Audio interface with specific features

[susbemol]

I currently use all inputs on my current audio interface (RME Fireface 400) including SPDIF (Kemper Stage) and ADAT (Focusrite 18i20 2nd gen).

I've got a new custom Windows 11 system being built so I'm considering a replacement for it and would like an audio interface that offers these functions:

1) Minimum 4 analogue inputs

2) Solid low latency performance, hopefully similar to the old RME.

3) Better preamps/converters than the 18i20 2nd gen.

4) Both SPDIF and ADAT inputs so I can still connect the Kemper and Focusrite digitally to it.

5) Up to £500 budget.

I would much appreciate recommendations.

[resistorman]

That's a lot to ask for 500!

[susbemol]

That's a lot to ask for 500!

Quite possibly!

There are some products that seem to be fit most of the requirements for well under £500 (PreSonus® Studio 1824c) but I am not confident in the quality of their preamps, converters or low latency performance.

I guess it doesn't necessarily have to be a new product and I might be able to stretch the budget in some cases.

[sonics]

There are some products that seem to be fit most of the requirements for well under £500 (PreSonus® Studio 1824c)

The 1824c has fine preamps, and reasonable latency IME. I'd say the quality is well above the price, especially since it's an older model and you should be able to find a deal on one. The 1824 is the same unit with a USB2 connector. The port is USB2 on the "c" version, they simply changed the connector and the colour.

[Kwackman]

Audient iD44?
It has 2 optical digital inputs, maybe one could be converted to SPDIF with an adaptor?
https://audient.com/products/audio-inte ... /overview/

[susbemol]

Audient iD44?
It has 2 optical digital inputs, maybe one could be converted to SPDIF with an adaptor?
https://audient.com/products/audio-inte ... /overview/

It looks like it has 2x non-configurable ADAT inputs. No SPDIF.

[Kwackman]

Audient iD44?
It has 2 optical digital inputs, maybe one could be converted to SPDIF with an adaptor?
https://audient.com/products/audio-inte ... /overview/

It looks like it has 2x non-configurable ADAT inputs. No SPDIF.

That's a pity, my old iD22 can configure it's Optical port to either ADAT or SPDIF protocol.

[susbemol]

Maybe it can... it didn't look like it from the main specs (no mention of SPDIF) but their main tech specs list it:

https://audient.com/products/audio-inte ... ech-specs/

Still, not sure converting from RCA to Toslink ever works reliably well.

[James Perrett]

2) Solid low latency performance, hopefully similar to the old RME.

You aren't likely to get that from anything other than an RME. If you are on a tight budget I would suggest an RME Digiface USB and use it with your existing Focusrite 18i20 for now. You can then add whatever convertors you like as your budget becomes available.

[ef37a]

"Still, not sure converting from RCA to Toslink ever works reliably well."

Oh? I used to convert both ways to and from a 2496 card to MDisc and with cheap switch converters. Never had a problem.

Dave.

[Martin Walker]

"Still, not sure converting from RCA to Toslink ever works reliably well."

Oh? I used to convert both ways to and from a 2496 card to MDisc and with cheap switch converters. Never had a problem.

Dave.

Same here, using an M Audio CO2, for loads of files over the years - not even a single click ever experienced at the far end

[susbemol]

It's good to hear others have had more success than I did in the past.

I must admit the last time I tried was many years so perhaps things have improved since then.

Not sure Audient audio interfaces offer similar low latency performance to RME on Windows though. The iD44 I had a few years ago worked well with my Macbook Pro but I never tried it with a Windows machine.

Maybe I am overthinking all this and perhaps there are more units that could cover everything I want than I realise.

[Drew Stephenson]

I don't think you'll get either of these:

2) Solid low latency performance, hopefully similar to the old RME.

3) Better preamps/converters than the 18i20 2nd gen.

For this:

5) Up to £500 budget.

So

I would much appreciate recommendations.

my recommendation would be to stick with what you've got unless there's an actual problem you're trying to solve?

[ef37a]

It's good to hear others have had more success than I did in the past.

I must admit the last time I tried was many years so perhaps things have improved since then.

Not sure Audient audio interfaces offer similar low latency performance to RME on Windows though. The iD44 I had a few years ago worked well with my Macbook Pro but I never tried it with a Windows machine.

Maybe I am overthinking all this and perhaps there are more units that could cover everything I want than I realise.

I was doing the S/PDIF thing some years ago and experimented with very long co ax cables. You can use many mtrs of "low loss" TV downlead but be sure to have proper soldered joints. The crimps that work OK at UHF give bother at S/PDIF frequencies.
Similarly, make sure optical receptacles are dust free and the plugs new and clean.

Dave.