Best and Worst Audio Interfaces of 2024.. TESTED!
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 31 มี.ค. 2024
- I purchased and tested over a dozen audio interfaces for the noise floor of the preamps, headphone output, volume of headphone output, frequency response of preamps, harmonics, distortion, latency and perceived sound quality. I talk about which audio interface is the best for various home studio setups, I announce winners for various categories such as best value, best sound quality and best features. I also make recommendations for various price points. I spent a lot of time testing and using these audio interfaces in various recording studio situations with singers, vocalists, acoustic guitar, electric guitar, bass guitar, piano, music production, professional recording studio, home music production studio for professional level of sound quality.
Links
Website with the interface comparison chart. www.getbeautifulrecordings.com
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00:50 Comparison of the behringer UMC204HD and the Universal Audio Apollo
02:10 Audio Interface Preamp Noise Floor Comparison
04:10 Audio Interface Preamp coloration and transparency comparison
05:45 Audio interface ease of use comparison
08:14 Audio interface latency
11:30 Balancing the mix with direct monitoring on an audio interface
12:40 The importance of the converters in an audio interface
14:50 Comparing the sound quality of headphone outputs in audio interfaces
17:41 Comparing dynamic range of audio interfaces
20:45 Dedicated line inputs VS line inputs that route the signal through a preamp
23:10 Comparing USB 2, usb 3, and thunderbolt connection types for audio interfaces
24:11 Reviewing multiple audio interfaces - แนวปฏิบัติและการใช้ชีวิต
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I do not smell any sponsor in this video at all. Great job
Behringer?
@@andriimotsyk3018 I don't think so, he trully spoke about the xenyx preamps
@@andriimotsyk3018 Your response is not at all honest or logical... I've only seen two videos of this guy, and it's clear he's not lying. And regarding your too-quick remark ==> the previous video I have seen is the one where he puts the same Behringer audio interface at the very bottom of the scale regarding residual noise in the headphone sound... You should need to learn to check before say something. 😉
@@autosmiley1532 better go check Julian Krause. Totally no buIIsht tests there
@@andriimotsyk3018 Or Universal Audio, all of them sponsored him if we follow your logic.
Thank you! Outstanding deep-dive into the subject. Inspired fresh thinking about available interfaces.
Thanks for taking the time for all the testing and for providing all this information!
hard to find a complete video like this one, amazing video! and also so nice to see my favorite audient IDmkII outperformed others!
Incredibly well put together roundup, thank you!
This vid is really outstanding. Such a great level of detail........SUBSCRIBED!!
Thanks for the sub!
Wow, thanks for the work you put into this. Some very surprising results there.
Amazing work! Thank you 👍🏻
Well done. The best test, comparison, and review online
Wow, what an amazing video! Thank you for the thoroughness and insight.
This was very informative. Thank you.
What a comprehensive and well researched test bed.
Subbed for the quality of this video!
Amazing contribution to the comunity thank you so much for doing this extencive video of high quality!
You are a BOSS. I've never seen such an in-depth comparison. Super-impressive.
Excellent video, very informative, no such video in you tube with testing and so much details, subscribed !
Thank you so much!
Excellent video! Very informative!
Extremely well done analysis, thank you!
Thank you, I’m glad you liked it :)
This was fantastic! I have been looking for a new interface and the detail in this overview was amazing! Thanks so much!
Thanks, I’m glad you liked it :)
what did u end up choosing?
SoundBlaster.
Great overview. Very professional, objective and complete. Thanks!
As a bedroom studio user I say thank you so much for this excellent test. Even though I have my audio interface already I now know that I don’t want to change it because you tested it. Thank you! 🙏
The SSL 2X has been above and beyond for my podcast. Great loopback function and zero latency monitoring with monitor mix. Great video!!
Great video. You opened my ears even more. Thank you! I totally appreciate your research.
Lots of great info here, thanks for taking the time to do this. Never dawned on me to use the return as an input on my id22 to bypass the preamp, duh!
Great job man!
Thank you :)
This video was fantastic! Thank you so much for the in depth analysis! I have been wanting to upgrade from my 2nd gen 2i2 to the 4th gen, but after this video I'm now debating getting the SSL2 instead. I love these kinds of videos that dive deeper into a subject and helps the audience make decisions for themselves instead of being told what to get, so keep it up!!!
I have the SSL2 and love it. It’s a great option. My only complaint is that I wish it was a smaller form factor.
This video is so value packed! thank you for making this material.
Your welcome. Thanks :)
Wow!!! So much work went into this!
