I can’t believe it’s another interface question

[Stig Ø]

I’ve previously asked a few questions regarding interfaces, and I’ve gotten good answers from the membership. This has in turn made me think about the practicality (or lack of it) with my current setup. Currently I’m running an ageing Apogee Duet 2, which is fed from a Behringer line mixer (the weakest link), which again is connected to two mic preamps - a UA 4-710D, and a cheap Chinese Neve knockoff (Alctron). I only record two channels at one time, but would like to have all six channels available without connecting/disconnecting anything. I record guitars pretty much exclusively - loud electrics in the same room, and steel-string acoustic.

I’ve been looking for a way to get rid of the line mixer when I replace the interface. I see that, e.g., the Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 probably doesn’t have the necessary headphone output level, so I’ve been looking at the Clarett range. The plan was to keep the mic pres, but now I’ve started thinking about maybe selling them and go for the largest Clarett interface as a possible option. Whatever the solution, the cheap knockoff pre would be sold - it was a temporary solution. Mulling over this, new questions pop up all the time. These questions are - in no particular order:

Considering the vintage of the Duet, will I notice any difference sound wise? I’m guessing latency and drivers are a solved problem?

I haven’t really used the colouring that the UA can provide - I prefer clean signals into the DAW - Is there any reason I’d miss it, in terms of sound quality, ease of use or other things I haven’t thought of?

I hope my description above made sense. As always, I really appreciate the help and insights from the community - thanks in advance for any input.

[The Elf]

If your budget runs to it I would offer up the RME Fireface range for consideration.

[Stig Ø]

Thanks, it has crossed my mind. I would ideally prefer the 19” form factor, but the price is similar. Will absolutely think about it

[The Elf]

I would ideally prefer the 19” form factor...

Me too. You can purchase 19" rack-mount ears:
https://www.rme-audio.de/rackmounts.html

For me, the huge advantage to RME is TotalMix.

[Arpangel]

I’d say go for the Clarett, we all have different opinions, and priorities, but as far as sound quality goes, I’d say you’ll be very happy with the Clarett.
I’ve owned various Focusrite interfaces over the years, and the sound has always been very good.
RME have a great reputation for software compatibility and versatility, and there are a lot of fans of Total Mix, plus, support is great, I would check them both out, and reserve the right to return one if you don’t get on with it.

[Stig Ø]

I’d say go for the Clarett, we all have different opinions, and priorities, but as far as sound quality goes, I’d say you’ll be very happy with the Clarett.
I’ve owned various Focusrite interfaces over the years, and the sound has always been very good.
RME have a great reputation for software compatibility and versatility, and there are a lot of fans of Total Mix, plus, support is great, I would check them both out, and reserve the right to return one if you don’t get on with it.

Thank you both - going out of my mind with this. Planning to keep the new interface for many years, so I need to do my due diligence. At the same time my budget is obviously not unlimited, and I don’t want to end with something that’s almost good enough. Decisions, decisions…

[Arpangel]

I’d say go for the Clarett, we all have different opinions, and priorities, but as far as sound quality goes, I’d say you’ll be very happy with the Clarett.
I’ve owned various Focusrite interfaces over the years, and the sound has always been very good.
RME have a great reputation for software compatibility and versatility, and there are a lot of fans of Total Mix, plus, support is great, I would check them both out, and reserve the right to return one if you don’t get on with it.

Thank you both - going out of my mind with this. Planning to keep the new interface for many years, so I need to do my due diligence. At the same time my budget is obviously not unlimited, and I don’t want to end with something that’s almost good enough. Decisions, decisions…

If possible, as I said, we normally have a return period, but you’d have to have then both at your place at the same time, to make a good comparison.
I’m OK, because I’ve tried both, but my opinion isn’t worth anything at the end of the day, it’s yours that matters, anyone here can only help in giving "educated" pointers.
I’d say both RME and Focusrite you can’t go wrong, and in most cases it’ll be down to software and I/O stuff like that, as far as sound goes, that’s more tricky to sort out if you can’t actually listen before you buy!

