Latest recommended audio interfaces?

[maskedwarrior]

Hi, I've had an old Edirol UA-25 audio interface which has done the job for me for a number of years, but when I upgraded to High Sierra the drivers didn't work anymore, at all, and it stopped being supported on PC with Windows 10 a while back. So, I am after a replacement.

I like the compact 2 in/2out, USB bus powered thing. I'm after some nice quality preamps, digital in and midi in/out too. The limiter/compressor features that are sometimes offered I'd honestly trade for a simpler, higher-qualty device.

I'm a bit out of the loop nowadays and reviews seem so mixed for all the ones I've looked at so far. Would love your opinions.

Many thanks,
Tony

[zenguitar]

I've recently bought an Audient iD14 and am very happy with it so far.

2 in 4 out (stereo main and headphone which can have different sources) and ADAT input if I need extra inputs.

Andy

[Wonks]

No MIDI though.

[The Elf]

RME Babyface would have been my choice, but production has ceased (though somewhere might have stock). There's always the Babyface Pro, I suppose.

Failing that I still think that the Native Instruments KA6 is cracking value for money.

[Drew Stephenson]

Failing that I still think that the Native Instruments KA6 is cracking value for money.

That was going to be my suggestion, not that i have one myself, but that it's frequently suggested by people round here who do and appears to cover all the bases (midi included).

[ConcertinaChap]

If budget's an issue I bought an M-Audio M-Track 2X2M costing £90 as a direct replacement for a UA25. It's not on my main computer which uses UAD kit but for the uses I make of it (digitising LPs, playback over my domestic hifi and stuff like that) it's excellent. The M stands for Midi.

CC

[James Perrett]

The Zoom U-44 fits the bill as far as MIDI, line level and digital I/O is concerned but the mic preamps are a little noisy. If mic preamps are important I'd look at Audient and add a separate MIDI interface or, if this is going to be your main interface, I'd be looking at stepping up to an RME interface - possibly a used one rather than new as RME are good at supporting older models.

[Watchmaker]

The UAD Apollo's are amazing, the Audient ID4 is too. I have a fondness for the Focusrite Clarett range too. I'm quite fond of those mic pres.

[ronmac]

All thumbs up for the RME BabyFace Pro. Having owned and used the original for several years, the Pro is a big step up, IMO.

It is also one of the rare products labelled "Pro" that lives up to its name.

[seanmichaels]

I love my Apollo Quad, but also have interfaces from MOTU (828 mk3) and Focusrite. Interfaces from RME are also great.

[Jorge]

+1 RME Babyface Pro for high quality, excellent software and excellent long term driver support. Agreed it is an improvement on the original Babyface.

[Guido3]

What are the Apogee Element interfaces like? As someone who works ITB these look great. I’m due an upgrade as I have just ‘upgraded’ my MBP. As my Mac has TB3 surely this is the way to go??

[Paul Isaacs]

If you want an interface with really low preamp noise, huge gain (up to 96dB), you might want to take a look at the Sound Devices MixPre-3, -6 or -10. They also can be used as standalone mixers and 12-track overdubbing recorders. Full disclosure - I work for Sound Devices, so take this with a pinch of salt:)

[John Willett]

If you want an interface with really low preamp noise, huge gain (up to 96dB), you might want to take a look at the Sound Devices MixPre-3, -6 or -10. They also can be used as standalone mixers and 12-track overdubbing recorders. Full disclosure - I work for Sound Devices, so take this with a pinch of salt:)

But only a very small pinch as Paul is an honest chap.

The new SD MixPres are even on my short list now.

[Guido3]

Just in case anyone was thinking of getting one, I bought an Apogee Element 24 and it is superb. It integrates with Logic beautifully. Input and Output settings/levels can all be adjusted from my Mac. It's a no nonsense TB3 interface and I am delighted with it. What's even better is it has ADAT In and Out so if I ever need to expand my I/O it's easily sorted.