Thank you for the tangible evidence, and extensive knowledge drop!!!!! Is there anywhere you have all the graphs posted?
The chart of all the interfaces is still a work in progress, but it is posted at www.getbeautifulrecordings.com
I intend to post the other charts there in the future as well.
Thanks, I’m glad you liked the video :)
Umm this is now THE BEST video on this subject! Excellent work and thank you
Wow, thanks!
100% agreed
yepp
Great video! Went into other territory i wasnt expecting, learned a bunch of cool stuff thanks!
Absolutely stellar video that answered all of my questions, and then several more I hadn’t thought to ask. Thank you for this.
Glad it was helpful!
Best reviews, u hit the nail on the head..all important issues with interfaces especially noise levels. Thumps Up!
Awesome, thank you so much :)
thanks, would be amazing if you got your hands on RME gear and see/hear you test it.
Thank you, for some very interesting information that clarifies my questions on Interface components. 💯👍
What a great job : I discover your channel and I have learned a lot ! Lots of love from France
Mercy beaucoup!
you just erased all doubts i had about purchasing a behringer umc 1820. thank you!
Yes… I think they are excellent for the price. The direct monitoring is a little tricky with that many channels though.
@@Get.Beautiful.Recordings why is it tricky? subbed btw.
I have both that and the ADA8200 (2800?) ADAT and can recommend both. Excellent bang for buck.
This was excellent i just love the breakdown of all the audio interfaces.. Great Job Much Thanks.
Glad it was helpful!
great video. super comprehensive. would love to see tascam, and NI (among others) in there in the future. great stuff, I'm headed over to the fb group and page
Nice and accurate review. Thanks!
I switched from an Apollo MKII to a UXC II recently and love it. I am by no means as technical as you are but and would very much appreciate to hear your thoughts, or have you include some of the RME equipment in your next videos.
great vidoes btw!
I also have the UCX ii and just checked the specs. I couldn't immediately find the information presented the same way as shown here, but I think it is on the high end of this group. I would also like to see it added for a direct comparison.
No point buying anything other than RME... unless maybe you have 10K to spend.
Very well made video, and well documented objective tests! However I would like to say, I did try to replicate your test with the Motu M2 on my Motu M4, and did not experience the same outcome, there was no change with headphone volume. IMO, the M4/M6 is a massive step up from the M2 in features, and does in fact have dedicated line level inputs on 3/4 which bypass the preamp. Also, the M4 was one of the few interfaces I found with RCA line level inputs/outputs, which for my use case is very handy.
That’s interesting. Thanks for sharing :)
really a bad take on the m2
I own a Motu M2 and I couldn't reproduce the issue: my inputs remains absolutely clean whatever the headphone gain setting. Either he had a faulty unit or he made an error during his test.
Very well done. No hype, great detail. Good to know the UMC purchased does well in testing.
Incredibly well done video!!
Subscribed!!
Great review, I wish you could have included the iConnectivity Audio4C that is also the only affordable interface that can be used with 2 devices at the same time, I don't now why most manufactures overlook this aspect as nowadays most musicians or audio techs use more than one device, for example for me I use my Windows laptop and iPad at the same time and the only affordable interface that enables me to do that is the iConnectivity Audio4C which also has really good preamps and both front panel and software controls
Tip: Buy an RME interface and skip the majority of these in this test. RME has rock solid drivers and great sound. I worked for an audio interface manufacturer for years and as good as our product was, we all knew that RME had the industry best drivers. Im currently using a 10 year old UFX I and its rock solid at 88.2 kHz. I clock it with an Aardsync II due to the excellent frequency dependent clocking which the Aardsync has, however RME's internal clocking is excellent. Regarding drivers, you don't want a lot of down time, and you want flawless, glitch free recording and playback with low latency. RME gives you that. Their clocking and conversion quality is also excellent. They don't have a "sound" and are very transparent.
If you want an interface that just works get RME. No crashes, it never lets you down, no temper tantrums like driver issues or unscheduled restarts. In that respect it's actually the most boring interface ever. You forget about it because a RME is not getting in your way.
@Frankhe78 I work for RME and I think I'm going to use that sentence in my marketing. RME is the most boring interface.... 😂😂
@@laguasa1968 "You don't notice it." A RME interface is just there doing its job without attracting any attention and never failing. My Babyface pro is now seven years old and I expect I will be using it for many years to come. It's the best investment I ever made.
Exactly. RME have best drivers, best audio tools, best sound (for the price), best support, and professional features. Absolutely no point messing with anyone else.
