Usb Interface

[jimh76]

Hi

I currently use a behringer uca222 to go from my Tascam Dp32 out via phono to my laptop via the usb on the behringer. This is the last part of my studio that i would class as budget. I'm therefore looking to upgrade and was looking at the Focusrite starlett 2i2.

My question is this, would it be a noticeable upgrade in the sound dept?

I basically go out from the Dp32 stereo out phono to my outboard gear which includes an RNC compressor, and aphex 204 then into my laptop via the behringers usb.

There are no digital outs on the dp32, so hve to switch to analogue then back to digital.

Would Inotice an improvement? I know that the focusrite has really good preamps, but would this make that much differwnce to the sounds?

Many thanks,

Jim

[James Perrett]

I went from a UCA222 to a Zoom U-44. The difference in sound is subtle but the difference in usability is huge. I found the UCA to be too sensitive for many things (I'm talking about connections to domestic hifi gear here) and it also added low level tones (idle tones) to the recordings. The Zoom is quieter, works with a wide range of inputs and can also work at high sample rates.

My experience of a Focusrite interface (the Saffire Pro26io) has been mixed. It sounds fine (definitely better than the UCA) but the software is fiddly and the mic inputs overload easily. The outputs are also a bit temperamental which seems to be a software thing as clicking on a different software option can either break or fix it. Apparently the newer ones are better but I like Zoom's approach of having almost everything on the front panel.

[shmuelyosef]

I have had poor luck with reliability on a variety of Behringer equipment.
My Saffire Pro40 (rackmount) from Focusrite has been rock solid other than a few fiddly things that I've gotten used to. I'ts >10 years old with Firewire interface and still works great. The software mixer is very useful (probably more so with 8 channels than 2, but it does allow you to save a variety of settings for monitoring, playback, etc...)
I have a few friends with the Focusrite desktop models and they seem very happy with them.

Another solution that seems to be catching on is the Spire from Izotope...provides a lot of capability...I use the Izotope suites for mixing and mastering and their software is very easy to use, but deep on capabilities.

[Hemmick Reef]

I recently replaced my Steinberg MR816x with a Scarlett 2i2 and like it very much.
I think it sounds slightly crisper in comparison.

I don't need the ins/outs anymore, sits next to my monitor and looks nice in red

[ef37a]

The UCA 202 is remarkably good for the money, had three over the years.

However, I would urge you to consider the future for any upgrade?

To my mind, 2 mic inputs and MIDI I/O are a pretty basic requirement and I would try not to go for the "next" most common denominator.

I am known in these here parts for my love of the NI KA6 but the new Mackies (2 mics +MIDI) got a good rep in SoS.

Dave.