Best and Worst Audio Interfaces of 2024.. TESTED!
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- čas přidán 31. 03. 2024
- I purchased and tested over a dozen audio interfaces for the noise floor of the preamps, headphone output, volume of headphone output, frequency response of preamps, harmonics, distortion, latency and perceived sound quality. I talk about which audio interface is the best for various home studio setups, I announce winners for various categories such as best value, best sound quality and best features. I also make recommendations for various price points. I spent a lot of time testing and using these audio interfaces in various recording studio situations with singers, vocalists, acoustic guitar, electric guitar, bass guitar, piano, music production, professional recording studio, home music production studio for professional level of sound quality.
Links
Website with the interface comparison chart. www.getbeautifulrecordings.com
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00:50 Comparison of the behringer UMC204HD and the Universal Audio Apollo
02:10 Audio Interface Preamp Noise Floor Comparison
04:10 Audio Interface Preamp coloration and transparency comparison
05:45 Audio interface ease of use comparison
08:14 Audio interface latency
11:30 Balancing the mix with direct monitoring on an audio interface
12:40 The importance of the converters in an audio interface
14:50 Comparing the sound quality of headphone outputs in audio interfaces
17:41 Comparing dynamic range of audio interfaces
20:45 Dedicated line inputs VS line inputs that route the signal through a preamp
23:10 Comparing USB 2, usb 3, and thunderbolt connection types for audio interfaces
24:11 Reviewing multiple audio interfaces - Jak na to + styl
I do not smell any sponsor in this video at all. Great job
Behringer?
@@andriimotsyk3018 I don't think so, he trully spoke about the xenyx preamps
@@andriimotsyk3018 Your response is not at all honest or logical... I've only seen two videos of this guy, and it's clear he's not lying. And regarding your too-quick remark ==> the previous video I have seen is the one where he puts the same Behringer audio interface at the very bottom of the scale regarding residual noise in the headphone sound... You should need to learn to check before say something. 😉
@@autosmiley1532 better go check Julian Krause. Totally no buIIsht tests there
@@andriimotsyk3018 Or Universal Audio, all of them sponsored him if we follow your logic.
Thank you! Outstanding deep-dive into the subject. Inspired fresh thinking about available interfaces.
Thanks for taking the time for all the testing and for providing all this information!
Incredibly well put together roundup, thank you!
hard to find a complete video like this one, amazing video! and also so nice to see my favorite audient IDmkII outperformed others!
This vid is really outstanding. Such a great level of detail........SUBSCRIBED!!
Thanks for the sub!
Wow, thanks for the work you put into this. Some very surprising results there.
You are a BOSS. I've never seen such an in-depth comparison. Super-impressive.
Amazing work! Thank you 👍🏻
Umm this is now THE BEST video on this subject! Excellent work and thank you
Wow, thanks!
100% agreed
yepp
Wow, what an amazing video! Thank you for the thoroughness and insight.
What a comprehensive and well researched test bed.
Subbed for the quality of this video!
Well done. The best test, comparison, and review online
This was very informative. Thank you.
Amazing contribution to the comunity thank you so much for doing this extencive video of high quality!
Great overview. Very professional, objective and complete. Thanks!
The SSL 2X has been above and beyond for my podcast. Great loopback function and zero latency monitoring with monitor mix. Great video!!
As a bedroom studio user I say thank you so much for this excellent test. Even though I have my audio interface already I now know that I don’t want to change it because you tested it. Thank you! 🙏
Excellent video! Very informative!
Excellent video, very informative, no such video in you tube with testing and so much details, subscribed !
Thank you so much!
Extremely well done analysis, thank you!
Thank you, I’m glad you liked it :)
Great video. You opened my ears even more. Thank you! I totally appreciate your research.
This was fantastic! I have been looking for a new interface and the detail in this overview was amazing! Thanks so much!
Thanks, I’m glad you liked it :)
what did u end up choosing?
SoundBlaster.
This video was fantastic! Thank you so much for the in depth analysis! I have been wanting to upgrade from my 2nd gen 2i2 to the 4th gen, but after this video I'm now debating getting the SSL2 instead. I love these kinds of videos that dive deeper into a subject and helps the audience make decisions for themselves instead of being told what to get, so keep it up!!!
I have the SSL2 and love it. It’s a great option. My only complaint is that I wish it was a smaller form factor.