I wish everything was this easy!
@@RobinParmar Getting a RME interface is a total no-brainer.
Wow. Just a great, information packed video.
Super helpful, Chris, thank you. First time viewer and this was so good, I have to check out what else you've posted and subscribing right now. Cheers.
Thanks guitar John! I’m glad you liked it :)
Another for RME here!
Been using a Multiface II for over a decade now, am ordering the FireFace UFX III this afternoon though.
Amazing sound quality, superb driver support, serious build quality etc...
yes my multiface II still running here for more than 12 years... incredible but unmatched in terms of quality/price in the current RME lineup...
My Fireface is 16 years old and still going strong. He can’t add RME to the line up, it would be a very short video… :D
Agreed. I'm using a FF800 and an ADI2 Pro FSR. There's definitely a difference listening to the ADI2!
Just winked to my Babyface RS Pro. I will never forget it is there. My work buddy.
Im using Rme adi2 pro and id24 for preamp. That combination amazing.
If you had used audient id44 in the test, it would have destroyed the whole list :)
Thank you for great test 🙏🏻
Hi Chris! :)
Thanks for all these tests!
I have a question about your Motu M2 unit. Was this unit assembled in USA (original version) or it's "second revision" which was made in China? I heard in second revision Motu changed the internals (another controller, another ADC/DAC).
I'm interested in this too. 1st rev (2019) had ESS ES9016 (like professional MOTU interfaces) and XMOS chip while 2nd rev (2021) has ESS ES9026PRO and NXP
Ah, I see, Chris has rev 2021 (2 screws on combo sockets). I'm gonna do the same test on Motu M2 rev 2019 next week. I'll inform you
@@shtacson wow! That would be nice. Thanks!
@@shtacson must be because i have an m4 thats fine and owned an m2 that also worked well a few years ago but sold it for the m4.
thank you!!!!! great review!
best video so far on the topic. thank you
Sad to heat the M2 did not fare well My M4 is working and sound quite excellent. Curious to see if the issues are similar on both models.
same here my m4 is perfect and ive owned many of these other interfaces. for the the price the m4 was the best in its class when i got it. this guys trippen lol! he probably has a fucked up or defective device and should probably reconsider his review. whatever tho we're content haha
Why no RME interfaces??
It seems to be more in the prosumer category .. RME is high end..
@@astralaudio101the babyface might suit that area
RME all the way. Also the UCX II can be used here.
RME’s Software is just a menace and the sound is in my open somewhat Cold!
MT48 prosumer?🙄
Thank you so much for making this. Very informative!
Thanks so much !
Sincerely, great advice!
Nice video with lots of great knowledge but the whole test and comparison is kinda pointless to me without an RME interface since they are kings of latency and driver support and arguably the best sounding according to a lot of pros...
I love when the internet gives me such good pieces of content. Thank you so much for the work and the info!!!
Thanks for this. Very valuable info on latency for vocals.
I've been using SSL2+ since 2022, and I dig its sound quality and everything-only when it's working. The problem is that the little square buttons are unstable, causing issues such as hums, constant reconnecting (phantom power), intermittent loss of instrument signal, etc. These problems can be temporarily solved by re-pushing the buttons, but even the slightest accidental touch could mess it up again, and it seems like these issues are not unique to my unit. They should've done a recall.
just re-solder new buttons
I’m experiencing the exact same issue! This is exactly why I’m now shopping for new interfaces. I’m experiencing it particularly in Channel 2 around the square buttons!
There is no test without a RME interface...
there is for the people who can't afford one. Some of these are $200 or less.
Amazing video, so much detailed information! Thumbs up! Wished you had also Apogee Symphony Desktop tested too or maybe in the future!!
Excellent video, my friend! Thanks for this!
Thanks, I’m glad you liked it :)
I own the SSL2 and was a little bit concerned at the beginning if I’d be better off buying the Volt 476.. but after all the testing and videos like yours, the SSL is just crazy good quality for the cheap price! Am very pleased. The next SSL gear I’ll get is the SSL Fusion! Can’t wait!
Why does everyone ignore RME?
Because they are still searching for the best interface. When they found RME the search is over.
The price point probably, buying RME suggests that you are a professional and probably don't need this advice.
@@adsm6464 In the end a RME is actually cheeper than 'having to' buy a new interface because you can't find any new drivers anymore. Even for a serious amateur RME is by far the best choice. Professionals know it's the most robust and reliable interface out there. The best investment you will ever make because a RME will last you 15 years or longer due to well build hardware and very long driver support.
