EVO 4 Audio Interface Review: Gain Staging Magic from Audient

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  • čas přidán 9. 04. 2020
  • How do you automatically set the perfect gain every time? The EVO 4 audio interface can do this for you automatically.
    DISCLOSURE: Audient sent this EVO 4 for me to review. Links below are affiliates.
    The EVO 4 from Audient is a very small, portable audio interface that provides multichannel (two) recording to your DAW for podcasts, voice over, streaming and/or video creators.
    The Smartgain feature will detect the proper level to set your microphone preamp gain so that you'll have enough headroom to avoid clipping the audio while maintaining a good signal to noise ratio so that you get clean audio recordings.
    I really like the ability to affect all the controls on the device itself via buttons that have multifunctions. You don't need to go into software to control any of the settings but if you have software that has gain control you can controls the gain via your DAW as well.
    The loopback feature lets you take audio from any app on your computer and send it into your recording software. So if you wanted to record a podcast with a remote co-host or guest, you can capture that audio and record yourself as well as the app in your DAW on their own tracks for post production later.
    The EVO 4 also has Smartmuting of the monitors when you plug in headphone but I'm not a big fan of this, it feels like a clunky solution although it could save your ears from feedback.
    Another bummer is the electronic interference (most from phones) that I experienced while using this device. I noticed that if my phone was too close to the EVO 4, it would periodically transmit its signal into the device. If you are considering this device make sure to keep your phone at least a couple feet away the way I did in this video and then I didn't have an issue.
    Overall I really liked the EVO 4. If you only need two or less channels of audio, this device has the features you want for getting starting with recording audio. With Smartgain and loopback, you get a couple more features than you'd get in other interfaces at this price. They need to improve the build quality in terms of shielding against interference but if you mitigate the issue the device produces great sounding audio while providing you the ability to be super compact without sacrificing ease of control.
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    🎥 🖥 📱🎤 GEAR USED TO MAKE THIS VIDEO 🤘
    ► All my gear: kit.co/rayortega
    ► Audient EVO 4: podhelp.me/EVO4BH
    ► Shure SM7B: podhelp.me/sm7bZon
    ► AT4053B microphone: podhelp.me/at5053bAmazon
    ► DR-10L Lav mic/recorder: podhelp.me/TascamDR10LBH
    ► Rode VideoMic Pro podhelp.me/RodeVMP-R_BH
    ► Aputure Light Storm COB 120D amzn.to/2mD7JFC
    ► Aputure Light Dome Mini amzn.to/2DEIj2v
    ► Sony a6500: podhelp.me/a6500kit1BH
    ► LENS: Sigma 16mm f 1.4 podhelp.me/SigmaE16mmBH
    ► Transcend 65GB SDXC card for 4K podhelp.me/Trans64U3zon
    ► Adobe Creative Cloud podhelp.me/CC1yearBHdownload
    *all links should be considered affiliate links. I encourage you to shop around for the best prices at the time you are viewing this. You can read my ethics statement via thepodcastersstudio.com/ethics. Thanks!
    #Audient #EVO4 #AudioInterface #podcasting
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Komentáře • 47

  • @owasu
    @owasu Před 4 lety +4

    I've recently got both the sm7b and an evo 4 and its such a great combo, your video helped, thank you

  • @wastbs
    @wastbs Před 4 lety +1

    Thanks Ray! We love your informative breakdown of audio visual photography equipment.

  • @gaips
    @gaips Před 4 lety +2

    We missed you Ray. Thanks for making content!

  • @vksolanki
    @vksolanki Před 4 lety +1

    That's a bad-ass little box, as well as the bigger one. Auto gain is killer! Ray Ortega - saving lives!

  • @LearnLightAndSoundSessions

    Great coverage Ray - appreciate all the details and demo. Doing more RF interference tests with my copy here and in my case seems to be mainly with SM7B and mainly just at the XLR cable. Putting my phone with a video streaming and a call in play doesn't seem to produce any interference on this copy. So I'm wondering if maybe some of the later units have more in the way of internal shielding. I think I got mine after you.

    • @RayOrtega
      @RayOrtega  Před 4 lety

      I really hope that's the case cause it I was really happy with the device otherwise. Would love to be able to recommend it without that caveat.

    • @SwapnilOm
      @SwapnilOm Před 4 lety

      Saw your review on evo 4 where you recommend using condenser mic mostly with evo 4 and not really dynamic mic is it applicable for mostly towards sm7b or throughout all the dynamic mic?

