little people to show us about these garbage and it's fatal flaws. And comica how dare you put such a piece of crap on the market.
I’m in the market for an audio interface that can connect to two computers at once and was hoping that this would be the one, but you pointed out some serious dealbreakers. Any other recommendations?
Thanks for your review. I'm having some trouble finding a way to use 4 usb-c mics (Fifine K658) for my podcast because my macbook doesn't recognize them as different devices. Do you know any audio interface that uses usb-c in its input? I appreciate your help.
not bus powered is good. so you dont constantly charge it an f up the battery, find me a laptop user which uses it as a pc and has a "working" battery.
I just bought the Audient Evo 8 (4 in 4 out $199) a couple weeks ago... It's outstanding. No gimmicks, just clean everything and lots of control. There is the Evo 4 also (2 in 2 out) for less. Your new updated Logic Pro series is perfect timing too as I bought it the same time as the new interface. (garageband wasn't cutting it)
Thank you for your fair review. I was eager to try it out because I often record live streaming events in locations where I have no access AC power. I do own this product and ran into all the same issues you covered. Confused and bewildered I ended putting it back in its box and have not used it since. With your input I may take it out of the box and try it out again. Yes, Comica should if possible, come out with a firmware update to resolve its issues. Hopefully the product receives some needed updates. Otherwise, it will just end up on the online resale market slowly decreasing in price..
Did you get a replacement one in the end? I didn't mind the separate psu from the data usb, as I've had issues with ground loops etc in those setups before. The levels meters seem pretty far off on the one I got. Always peaking on the display but not in Logic.
I did get a replacement one, and I plan on doing a re-review by the end of the year. I haven't check it out fully yet to see if they fixed all of the issues I pointed out, but they said they fixed most of them. I'll get on that soon!
This is designed with film in mind, and in that domain all the flaws are desired features except for the clipping which is not a problem though becaYe dynamics are common in the film world.
I am super happy with the SSL2. It is on another level compared to this box. Pick a few things and do them really well or pick everything and do it all poorly. Comica chose the latter. But... BUT... if they engineered the box correctly, you are two or three firmware updates away from having something that actually works. :) -- except for the bus power. WTF? Maybe they should have shipped with a two-headed cable.
Thanks for this review. I was hoping this would be like a motu m2 with some programmable features but I guess not. Shame as it looked like a perfect setup for run and gun work.
This hurts. I saw another video giving it high praise. I was looking for something to connect my two computers as I work from home, to be an option to take calls from and to use with my iPad for music making. Will pause and see if the issues are fixed. Hope to see an update video based on their comments to you. Appreciate the review.
did you try checking if there was a firmware update ? I'm sure most of that stuff could be fixed with software. There have been a lot of cases in the audio industry when a product is rushed to market and later corrected.
My hope is that they will do a firmware update soon that fixes these issues. (1) Fix the metering issues. (2) Unlink the mix knob and recording level. (3) Lower the input mic preamp gain so there's actually some headroom for condenser mics. However, I don't think that (4) can be addressed with a software update -- unlinking the headphone and monitor controls. If they do, I'll happily make an update video.
Does the Focusrite Scarlett 2i have similar issues? Man there's so much to audio engineering and none of it even matters if you can't write good songs. lol
The Scarlett 2i2 is a decent starter audio interface. It doesn't have the effects, it doesn't have loopback, but it also doesn't have nearly as many problems as this unit does. A Scarlett 2i2 is a great start option that is super affordable.
I have the Focusrite 4i4, and it works for me as an auxiliary interface for re-amping (my main interface, a great-sounding Audient iD14, only has two inputs and two outputs), but I had to return the first one I bought because it had serious problems. I have read of others having similar complaints, so I'd say the line has issues with consistency. That being said, the units that work do the job just fine.
@@MusicTechHelpGuy Right on thanks. I have no idea what the effects and loopback means when we're talking about an interface. There's just so much to simply wanting to produce electronic music.
![[Eng Sub] Comica Linkflex AD5 Chinese audio interface - does it worth its money?](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/kKGgOy0nIzc/mqdefault.jpg)
![[Eng Sub] Comica Linkflex AD5 Chinese audio interface - does it worth its money?](/img/tr.png)
They can't all be winners....