[Stig Ø]

If your budget runs to it I would offer up the RME Fireface range for consideration.

Sorry, for some reason I misread your post as RME Babyface. I’ll take a closer look at the Fireface.

[Sam Spoons]

Going purely off prior comments on the forum, over many years, I'd say go for the RME. You say

Planning to keep the new interface for many years,

And RME have by far the best reputation for longevity of support. If they weren't good sounding interfaces that would count for little but by all accounts they are excellent in every other way.

[James Perrett]

If you are thinking of spending a fair amount of money on an interface then I would always suggest RME. In my case I've separated the analogue from the digital by using RME interfaces with ADAT digital inputs. I can then use any preamp/A to D with an optical output - my current most used combination being an Audient ASP008 with an RME Digiface USB.

RME drivers and support really seem to be a cut above most other manufacturers in my opinion.

[OneWorld]

I have used both Focusrite and RME products and in both cases I have been impressed by the reliability of performance of both. I ended up using the RME product because it only occupied 1U rack space and having got familiar with TotalMix I liked the flexibility of it. That said I believe later versions of their TotalControl software is much more intuitive and flexible.

If I were in the market for a replacement interface, both RME and Focusrite would be at the top oif the list, that said I like the look of the current Presonus products.

I have also used, back in the day, the MOTU products, but the products I used (2408mkIII) didn't have Mic preamps

[Stig Ø]

RME has always been thought of as the gold standard, as I understand it. For my needs, I see the relevant models are too expensive. The Babyface could work, but for various practical reasons a desktop model is not ideal. Thank you all who’ve contributed.

Are there any thoughts on whether to keep the UA 4-710 mic pre? That could be connected via optical, but I’m wondering if it’s just complicating things unnecessarily.

[Arpangel]

RME has always been thought of as the gold standard, as I understand it. For my needs, I see the relevant models are too expensive. The Babyface could work, but for various practical reasons a desktop model is not ideal. Thank you all who’ve contributed.

Are there any thoughts on whether to keep the UA 4-710 mic pre? That could be connected via optical, but I’m wondering if it’s just complicating things unnecessarily.

I think if you think RME are the gold standard, buy one.
In answer to your second question, about the UA preamp, I’d keep it, just as an alternative.

[Stig Ø]

I think if you think RME are the gold standard, buy one.
In answer to your second question, about the UA preamp, I’d keep it, just as an alternative.

Thanks - I’ll keep the pre. As for RME, I don’t know, I’ve never used one. I was referring to the high esteem they seem to be held in by several people posting here. I’m pretty sure I’ll end up with the Focusrite - it seems to be the best alternative that’s within my budget. Thanks again.

[Arpangel]

I think if you think RME are the gold standard, buy one.
In answer to your second question, about the UA preamp, I’d keep it, just as an alternative.

Thanks - I’ll keep the pre. As for RME, I don’t know, I’ve never used one. I was referring to the high esteem they seem to be held in by several people posting here. I’m pretty sure I’ll end up with the Focusrite - it seems to be the best alternative that’s within my budget. Thanks again.

It’s difficult here sometimes, giving an unbiased opinion, and it’s not helping anyone that wants to audition things in difficult circumstances.
The audio differences between certain interfaces are subtle, but sometimes they have a certain quality that is quite obvious, Focusrite fall into that category in my opinion.
I’d buy the Clarett, but if you think it’s not for you, then move on to RME, my other choice would be UAD, an Apollo, going up budget. Both the Focusrite and the UAD have a "nice sound" the RME is more neutral IMO, it's down to what you prefer.
I’m only basing my opinions on what I’ve owned, and what friends have owned, that I’ve had direct experience with.

[Stig Ø]

I think if you think RME are the gold standard, buy one.
In answer to your second question, about the UA preamp, I’d keep it, just as an alternative.

Thanks - I’ll keep the pre. As for RME, I don’t know, I’ve never used one. I was referring to the high esteem they seem to be held in by several people posting here. I’m pretty sure I’ll end up with the Focusrite - it seems to be the best alternative that’s within my budget. Thanks again.