@@adsm6464the babyface is entry level
I am amazed by this comparison! This must have taken some serious time, and thank you for your evaluation.
Looks like I made the right call upgrading from my Gen 1 Scarlett 2i2 to the Apollo X Twin. I was a bit worried about buying into the hype surrounding it
Thank you for your time and effort, very informative.
Hmm…no RME? On the compact side of their interfaces you might want to look at UCX II or Babyface Pro.
+1
+2
Buy any RME and be happy
Yeah but at the price u can buy uad and get killer plugins 😅
Do both @@bluebird1954
@@bluebird1954 UAD plugins aren’t that incredible, and their interfaces are essentially Mac-only because the Windows support is so terrible. I’d rather buy RME and get high quality hardware and ultra stable software (with any OS). I tried both btw and ended up returning the Apollo.
@@bluebird1954 Get native plug-ins and invest the money you save in a RME interface. This is the best advice one can give. The RME device you buy today will last you at least 15 years. Solid sound quality and the best drivers in the industry, reliable and long support.
@bluebird1954 for the price of the UA he is talking about, you can bet a Babyface PRO fs or for a few dollars more a UCXII and have drivers for lifetime
This is an incredible video and should be the baseline for this type of analysis
Totally excellent, well grounded work - and amusing - thanks vm!
Thank you so much :)
Like others have said, +1 for RME. Buy literally any RME interface and enjoy the best of everything: ultra low noise preamps, crystal clear AD-DA, and the most stable drivers in the industry on PC or Mac. I tried several other brands on this list over the years and I’m sticking with RME for life now.
Same here, get an RME and look no further. My best investment ever. Unbeatable and unbreakable.
Kind of strange that he left them out.
@@helmanfrow I find it quite incomprehensible. RME is the gold standard when it comes to solid hardware and the best driver support in the industry.
Can’t believe the RME babyface pro FS is not included in this analysis
This test is not complete without a RME device in the lineup.
Amazing Video...I would love to see this type of breakdown on monitors
Thank you, great review!
RME?? Babyface Pro FS?
Not yet…. It’s coming.
@@Get.Beautiful.Recordingswhen?
@@Get.Beautiful.Recordings It absolutely has to be in your test. The Babyface pro is the most boring interface out there, the bloody thing always works and never gets in you way. Rock solid sound and the best drivers in the industry, look no further, get a RME. This is the best advice I you can give your fellow creators.
Behringer UMC series for the win 🏆
Very informative. Terrific presentation!
Thank you so much :)
Amazing in-depty work. Subbscribed! You deserve a lot more of these!
No RME in this test?
No, unfortunately I haven’t had the opportunity to test them yet… but I will in the future.
@@Get.Beautiful.Recordings Make it a priority. Sound quality and build quality can be a topic of discussion for every interface on the market but when it comes to the complete package RME is the gold standard with the most solid drivers and longest support. Buy a RME device today and you will still be using it in 15 years from now. It is the best investment ever.
Where is RME?
They’re based out of Germany.
@@Get.Beautiful.Recordings thanks 🥳😂😍
No...seriously....I really like your video because it states exactly what experience will tell you only after years. Almost all available Audio Interfaces today - also the very affordable ones - will be totally fine for 99.9% of users.
I'm still not sure whether or not RME is indeed providing you with direct monitoring.....
Anyhow.....since I'm a very convinced RME customer, I can only state that latency is between ultra-low and negligible with all RME products I know. And their driver support and standalone capabilities are also outstanding. Cheers and keep up the good informative work.
The re-looping tests are really cool.
What a fantastic production. This was incredibly useful to me, thank you very kindly for your efforts!
Thank you so much!
Excellent video, way more information than most videos and good nerdy stuff. Well done. You should try comparing podcasting mics and interfaces, rode casters etc, it would be great to get professional's point of view on these.
I own 2 MOTU ( 828 mkIII and 828x both Amazing !!! ), a Focusrite Clarett 4, Line6 Helix and MAudio (a hate this hahah)
The pres of MOTU are really beautiful.
Hi there! I hope this is okay but just wanted to let you know that something might be wrong with your MOTU M2 test. I tested this multiple times and didn't have distortion. But I think what 'may' be causing some distortion is that you had your 2nd input to the max. Doing that will make you hear much more noise that isn't there. th-cam.com/video/u7OroM-YVeE/w-d-xo.html
I didn’t show it in the video, but I experimented with several other parameters to see if it had an effect on this, such as the volume of the other input, different headphone impedances, and applying 48 volt. These had no impact on the results.