    • @curtisjudd
      @curtisjudd Před 4 lety

      @@SwapnilOm The Shure SM7B in particular and mainly if you plan to livestream. The SM7B seems to require a bit more gain that most other dynamic microphones. If you plan to livestream, then you probably won't get enough amplitude/loudness unless you have a mixer with a compressor. If you're shooting video and will do post processing, then the evo 4 is fine with the SM7B.

  • @FatNorthernBigot
    @FatNorthernBigot Před 4 lety +1

    You're having more success than some CZcamsrs with an SM7B and the Evo 4. I'd initially written this combo off, but I may revisit, if it works as well as it does for you. Your audio sounds clean, and you don't seem to be raising your voice. 🙂

    • @RayOrtega
      @RayOrtega  Před 4 lety

      Yes always a great idea to check many videos. I was surprised how clean I was able to get the SM7B given the fact that you have to use the majority of the preamp which I was wrong, it doesn't provide 58db of gain, that is the gain range so it's closer to 50db but regardless it did the job. Thanks for watching and the feedback.

  • @5ecretcode
    @5ecretcode Před 4 lety

    I wonder if it'll be updated to listen to your stereos once the evo 8 comes out.

  • @ArpadAmbrus
    @ArpadAmbrus Před 4 lety +1

    Thanks for the review! Sounds like a really handy item with those features. Not sure if you can answer this but how does it compare to a Yamaha AG06? I am using that for streaming at the moment but seldom need more connections than what the EVO has...

    • @RayOrtega
      @RayOrtega  Před 4 lety

      The Yamaha probably stands up but I only one of it I haven’t used it. The question is does the EVO offer something you’re not getting now?

  • @philippedeschenes470
    @philippedeschenes470 Před 4 lety +1

    Hi Ray, thanks for your detailed review. Quick question: is the Evo 4 retains its gain setting when powered off, or do you need to set the gain each time you power the unit on?

    • @AnnemarieRosano
      @AnnemarieRosano Před 4 lety

      Same question! So far, the interface and my computer have reset sound setting every time. I'd love to learn to have it memorize these settings so I can avoid all that set up every time!

  • @sodathief
    @sodathief Před 3 lety

    i am getting interference from my cell phoen that i didnt have until i plugged in a dynamic mic and cranked up the gain. IF I get a cloudlifter or fethead, should that help reduce the interference.?

  • @Just_Samson
    @Just_Samson Před 4 lety +1

    👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

  • @HarleyPan
    @HarleyPan Před 4 lety +3

    Hi Ray, I'm curious how the Audient EVO 4 can stand out in this competitive market? Zoom H6, H5, and H4n Pro seem to beat this in every aspect?

    • @RayOrtega
      @RayOrtega  Před 4 lety +1

      They feel like really different use cases. One is more of a field recorder this is more for the desk with more connivence over controls, cabling, etc. Smartgain and loopback would also be unique audio interface features.

  • @lionheartroar3104
    @lionheartroar3104 Před 4 lety

    The gain setter is the deal maker. I broadcast online and I don't want to worry about clipping . Now I don't have to stare at microscopic led's

  • @Lezenko
    @Lezenko Před 4 lety

    Question, i have this interface (had it for guitar), im looking to get a microphone (SM7B or Rode procaster)... do i need a cloud lifter with this interface?

  • @andredourado7001
    @andredourado7001 Před 4 lety

    Hi Ray, can I use Evo 4 to record Skype call in an interview? And can I connect a zoom H5 to evo 4 for record both audios?

  • @Sharkim66
    @Sharkim66 Před 3 lety

    If the output gets muted when the headphones are plugged in, does that effect my audio recording if these outputs are connected to a mobile phone when I record a video?

  • @mazwyd
    @mazwyd Před 2 lety

    Hey would you know why I have a constant cracking noise when I record, it’s not my headphones but can’t seem to get it clear it’s just constantly cracking

  • @Guaz65
    @Guaz65 Před rokem

    Hello Ray, I changed my scarlett 2i4 1st gen with this interface, thinking about "get things easy" and improve quality. I just record my guitar with backing tracks, and sometimes stream live my performance trough facebook.
    I though the loop back allow me to perform live but was not the right function. now I am getting confused about keeping or not this interface, its an improvement in overall quality respect to scarlett 1st gen??
    PS: I hate the software part of the devices!