Best reviews, u hit the nail on the head..all important issues with interfaces especially noise levels. Thumps Up!
Awesome, thank you so much :)
Lots of great info here, thanks for taking the time to do this. Never dawned on me to use the return as an input on my id22 to bypass the preamp, duh!
Great video! Went into other territory i wasnt expecting, learned a bunch of cool stuff thanks!
Thank you for the tangible evidence, and extensive knowledge drop!!!!! Is there anywhere you have all the graphs posted?
The chart of all the interfaces is still a work in progress, but it is posted at www.getbeautifulrecordings.com
I intend to post the other charts there in the future as well.
Thanks, I’m glad you liked the video :)
Great job man!
Thank you :)
This video is so value packed! thank you for making this material.
Your welcome. Thanks :)
Great. Much appreciated. I only wish you could have included the RME interfaces in your chart and analysis.
This was excellent i just love the breakdown of all the audio interfaces.. Great Job Much Thanks.
Glad it was helpful!
you just erased all doubts i had about purchasing a behringer umc 1820. thank you!
Yes… I think they are excellent for the price. The direct monitoring is a little tricky with that many channels though.
@@Get.Beautiful.Recordings why is it tricky? subbed btw.
I have both that and the ADA8200 (2800?) ADAT and can recommend both. Excellent bang for buck.
Super helpful, Chris, thank you. First time viewer and this was so good, I have to check out what else you've posted and subscribing right now. Cheers.
Thanks guitar John! I’m glad you liked it :)
Absolutely stellar video that answered all of my questions, and then several more I hadn’t thought to ask. Thank you for this.
Glad it was helpful!
thanks, would be amazing if you got your hands on RME gear and see/hear you test it.
I switched from an Apollo MKII to a UXC II recently and love it. I am by no means as technical as you are but and would very much appreciate to hear your thoughts, or have you include some of the RME equipment in your next videos.
great vidoes btw!
I also have the UCX ii and just checked the specs. I couldn't immediately find the information presented the same way as shown here, but I think it is on the high end of this group. I would also like to see it added for a direct comparison.
No point buying anything other than RME... unless maybe you have 10K to spend.
Amazing video, so much detailed information! Thumbs up! Wished you had also Apogee Symphony Desktop tested too or maybe in the future!!
I wanted to replace my Steinberg U22 because I don't like the pre-amps and did know how to start looking for another Audio Interface since there are so many. Found this video and it was A PERFECT analysis. I am so appreciative you took the time to do these test and post for public use. Thank you so much. Outstanding work, outstanding job.
Great review, I wish you could have included the iConnectivity Audio4C that is also the only affordable interface that can be used with 2 devices at the same time, I don't now why most manufactures overlook this aspect as nowadays most musicians or audio techs use more than one device, for example for me I use my Windows laptop and iPad at the same time and the only affordable interface that enables me to do that is the iConnectivity Audio4C which also has really good preamps and both front panel and software controls
Very well made video, and well documented objective tests! However I would like to say, I did try to replicate your test with the Motu M2 on my Motu M4, and did not experience the same outcome, there was no change with headphone volume. IMO, the M4/M6 is a massive step up from the M2 in features, and does in fact have dedicated line level inputs on 3/4 which bypass the preamp. Also, the M4 was one of the few interfaces I found with RCA line level inputs/outputs, which for my use case is very handy.
That’s interesting. Thanks for sharing :)
really a bad take on the m2
I own a Motu M2 and I couldn't reproduce the issue: my inputs remains absolutely clean whatever the headphone gain setting. Either he had a faulty unit or he made an error during his test.
Another for RME here!
Been using a Multiface II for over a decade now, am ordering the FireFace UFX III this afternoon though.
Amazing sound quality, superb driver support, serious build quality etc...
yes my multiface II still running here for more than 12 years... incredible but unmatched in terms of quality/price in the current RME lineup...
My Fireface is 16 years old and still going strong. He can’t add RME to the line up, it would be a very short video… :D
Agreed. I'm using a FF800 and an ADI2 Pro FSR. There's definitely a difference listening to the ADI2!
Just winked to my Babyface RS Pro. I will never forget it is there. My work buddy.
Dude! That's a lot of friggin work you did. Thank You.
Thanks for this. Very valuable info on latency for vocals.
Im using Rme adi2 pro and id24 for preamp. That combination amazing.