Here's a link to the Comica Linkflex AD5 if you want to check it out:
geni.us/StDdL
Timestamps:
0:00 Overview
1:21 Unboxing
2:15 Hardware Features
4:44 Good, Bad, & USB Cables
6:07 Denoise (Gate)
7:39 Effects (EQ, Reverb)
8:43 Not Buss Powered
9:36 Monitor & Mix Controls
11:28 Mic Gain Issues
13:31 Better Options
Thank you so much for your honest comments.
Regarding the problem you mentioned in the video, we actually made some improvements during mass production.
1. About noise reduction. Our current product has been changed to two gears, one for condenser mics and one for dynamic mics.
2. About power supply. Because we consider the situation of outdoor use, we use the built-in battery design. Besides, if the power supply port and the USB output port are the same, it may cause unstable power supply or the current is too small to drive. So we ended up choosing this option.
3. About headphones and speakers. We also made changes in mass production. In recording mode, the monitor knob controls the 3.5 headphone, and the MIX knob is responsible for controlling the 6.35 speaker output. In the recording mode, the input is the output, and the MIX knob will control the output only in the live mode.
4. About mic gain issue. We also made adjustments during mass production. The gain of the condenser mic itself is relatively high, so we do not recommend excessive gain adjustment for the condenser mic. And, we have reduced the gain of the product. If you still feel that it is too high, you can turn on INST to reduce some gain.
Is there a way to update the firmware, so that I can see these improvements in action? Seems a bit counterintuitive to send a reviewer an unfinished product. It seems that my complaint about it being a prototype turned out to be true. Issues 1-3 are just my own opinion, and obviously a real-world user could take it or leave it, agree or disagree. My biggest problem was #4, the mic gain issues. In the video I am not using "excessive gain". I just want to make it very clear that in the video, I had to turn the gain knob all the way down in order to record dialog with a condenser mic. When you hear the mic distort in the video, I have the gain at around a quarter turn. Doesn't leave much room for the mic level to grow. If you look at the video around the 12:30 mark, you'll see the gain knob is all the way to the left, and the meter is showing it's hard red. The gain with a condenser mic is so high that virtually any instrument or singing voice I put in front of the mic would distort. If the "inst" button also works as a pad, that's a good start. But when the mic gain is all the way down, most people would expect the mic level would to be much lower, as it would be on virtually any other audio interface on the market. I would certainly like to see these improvements in action if a firmware update is possible.
No one wants to muck about with multiple settings to set the gain. Headphones need a permanently separate knob from the main output, like other decent interfaces. You need a complete rework of the UI and functionality. Finally, the manual is sorely lacking.
How can I tell if I got an updated unit from Amazon this week, or am I able to update the firmware?
There should be more of this type of review out there in TH-camland. This is not some sour-grapes diatribe, this is an honest review of a bad product. You're not nitpicking, these are basic utility problems that make the product demonstrably bad. Manufacturers need to be held accountable for duping the public with subpar products. This is not a major company, so you probably won't get a lot of vitriolic comments, but I still think you're brave and I applaud the integrity demonstrated here.
Thank you. I appreciate this. As you might be able to tell, I went into the review with all good intentions, very positive, and by the end, just disappointment. The 2-day gap between opening shots/unboxing, and demonstrating the product were because I legitimately thought I was using the unit wrong, and needed to test it further. I was like "this can't be how this really works?". The features are nice. The idea is very ambitious. But IMO if you don't have separate monitor and HF volume controls, this makes it completely unusable for studio/home studio recordings. The sound quality itself, is good! But with every condenser mic I plugged into the unit, I would have to pull the gain to ZERO, in order to record just my voice. Any instrumental or sung recording would distort. It's like the gain knob and meters are calibrated incorrectly. Most of the other reviews I've seen only use dynamic mics, and even in some of those reviews, the meters are "clipping". Again, could work as a cheap podcast interface, or for dialog during a live stream. But musical recordings, no way. Thanks!
I liked how you presented this constructively rather than condescendingly. Most of the issues you raise could probably be fixed without changing the circuit board, and presumably all without the changing the tooling. They likely can fix all that stuff, change the finish color or the logo, call it AD5-plus or something and have a product.
Thank you for this review.
Your negative comments are actually positive for me and I think this unit is exactly what I've been looking for in a sub-$200 unit!
#1 I'm so glad it's not bus powered as I'll be plugging this into a camera or iPhone and I've had to return so many other units because there was no dedicated power. I guess they could have made it bus powered with a switch to split to prioritize power on the dedicated power in if a signal is detected, but that would increase the price.