  • @TrueShayari
    @TrueShayari Před rokem

    Sir, I am beginner. I want to record my written poetry professionally. In which my line will go in high tone and will also come in low tone. Tell me such dynamic mic and audio interface. So that I can record and mix later. My room is not sound proof. My total budget is $300. But a shopkeeper told me that you cannot do recording with dynamic mic. Please tell me what should I do. Tell me such a mic and audio interface that I will not regret after buying.

  • @SpeakNowHoldYourPeace
    @SpeakNowHoldYourPeace Před 2 lety

    Will this Evo 4 provide me with a mono output. I ask that because I currently had a Focusrite Solo 3rd Gen and when I go live on FB or just record in Quicktime the sound only comes out the left side. I understand that this happens due to the Focusrite Solo considers input 1 (XLR) to be the left channel and the other input (1/4 inch) to be the right channel. Now this would be an easy fix in post with any DAW because I can process the final output in Mono however because I go live and I dont have the option to fix in post. Therefor every time I go live I get stuck with the audio only coming out of the left side as I only have the mic in input 1 (XLR). So my question is would the Evo 4 input 1 (XLR) only record to the left side/channel during recoding or going live or will it record to both the left and right sides?

  • @hejmojnmediaproduktion1868

    Yeah the mobile signals are crazy sensitive. But i need to have full input volume for SM7B and get under the half of input. My Roland DUO EX are stronger and inget almost the dubble of volume. Could i send you a test in some way? Need you to see if anything is wrong?

  • @Robekc
    @Robekc Před 2 lety

    Is the Evo 4 compatible with android phone? I intend to record to the phone apps instead of the DAW?

  • @brandonlazo
    @brandonlazo Před 3 lety

    So i dont need the cloudlifter cl1? :0

  • @nirveekhasnu3869
    @nirveekhasnu3869 Před 2 lety

    Hello is Ur interface still working fine and in good condition?I was skeptical about its built.

    • @RayOrtega
      @RayOrtega  Před 2 lety

      Yep, still works great. I wouldn't be concerned about the build. It's plastic outside but if it's just on your desk, I think it will be fine

  • @robinfu7460
    @robinfu7460 Před 3 lety +1

    Hello Ray! I got this exact same set up - EVO 4 and SM7B - and the output is still very quiet. Are there any particular settings I may be missing or potentially faulty hardware?

    • @RayOrtega
      @RayOrtega  Před 3 lety +1

      The gear is probably fine and you're probably not missing anything, the 7B is just a really 'quiet' mic and your voice and distance might not be enough to get it to the level you want. Did you try the auto gain feature and see where it sets you? Also, you might be surprised at how low you can record and still get great audio, in other words, if you're around -20db you can record with that and then bring it up in post. If you are live-streaming then that is likely a case where you'd need a mic activator/boost like the Fethead podhelp.me/fetheadBH

    • @robinfu7460
      @robinfu7460 Před 3 lety

      @@RayOrtega Yup I'm using it in a live-streaming setting - sounds like I might have to do that. Appreciate the review and the quick response!

    • @robinfu7460
      @robinfu7460 Před 3 lety +1

      @@RayOrtega I'm pretty much maxed, and I had the impression (or was hoping) to get away with not purchasing a booster.

    • @RayOrtega
      @RayOrtega  Před 3 lety +1

      @@robinfu7460 You other option would be to try boosting the level in an encoder if you are using one, something like OBS for live streaming could allow you to add gain.

  • @shubhangisalvi231
    @shubhangisalvi231 Před 3 lety

    Focusrite solo or Evo 4 ?

    • @RayOrtega
      @RayOrtega  Před 3 lety +1

      Kind of tough, I think it's a toss up but I was really impressed with how clean the preamps are in the EVO so I might lean that way but base it on the controls you need/how it will work on your desk etc

  • @nethbt
    @nethbt Před 4 lety

    This is THE BEST sub $150 interface at the moment, the preamps are killer...it's a shame that most people fall into that word of mouth crap like the overrated Focusrite

  • @jasey8134
    @jasey8134 Před 4 lety +1

    RIP cloudlifter all you need is Evo 4 for an Sm7b

    • @lionheartroar3104
      @lionheartroar3104 Před 4 lety

      Cloudlifter is a waste of money

    • @goodtheman
      @goodtheman Před 3 lety

      you don't need a Cloudlifer or is the Evo 4 strong enough