If you had used audient id44 in the test, it would have destroyed the whole list :)
Thank you for great test 🙏🏻
Hi Chris! :)
Thanks for all these tests!
I have a question about your Motu M2 unit. Was this unit assembled in USA (original version) or it's "second revision" which was made in China? I heard in second revision Motu changed the internals (another controller, another ADC/DAC).
I'm interested in this too. 1st rev (2019) had ESS ES9016 (like professional MOTU interfaces) and XMOS chip while 2nd rev (2021) has ESS ES9026PRO and NXP
Ah, I see, Chris has rev 2021 (2 screws on combo sockets). I'm gonna do the same test on Motu M2 rev 2019 next week. I'll inform you
@@shtacson wow! That would be nice. Thanks!
@@shtacson must be because i have an m4 thats fine and owned an m2 that also worked well a few years ago but sold it for the m4.
Incredibly well done video!!
Subscribed!!
Very well done. No hype, great detail. Good to know the UMC purchased does well in testing.
I own the SSL2 and was a little bit concerned at the beginning if I’d be better off buying the Volt 476.. but after all the testing and videos like yours, the SSL is just crazy good quality for the cheap price! Am very pleased. The next SSL gear I’ll get is the SSL Fusion! Can’t wait!
There is no test without a RME interface...
there is for the people who can't afford one. Some of these are $200 or less.
I am amazed by this comparison! This must have taken some serious time, and thank you for your evaluation.
Looks like I made the right call upgrading from my Gen 1 Scarlett 2i2 to the Apollo X Twin. I was a bit worried about buying into the hype surrounding it
great video. super comprehensive. would love to see tascam, and NI (among others) in there in the future. great stuff, I'm headed over to the fb group and page
I've been using SSL2+ since 2022, and I dig its sound quality and everything-only when it's working. The problem is that the little square buttons are unstable, causing issues such as hums, constant reconnecting (phantom power), intermittent loss of instrument signal, etc. These problems can be temporarily solved by re-pushing the buttons, but even the slightest accidental touch could mess it up again, and it seems like these issues are not unique to my unit. They should've done a recall.
just re-solder new buttons
I’m experiencing the exact same issue! This is exactly why I’m now shopping for new interfaces. I’m experiencing it particularly in Channel 2 around the square buttons!
Nice video with lots of great knowledge but the whole test and comparison is kinda pointless to me without an RME interface since they are kings of latency and driver support and arguably the best sounding according to a lot of pros...
Amazing Video...I would love to see this type of breakdown on monitors
Amazing in-depty work. Subbscribed! You deserve a lot more of these!
Why no RME interfaces??
It seems to be more in the prosumer category .. RME is high end..
@@astralaudio101the babyface might suit that area
RME all the way. Also the UCX II can be used here.
RME’s Software is just a menace and the sound is in my open somewhat Cold!
MT48 prosumer?🙄
Sad to heat the M2 did not fare well My M4 is working and sound quite excellent. Curious to see if the issues are similar on both models.
same here my m4 is perfect and ive owned many of these other interfaces. for the the price the m4 was the best in its class when i got it. this guys trippen lol! he probably has a fucked up or defective device and should probably reconsider his review. whatever tho we're content haha
Wow!!! So much work went into this!
What a great job : I discover your channel and I have learned a lot ! Lots of love from France
Mercy beaucoup!
Why does everyone ignore RME?
Because they are still searching for the best interface. When they found RME the search is over.
The price point probably, buying RME suggests that you are a professional and probably don't need this advice.
@@adsm6464 In the end a RME is actually cheeper than 'having to' buy a new interface because you can't find any new drivers anymore. Even for a serious amateur RME is by far the best choice. Professionals know it's the most robust and reliable interface out there. The best investment you will ever make because a RME will last you 15 years or longer due to well build hardware and very long driver support.
@@adsm6464the babyface is entry level
Thank you, for some very interesting information that clarifies my questions on Interface components. 💯👍
That's a lot of work you put into this vid, many thanks
Hmm…no RME? On the compact side of their interfaces you might want to look at UCX II or Babyface Pro.
+1
+2
Like others have said, +1 for RME. Buy literally any RME interface and enjoy the best of everything: ultra low noise preamps, crystal clear AD-DA, and the most stable drivers in the industry on PC or Mac. I tried several other brands on this list over the years and I’m sticking with RME for life now.