@Dracomies How bout plugging in your xlr mic to the 2nd input instead of the first? Was there any difference?
That's a lot of work you put into this vid, many thanks
your tests are also really good!
this guys tripping my motu m4 sounds perfectly fine when headphones are turned to max. you also fail to mention that the m4 has dedicated line inputs 3/4 and had rca in/outs. i didnt see any other interfaces with rca inputs and for monitors too. i bought and sold many of these interfaces as a side hustle since when the pandemic started and in my estimation the motu m4 sounded the best. go home guy youre drunk!!!!!
Agreed
I love your testing methods and posted results.
You just can't hear.
This is weird, I have a Motu M2, Mac m1. I don't have that problem that you have increasing the headphones volume, actually I don't have any complain about noise at all. Is true the headphones output is low but I use my interface connected to a mixer.
Excellent, very thorough review.
I'm thinking about the new Motu 828 but you've freaked me out a bit with the low baby Motu rating.
Thank you for the video. Great analysis
My pleasure!
42:00 I think you are pretty harsh and suss by claiming the Motu m2 is unusable. I have this device and it's very usable and specs are excellent, definitely not the worst, that's laughable to claim. For instance, you say the preamp noise floor is 9.3 dB ...how did you formulate these values on the noise floor chart you showed? dB is not a unit of measurement. Typically, measurements like this are presented in dBU. An accurate measurement of the noise floor of the preamp is -129 dBU A-weighted, which is very good. At 42:05 you claim the motu line output / input are not great ... I understand the goal of this test, but it's not a very scientific way to test either the outputs or inputs on the device. The inputs on this interface are designed to accommodate instrument signals, so there will be some high pass filtering. Repeatedly sending the same signal through this input will result in a recording without any low frequency information. The Line outs on the M2 are excellently spec'd. If you were to perform this loop test with another input designed specifically as a line input, you would achieve near perfect conversion. At 42:36 you claim that distortion from the preamps of the microphone inputs can get introduced into the recording at max volume on the headphone jack ... well it's somewhat of an expected behavior, though running into this in any normal use-case is extremely unlikely.
The test in the video requires sending a full scale test tone out of the headphone output with the level at maximum. This results in a massive power draw from the phones output which can impact distortion performance on the mic inputs.
The headphone output on the M2 is very powerful, so a test like this would produce an extremely loud signal, which I don't expect the average user would need. This increased distortion result will only occur with a constant full scale tone sent to the phones out. A typical audio signal with transients and dynamics will not demand the same power from the headphone amp and will not impact the performance of the microphone inputs.
Thanks for your input.
Bro I know you are mad because it's your device
But if it works for you it works for you
No need to be upset trying to scramble up every possible explanation you have for the product
It's not suss at all it's just facts
Again if it works for you then great
@@Notinserviceij facts lol. you sound upset bub. I shared this detailed response for anyone else who might come across this video and be led astray. So hopefully they read my comment and can make a more informed decision. If that bothers you, you should ask yourself why …
And if you actually read and understood what I wrote you wouldn’t be so disingenuous and flippant. I provide clear detailed information that brings in to question the claims made by the reviewer in the video. If you don’t agree bring an argument in place of your ego. Because that’s all I see in your comment. Ego.
If you don’t care then that’s your issue not mine.
Dude! Most amazing review, ever!
Excellent technical and practical review ! Thank you ... subscribed.
Awesome, thank you!
This video is just amazing. Thanks for thaking the time to share all this info!!
My pleasure!
Thank you very much! Fantastic achievement - a detailed and exhaustive analysis, and (considering the amount of hard data in here) brilliantly explained...
I have been using the Behringer UMC202HD for a couple of years now, just on my own simple music... so I was not surprised to find the series rating highly.
Oh - and one side note ... I always thought I was the only one who ever used ISK headhones! I have used a pair of HF2010s (semi-open back) for about 10 years now and they have been excellent - although to be fair I have only just ventured into live vocal recording (so might need some closed backs now!)
Thank you so much. I was tired of some amateurs talking about these, but this is the most pro and honest review with actual reasoning
Thank you so much :)
Great video. I have an Audient and the preamps are superb, my expensive Warm Audio pres are hard to distinguish from them.
OMG i think that this is one of the best video test that i have watched. Incredible the dedication and the patience. Idk why im still going with the SSL 2+ T.T i think im being stubborn uu
Very good video. really concise and useful.