#2 Dynamic is great. As I'll only be plugging in for backing tracks from an iPad (or use something like TomPlay). And my (windsynth) instrument plugs straight in as well.
#3 Speaker and headphones together ... okay for me too! I'll either use speakers to entertain or the headphones for practice late at night but not both. But if I did, I could always control the volume of my headphones separately through its cable.
#4 The mixer on top - great! Exactly what I was hoping for if I understand you correctly. I can mix the amount between the two sources (backing track vs instrument)? That would be excellent.
Thank you for the in-depth review.
I'm looking forward to getting one and see how it works!
Cheers!
Thank you for your honest review. I wondered why all the initial reviewers had horrible sound in the first place or didn't even do proper reviews but lots of talk talk talk. I reviewed a lot of interfaces on my other smaller channel. This reminds me of a Vocaster Two (Focusrite was dumb doubling the price of the Scarlett 2i2 and removing the features this device adds in) in discount form and throws in the instrument and 1/4" in jacks that were removed.
I'm glad I watched this first before purchased.
Which windscreen are you using @MusicTechHelpGuy with your Ethos? I just got one this week and was intrigued. Also, I picked up this Comica to try out before I came across to your review. I emailed the company to see if the firmware updates are applicable to the unit that I purchased. Hopefully they will make it downloadable for others.
How about for mixing? Do you recommend this? Hows the studio monitors sound with this? Does it sound flat for the monitors?
Thank you for a great, helpful review. I was interested in this because of the phone connectivity but your video has dissuaded me.
It actually works fairly good for that option. That was the original reason why I was excited to try this before I found all the issues. However, they have since sent me another unit where they have fixed some of the issues I brought up. So I'll be reviewing that shortly.
Didn't stick with the trackball? They all end up with me Magic Mouse (me2)
Thanks for the time you have spent on the thing to save our.
So not being bus-powered is a fatal flaw are you kidding do you take yourself seriously because that's something that I look for as requirement to purchasing a non-bus-powered device. And who in the right mind buys a two-channel audio interface for big-time production of music like you do like you're acting like it's designed for it's clearly not You're like saying this Volkswagen beetle just is not a good public transportation system you know it doesn't hold enough people well duh it's not what it's made for. Would it be possible for you to list some of your most proud work here so that we can go give it a listen and see you know what we think of your chops I would be really interested to hear what you've done and how it sounds. Lastly I really just wanted to tell you a little tip to save you some money but you've already gotten the message that Crisco is a less expensive alternative to hair grease. Have a good day and thanks for the awesome review and I'll look forward to seeing your mixing examples of your proudest work or your best work to give it a listen and analyze so that hopefully one day I too might make it in the business you know the business yeah the business. If you have any tips on where the Crisco is the cheapest like Kroger or Walmart or wherever that would be nice to know I mean save me some legwork on that too did you know that the store brand Crisco is just as good as the brand Crisco.+/-3db. I can't hairdly tell the difference I have to say I'm a little perplexed at how this little comica two channel audio interface even fell upon your radar to have time to review I mean I'm sure that you're so busy with all of your big time gigs, I don't think this little interface is worthy of your precious time to even review. Thank you anyway for you know sacrificing you know for us little people to show us about these garbage and it's fatal flaws. And comica how dare you put such a piece of crap on the market.
Presonus audioboxes and Behringer interfaces are dirt cheap and excellent options for beginners on a tight budget. Thanks for this video Joshua.
I’m in the market for an audio interface that can connect to two computers at once and was hoping that this would be the one, but you pointed out some serious dealbreakers. Any other recommendations?
Caramba. São pontos importantes que a galera que faz review aqui no Brasil não explicaram. Parabéns pelos pontos levantados.
Thanks for your review.
I'm having some trouble finding a way to use 4 usb-c mics (Fifine K658) for my podcast because my macbook doesn't recognize them as different devices. Do you know any audio interface that uses usb-c in its input?
I appreciate your help.
not bus powered is good. so you dont constantly charge it an f up the battery, find me a laptop user which uses it as a pc and has a "working" battery.
I just bought the Audient Evo 8 (4 in 4 out $199) a couple weeks ago... It's outstanding. No gimmicks, just clean everything and lots of control. There is the Evo 4 also (2 in 2 out) for less. Your new updated Logic Pro series is perfect timing too as I bought it the same time as the new interface. (garageband wasn't cutting it)
Audient makes good stuff. I use the iD14 and have never had a complaint.