Same here, get an RME and look no further. My best investment ever. Unbeatable and unbreakable.
Kind of strange that he left them out.
@@helmanfrow I find it quite incomprehensible. RME is the gold standard when it comes to solid hardware and the best driver support in the industry.
Wow. Just a great, information packed video.
Very helpful video. Well done! Love my SSL2+. FYI - You have lots of upcut breaths. Compressed voice really pointed that up.
Behringer UMC series for the win 🏆
Buy any RME and be happy
Yeah but at the price u can buy uad and get killer plugins 😅
Do both @@bluebird1954
@@bluebird1954 UAD plugins aren’t that incredible, and their interfaces are essentially Mac-only because the Windows support is so terrible. I’d rather buy RME and get high quality hardware and ultra stable software (with any OS). I tried both btw and ended up returning the Apollo.
@@bluebird1954 Get native plug-ins and invest the money you save in a RME interface. This is the best advice one can give. The RME device you buy today will last you at least 15 years. Solid sound quality and the best drivers in the industry, reliable and long support.
@bluebird1954 for the price of the UA he is talking about, you can bet a Babyface PRO fs or for a few dollars more a UCXII and have drivers for lifetime
Excellent video, my friend! Thanks for this!
Thanks, I’m glad you liked it :)
Thank you for your time and effort, very informative.
Can’t believe the RME babyface pro FS is not included in this analysis
This test is not complete without a RME device in the lineup.
Hi there! I hope this is okay but just wanted to let you know that something might be wrong with your MOTU M2 test. I tested this multiple times and didn't have distortion. But I think what 'may' be causing some distortion is that you had your 2nd input to the max. Doing that will make you hear much more noise that isn't there. czcams.com/video/u7OroM-YVeE/video.html
I didn’t show it in the video, but I experimented with several other parameters to see if it had an effect on this, such as the volume of the other input, different headphone impedances, and applying 48 volt. These had no impact on the results.
@Dracomies How bout plugging in your xlr mic to the 2nd input instead of the first? Was there any difference?
Nice and accurate review. Thanks!
Excellent, indepth review!
I own 2 MOTU ( 828 mkIII and 828x both Amazing !!! ), a Focusrite Clarett 4, Line6 Helix and MAudio (a hate this hahah)
The pres of MOTU are really beautiful.
RME?? Babyface Pro FS?
Not yet…. It’s coming.
@@Get.Beautiful.Recordingswhen?
@@Get.Beautiful.Recordings It absolutely has to be in your test. The Babyface pro is the most boring interface out there, the bloody thing always works and never gets in you way. Rock solid sound and the best drivers in the industry, look no further, get a RME. This is the best advice I you can give your fellow creators.
Wow this video is the best! I'm now a new subscriber! You actually make useful and informative content without being boring!
Wow, thanks!
Excellent video, way more information than most videos and good nerdy stuff. Well done. You should try comparing podcasting mics and interfaces, rode casters etc, it would be great to get professional's point of view on these.
No RME in this test?
No, unfortunately I haven’t had the opportunity to test them yet… but I will in the future.
@@Get.Beautiful.Recordings Make it a priority. Sound quality and build quality can be a topic of discussion for every interface on the market but when it comes to the complete package RME is the gold standard with the most solid drivers and longest support. Buy a RME device today and you will still be using it in 15 years from now. It is the best investment ever.
this guys tripping my motu m4 sounds perfectly fine when headphones are turned to max. you also fail to mention that the m4 has dedicated line inputs 3/4 and had rca in/outs. i didnt see any other interfaces with rca inputs and for monitors too. i bought and sold many of these interfaces as a side hustle since when the pandemic started and in my estimation the motu m4 sounded the best. go home guy youre drunk!!!!!
Agreed
I love your testing methods and posted results.
You just can't hear.
OMG i think that this is one of the best video test that i have watched. Incredible the dedication and the patience. Idk why im still going with the SSL 2+ T.T i think im being stubborn uu
Thank you, great review!
Where is RME?
They’re based out of Germany.
@@Get.Beautiful.Recordings thanks 🥳😂😍
No...seriously....I really like your video because it states exactly what experience will tell you only after years. Almost all available Audio Interfaces today - also the very affordable ones - will be totally fine for 99.9% of users.
I'm still not sure whether or not RME is indeed providing you with direct monitoring.....
