Rugged, solid build quality and excellent sound. This audio interface is built like a tank.
As a studio head, I’ve always wanted and made sure that my final product sounds like an SSL console, be it via plugins or mixing on the actual consoles in a professional recording studio. Unless you’ve been living on planet Mars, you’ve heard of the SSL sound from its iconic mixing consoles, the SSL 4000 and SSL 9000. Solid State Logic SSL2+ USB Audio Interface – $279 However, with its separate headphone amplifier output stage, console-style monitor control with mono, polarity, cut, talkback, and cue mix, Balanced 1/4″ main outputs and virtual scroll wheel, the Audient iD14 is extremely capable. The Audient iD14 does not include any suite of software. Eight-channel ADAT input increasing your input capabilities up to ten channels. The iD14 has two of Audient Class A mic preamps, Burr-Brown converter technology, console-style monitor control, JFET direct input, and Audient’s ScrollControl mode.
The Komplete also offers a suite of software that includes Native Instrument instruments effects and Ableton Live 10 Lite.Īudient took its world-class large format console and shrunk it down into its Audient iD14 audio interface.
The bus-powered Komplete Audio 6 Mk2 has four analog ins and outs plus two channels of digital S/PDIF I/O and MIDI capability to interface with all your instruments and sequencers. The 6×6 USB audio interface has the connectivity, functionality, and tools for any live and recording studio environment.
The second-generation Audio 6 has better resolution, multiple I/O solutions, and 48V Phantom Power. And the Komplete Audio 6 MK2 will not disappoint.
But with that said, you can’t deny the fact that Native Instruments have always made solid music production gear, and DJ gear for that matter. Native Instruments Komplete Audio 6 Mk2 USB Audio Interface – $249įull disclosure…Native Instruments dropped the ball with its Traktor DJ software, so it has been tough for me to get over that hiccup.
“Fast 2.59ms round-trip over USB-C gives the AIR192|14 the edge over most units in its class.” The software suite includes Pro Tools First and Ableton Live Lite, Avid’s Eleven Lite guitar suite and effects plug-ins, AIR Music Technology virtual instruments, and 2GB of Touch Loops content. There is also a 1/8″ MIDI in and out to interface controllers and drum pads with your ITB virtual instrument libraries. With four low-noise Crystal preamps with +62dB of gain for any condenser or dynamic mics, along with two TRS and two hi-Z inputs of direct-routing for your keys or guitars. M-Audio’s flagship AIR192|14 audio interface has eight channels of 24-bit/192kHz audio, ultra-pristine A/D converters, and multiple I/O solutions. M-Audio AIR 192|14 USB Audio Interface – $299 It’s a complete studio in the box solution. Studio One Artist and the Studio Magic plug-in suite are included. The ioStation 24c features high-resolution 24-bit/192kHz performance, 115dB of dynamic range, high-quality motorized 100mm long-throw fader (just like the FaderPort).
With two studio-quality XMAX Class A preamps and the PreSonus FaderPort technology, the ioStation 24c is an awesome small-format audio interface perfect for the bedroom recording studio or podcasters, and its portable as well. Oh, and did I mention that those same controls will work across multiple DAW’s, Pro Tools, Ableton, Logic, etc. You generally see these features in more expensive mixing boards. This device can control your DAW with its transport controls and Session Navigator. It’s an Audio Interface and Production Controller.
New in this space, the PreSonus ioStation 24c is a two in one device. PreSonus ioSTATION 24c 2×2 USB-C Audio Interface and Production Controller – $299 We’ve compiled the top 5 desktop/tabletop audio interfaces for under $300. Unless you have a rackmount interface directly in your view or a “desktop” interface high enough for the perfect viewing angle, you’ll never experience true control on the top of an audio interface. This method of control is extremely convenient for solo artists, project home recording studios, or podcasters. Well, those interfaces have the controls on the front of the device, not on top.
So you’re probably asking yourself, audio interfaces under $300…why not the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 or the PreSonus Studio 24c, which are both under $200 and considered desktop audio interfaces. Most companies in the recording studio space offer audio interfaces below $200 and are considered “desktop” devices.