What is an Audio Interface?
An audio interface converts microphones and instruments signals into a format your computer and software recognize. It basically routes audio from your computer to your headphones and studio monitors. An audio interface generally uses a combination of Thunderbolt, Firewire and/or ethernet.
An audio interface offers connectors in which the below devices can be plugged in:
- Microphones
- Instruments for recording
- Speakers
- Headphones
Advantages of an Audio Interface
- Any XLR microphone can be used.
- You can use more than a microphone.
- Headphone output of an audio interface will sound much better and louder than that of a USB mic or laptop phone jack.
- There is generally input slots for guitar/ bass/ keyboards etc.
- Volume control is provided for at least one pair of speakers and for a headphone.
If you are looking forward to buying an audio interface, you are at the right place. For the uninitiated, an audio interface device needs to be connected with studio monitors, microphones (via XLR or TRS), headphone jack etc. If recording, monitoring audio, playing around with sound engineering settings etc. are on your mind, an audio interface is the right device to serve all your needs. This device offers you the space to plug in your input devices such as microphone/s, instrument/s as well as your output devices such as speakers & headphones. In this article, we will be comparing the important features of these audio interfaces: MOTU M2, Scarlett 2i2, UAD Volt 2, SSL 2+, Steinberg UR12 and Audient ID4.
What to look for when buying an Audio Interface?
For any music enthusiast, these 3 aspects matter the most when it comes to selecting an audio interface:
- Latency
- Audio Quality
- Metering
Let’s have a look at each of the 3 factors in detail:
Latency
Imagine if you’re recording something and there is a delay between the sound produced and it coming out of speakers, it will be irritating for you, right? So audio latency is a delay between the sound being played and it reaching your speaker. There are a lot of steps involved in between. The lesser the latency of an audio interface is, the better. Why we say so is if there is a delay between a musician recording himself and hearing himself on speakers/ headphones, s/he will start noticing it and it will be an issue in recording. Let’s have a look at the latency of MOTU M2, Scarlett 2i2, UAD Volt 2, SSL 2+ and Steinberg UR12.
MOTU M2- Latency
Round Trip Latency of MOTU M2 is 2.5 ms (at 96 kHz with a 32 sample buffer).
Scarlett 2i2- Latency
The exact latency of Scarlett 2i2 is not mentioned on their official website.
UAD Volt 2- Latency
The exact latency of Volt 2 is not mentioned on their official website.
SSL 2 Plus- Latency
The exact latency of SSL 2+ is not mentioned on their official website.
Steinberg UR12- Latency
The exact latency of Steinberg UR12 is not mentioned on their official website.
Audient ID4- Latency
DSP MIXER LATENCY ROUND TRIP (in-to-out): 44.1kHz 0.65mS
DSP MIXER LATENCY ROUND TRIP (in-to-out): 48.0kHz 0.6mS
DSP MIXER LATENCY ROUND TRIP (in-to-out): 88.2kHz 0.33mS
DSP MIXER LATENCY ROUND TRIP (in-to-out): 96.0kHz 0.31mS
Audio Quality
One of the reasons why you are planning to use an audio interface is because you want to improve your audio quality. Right? Audio which is clear and high in quality will definitely improve a listener’s experience and may also improve their engagement with the content. Let’s say, you are following steps like investing in a high-quality microphone, and recording in a quiet room but eventually, if because of your audio interface there is an audio quality issue, all your efforts may go in vain. Let’s have a look at the latency of MOTU M2, Scarlett 2i2, UAD Volt 2, SSL 2+ and Steinberg UR12.
MOTU M2- Audio Quality
MOTU M2 uses ESS Sabre32 Ultra DAC Technology which is a class-leading chipset and is also used by higher-end audio interfaces.
Scarlett 2i2- Audio Quality
This audio interface uses RedNet Interface.
UAD Volt 2- Audio Quality
Not Mentioned on their official website
SSL 2 Plus- Audio Quality
Not Mentioned on their official website
Steinberg UR12- Audio Quality
Not Mentioned on their official website
Audient ID4- Audio Quality
Not Mentioned on their official website
Metering
If you’re recording something the least you would want is your audio getting distorted. Well! There is a function that will let you know in real time if at all, you are being too loud which might make your audio distorted. A peak meter shows the peak of an audio signals waveform. It is generally green if the audio is soft and turns to yellow and then red as the signal spikes. Having a display metering with a long range is ideal for a distortion-free recording. Have a look at the metering solutions provided by MOTU M2, Scarlett 2i2, UAD Volt 2, SSL 2+ and Steinberg UR12.
MOTU M2- Metering
MOTU M2 provides a full-color LCD display that displays green, yellow and red sound levels. This LCD display is applicable for both: input as well as output. Unlike other audio interfaces, it’s very much visible upfront.
Scarlett 2i2- Metering
The placement of metering is around the knobs which might be a miss if viewing it from a corner. Also, the metering is only applicable for input.
UAD Volt 2- Metering
Metering in this audio interface is limited to 2 small lights which change colors as per the peak of the audio. This metering is only applicable for input and not for output.
SSL 2 Plus- Metering
There is no LCD panel for metering in this audio interface. You have to rely on 5 lights which is only available for input.
Steinberg UR12- Metering
Metering in Steinberg UR12 is limited to 1 single light which will glow if the input audio peaks. There is no metering available for output.
Audient ID4- Metering
No LCD metering available here as well. You need to depend on 5 lights which are available only for input.
So which audio interface is the best amongst the three?
As you would have noticed, MOTU M2 outperforms all the other audio interfaces in all the 3 parameters: Latency, Audio Quality & Metering. Not just that, because of the LCD metering it looks modern and stylish. It can safely be considered the best value for money proposition. Don’t just take our word for it. Go through MOTU M2 reviews from specialists and then take your call.