Anyhow.....since I'm a very convinced RME customer, I can only state that latency is between ultra-low and negligible with all RME products I know. And their driver support and standalone capabilities are also outstanding. Cheers and keep up the good informative work.
The re-looping tests are really cool.
What a fantastic production. This was incredibly useful to me, thank you very kindly for your efforts!
Thank you so much!
thank you!!!!! great review!
42:00 I think you are pretty harsh and suss by claiming the Motu m2 is unusable. I have this device and it's very usable and specs are excellent, definitely not the worst, that's laughable to claim. For instance, you say the preamp noise floor is 9.3 dB ...how did you formulate these values on the noise floor chart you showed? dB is not a unit of measurement. Typically, measurements like this are presented in dBU. An accurate measurement of the noise floor of the preamp is -129 dBU A-weighted, which is very good. At 42:05 you claim the motu line output / input are not great ... I understand the goal of this test, but it's not a very scientific way to test either the outputs or inputs on the device. The inputs on this interface are designed to accommodate instrument signals, so there will be some high pass filtering. Repeatedly sending the same signal through this input will result in a recording without any low frequency information. The Line outs on the M2 are excellently spec'd. If you were to perform this loop test with another input designed specifically as a line input, you would achieve near perfect conversion. At 42:36 you claim that distortion from the preamps of the microphone inputs can get introduced into the recording at max volume on the headphone jack ... well it's somewhat of an expected behavior, though running into this in any normal use-case is extremely unlikely.
The test in the video requires sending a full scale test tone out of the headphone output with the level at maximum. This results in a massive power draw from the phones output which can impact distortion performance on the mic inputs.
The headphone output on the M2 is very powerful, so a test like this would produce an extremely loud signal, which I don't expect the average user would need. This increased distortion result will only occur with a constant full scale tone sent to the phones out. A typical audio signal with transients and dynamics will not demand the same power from the headphone amp and will not impact the performance of the microphone inputs.
Thanks for your input.
Bro I know you are mad because it's your device
But if it works for you it works for you
No need to be upset trying to scramble up every possible explanation you have for the product
It's not suss at all it's just facts
Again if it works for you then great
@@Notinserviceij facts lol. you sound upset bub. I shared this detailed response for anyone else who might come across this video and be led astray. So hopefully they read my comment and can make a more informed decision. If that bothers you, you should ask yourself why …
And if you actually read and understood what I wrote you wouldn’t be so disingenuous and flippant. I provide clear detailed information that brings in to question the claims made by the reviewer in the video. If you don’t agree bring an argument in place of your ego. Because that’s all I see in your comment. Ego.
If you don’t care then that’s your issue not mine.
This is weird, I have a Motu M2, Mac m1. I don't have that problem that you have increasing the headphones volume, actually I don't have any complain about noise at all. Is true the headphones output is low but I use my interface connected to a mixer.
Totally excellent, well grounded work - and amusing - thanks vm!
Thank you so much :)
I love when the internet gives me such good pieces of content. Thank you so much for the work and the info!!!
Excellent, very thorough review.
I'm thinking about the new Motu 828 but you've freaked me out a bit with the low baby Motu rating.
Dude! Most amazing review, ever!
Dude, good for you doing legit reviews of all these. I've always been curious about Black Lion stuff. I remember back in the day, I wanted to get my Digi 003 modded by them. I'd imagine their own audio interface sounds great.
best video so far on the topic. thank you
Excellent video. Well done!
This is awesome work, man.
Not only the sheer amount of tested interfaces, but also the thorough testing methods and very well-made and easy to understand explanations of the principles that are important for successful recording, add up to a VERY informative video. Oh, and the video production itself is also top-notch, congratulations.
I wish I had such incredible sources of information when I got into serious digital recording way back in time.
I hope many people watch this before doing purchase decisions. I am using the Behringer 204 and am very happy with it, and I have used MUCH more expensive solution over the decades. Your tests really reveal, that not the most popular interfaces are always the ones that are best-suited for the task someone might have. I wasn't even aware, that the other interfaces I have tested myself in the last years have no "real" analog cue, like my Behringer...
Best regards and keep up making great videos.
Thanks so much :) I’m glad you liked it
Thank you so much for making this. Very informative!
Thanks so much !
Great video!! Please review the Topping E2x2
your tests are also really good!
Great video. I have an Audient and the preamps are superb, my expensive Warm Audio pres are hard to distinguish from them.