It’s difficult here sometimes, giving an unbiased opinion, and it’s not helping anyone that wants to audition things in difficult circumstances.
The audio differences between certain interfaces are subtle, but sometimes they have a certain quality that is quite obvious, Focusrite fall into that category in my opinion.
I’d buy the Clarett, but if you think it’s not for you, then move on to RME, my other choice would be UAD, an Apollo, going up budget. Both the Focusrite and the UAD have a "nice sound" the RME is more neutral IMO, it's down to what you prefer.
I’m only basing my opinions on what I’ve owned, and what friends have owned, that I’ve had direct experience with.

I understand - we all hear things differently, and we want different things. You’ve been very helpful, and I appreciate that. I will probably go for the Clarett, and then return it if I can’t get along with it. Thanks for your time and understanding - and patience. I must have used up everyone’s tolerance for interface questions by now.

[Arpangel]

Let us know what you get, and how you get on!

[tea for two]

I would say try to get an interface with converters at least A-D 118dB, D-A 118dB.
I just this past weekend got such : Focusrite Forte A-D 117dB D-A 118dB based on this list.
viewtopic.php?p=869216#p869216
Forte made a difference for me.
Clarett reportedly used the same innards as Forte. Clarett+ a trifle improvement over the Clarett.
Rme never used so can't compare. Chuffed with Forte.
https://www.soundonsound.com/reviews/focusrite-forte

[Hugh Robjohns]

The Forte was/is an excellent interface. It was a real shame they dropped support for it. I recall it made a lot of people very grumpy.

[Stig Ø]

Hi everyone

Just thought I’d pop back in here and let everyone who’ve helped me know that I ended up buying a Focusrite Clarett+ 8pre. My Duet started acting up, so it forced my hand. Haven’t gotten it yet, but looking forward to get something newer and more practical with my current setup. Thanks again for all tips and advice.

Stig

[shazer]

Hi everyone

Just thought I’d pop back in here and let everyone who’ve helped me know that I ended up buying a Focusrite Clarett+ 8pre. My Duet started acting up, so it forced my hand. Haven’t gotten it yet, but looking forward to get something newer and more practical with my current setup. Thanks again for all tips and advice.

Stig

I was going to recommend RME as the Babyface I've got has been rock solid and sounds great on recorded sources like bass, guitar and vocals.

Clarett+ 8pre looks quality I'm sure it will be great. I remember getting a really nice vocal recording off a vocalist and when I asked her what her interface was she actually had a cheaper Focusrite one, I was really impressed. I think these days the pre-amps on interfaces are very good at a range of price points.

[Stig Ø]

Quick update: got the Clarett and got it hooked up. Threw out the Behringer line mixer and Chinese Neve pre knockoff. Now running four mics into the UA 4-710D, and line out into the Clarett. In addition, two mics and instrument DI into the Clarett.

Impressions of the Clarett were very positive. Build quality seems very good, metal knobs and chassis; really positive click sound and locking on every input. The screen seems to be the only thing that has a vaguely cheap look. Love the internal PSU.

Instrument DI sounds a lot clearer than before - don’t know if that’s caused by dropping the line mixer or that DI is just better than DI on the UA. Input impedance on the UA is spec’ed higher, but maybe there are other properties influencing the end result. This was without Air enabled.

Mic’ing my Fender Twin sounds good - haven’t had enough experience with it to hear any differences with my earlier setup. Acoustic steel string was recorded this evening, which I will listen to and process tomorrow with fresh ears. The raw recording sounded good, but will know more after I’ve fiddled with it a bit more. Tomorrow I’ll try my Marshall and THD amps, recorded with SM57/ribbon combinations.

Mixing utility is user friendly and seems flexible. The whole system seems very stable. I get about the same latency and computer performance as I did with my old Duet.

Almost forgot - I was worried I’d might need a cloudlifter, but so far no need. Granted, a Fender twin is not a quiet source, but still… Lots of range on the gain pot, and absolutely dead quiet. If the good news keep coming, I might get rid of the UA pre.