Gotta hate the fatal flaws! Appreciate you reviewing garbage. 💯
Thank you for your fair review. I was eager to try it out because I often record live streaming events in locations where I have no access AC power. I do own this product and ran into all the same issues you covered. Confused and bewildered I ended putting it back in its box and have not used it since. With your input I may take it out of the box and try it out again. Yes, Comica should if possible, come out with a firmware update to resolve its issues. Hopefully the product receives some needed updates. Otherwise, it will just end up on the online resale market slowly decreasing in price..
I would call this product a pure scam.
They just sent me a new updated version that fixes some of the issues I pointed out, so I'll be doing a re-review video very soon.
This review saves us a lot of time and money. Thanks for the ideas!
I appreciate it!
More power, and stay safe always 😊
Did you get a replacement one in the end? I didn't mind the separate psu from the data usb, as I've had issues with ground loops etc in those setups before. The levels meters seem pretty far off on the one I got. Always peaking on the display but not in Logic.
I did get a replacement one, and I plan on doing a re-review by the end of the year. I haven't check it out fully yet to see if they fixed all of the issues I pointed out, but they said they fixed most of them. I'll get on that soon!
@@MusicTechHelpGuy Curious to watch! Sweet studio btw :)
This is designed with film in mind, and in that domain all the flaws are desired features except for the clipping which is not a problem though becaYe dynamics are common in the film world.
I am super happy with the SSL2. It is on another level compared to this box. Pick a few things and do them really well or pick everything and do it all poorly. Comica chose the latter. But... BUT... if they engineered the box correctly, you are two or three firmware updates away from having something that actually works. :) -- except for the bus power. WTF? Maybe they should have shipped with a two-headed cable.
Thanks for this review. I was hoping this would be like a motu m2 with some programmable features but I guess not. Shame as it looked like a perfect setup for run and gun work.
They sent me a new updated one, and fixed several of the features I didn’t like in this video. So I’ll be doing a re-review pretty soon.
“Cómica” means “Funny” in Spanish 😂
This hurts. I saw another video giving it high praise. I was looking for something to connect my two computers as I work from home, to be an option to take calls from and to use with my iPad for music making. Will pause and see if the issues are fixed. Hope to see an update video based on their comments to you. Appreciate the review.
They just sent me a new updated version that fixes some of the issues I pointed out, so I'll be doing a re-review video very soon. Thanks!
@@MusicTechHelpGuy look forward to the review for the updated version! (it has been 3 months)
🤣🤣🤣🤣
did you try checking if there was a firmware update ? I'm sure most of that stuff could be fixed with software. There have been a lot of cases in the audio industry when a product is rushed to market and later corrected.
At the time of making this video, it was Friday 11/25. The product came out that day. So it’s unlikely that there was a firmware update
They should definitely recall that product. And perhaps just stick with wireless mics! I use their BoomX-D D1 wireless mic with my GoPro 10.
My hope is that they will do a firmware update soon that fixes these issues. (1) Fix the metering issues. (2) Unlink the mix knob and recording level. (3) Lower the input mic preamp gain so there's actually some headroom for condenser mics. However, I don't think that (4) can be addressed with a software update -- unlinking the headphone and monitor controls. If they do, I'll happily make an update video.
@@MusicTechHelpGuy If I were to guess, I'd say they may come out with a "new and improved" V2 of it.
hey Comica Linkflex AD5
port 3.5mm phone and out
Can it be connected to the mirrorless camera 3.5 port?
That's what I'm looking to do! Will find out in a few days 🙂
Does the Focusrite Scarlett 2i have similar issues? Man there's so much to audio engineering and none of it even matters if you can't write good songs. lol
The Scarlett 2i2 is a decent starter audio interface. It doesn't have the effects, it doesn't have loopback, but it also doesn't have nearly as many problems as this unit does. A Scarlett 2i2 is a great start option that is super affordable.
I have the Focusrite 4i4, and it works for me as an auxiliary interface for re-amping (my main interface, a great-sounding Audient iD14, only has two inputs and two outputs), but I had to return the first one I bought because it had serious problems. I have read of others having similar complaints, so I'd say the line has issues with consistency. That being said, the units that work do the job just fine.
@@MusicTechHelpGuy Right on thanks. I have no idea what the effects and loopback means when we're talking about an interface. There's just so much to simply wanting to produce electronic music.